This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chevrolet Malibu cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 68 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 56,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
68
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Malibu | 6 |
| 2015 Malibu | 23 |
| 2016 Malibu | 97 |
| 2017 Malibu | 96 |
| 2018 Malibu (this page) | 68 |
| 2019 Malibu | 4 |
| 2020 Malibu | 7 |
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 68 cruise control complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 68 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 16 model years of Chevrolet Malibu in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have the door locks will unlock immediately after auto locking usually at startup or while driving. Technician will need to remove power from the Sensing and Diagnostic Module. If doors no longer unlock unwanted the Sensing and Diagnostic Module should be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Malibu, 2017-2018 model year Buick LaCrosse, and 2018 model year Buick Regal vehicles may have a condition which affects the electrical connection to one of the vehicle?s accelerator pedal position sensors. If this electrical connection is interrupted, the accelerator pedal will still function, but the vehicle will enter a reduced engine power mode in which the vehicle?s maximum acceleration and torque are reduced. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, the ?Engine Power is Reduced? message will display, and a diagnostic trouble code for Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Correlat
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Malibu, 2017-2018 model year Buick LaCrosse, and 2018 model year Buick Regal vehicles may have a condition which affects the electrical connection to one of the vehicle?s accelerator pedal position sensors. If this electrical connection is interrupted, the accelerator pedal will still function, but the vehicle will enter a reduced engine power mode in which the vehicle?s maximum acceleration and torque are reduced. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, the ?Engine Power is Reduced? message will display, and a diagnostic trouble code for Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Correlation (P2138) will be set when t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu shows a strong pattern of engine power reduction events where the vehicle abruptly limits speed to 20–30 mph on highways, forcing drivers to pull over. The "Engine Power Reduced" message appears on the dashboard alongside check engine and traction control lights. Owners describe triggering this without warning at speeds of 50–75 mph. Restart cycles temporarily restore power, but the check engine light persists. Diagnostic trouble code P2138 (throttle/pedal position sensor correlation) appears frequently, though dealerships sometimes cannot retrieve codes on first inspection.
Brake system failures also surface across these complaints: loss of brake power, stiff pedal feel, and one case involving a ruptured vacuum pump that launched metal debris into the engine, requiring a full engine replacement. Brake issues correlate with loss of acceleration and engine stalling.
Transmission hesitation at stops—where the vehicle lags when accelerating from a light—appears in multiple complaints with repair quotes exceeding $1,300. Some owners report shift-to-park messages despite the vehicle already being parked, preventing shutdown.
Service history shows mixed outcomes: warranty coverage is inconsistent, recalls listed as closed still leave owners with active failures, and some dealerships charge diagnostic fees despite recall applicability. One owner's accelerator pedal replacement did not resolve the recurring P2138 code. Overall, owners report the limp-mode issue recurs frequently and unpredictably, sometimes weeks apart, sometimes multiple times in a single drive.
Same Chevrolet Malibu cruise control reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power limp-mode activation
Vehicle enters limp mode and restricts speed to 20–30 mph without warning, triggered by throttle/pedal position sensor or ECM malfunction. Drivers report sudden deceleration from highway speeds (55–75 mph) with check engine and traction control lights illuminating simultaneously.
When: Occurs unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per day, sometimes weeks apart. Reported across all mileage ranges from 4,000 miles to 110,000+ miles. More frequent in cold/winter conditions for some owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed reduction to 20–30 mph without warning; Check engine light and traction control light illuminate; 'Engine Power Reduced' message on dashboard; Vehicle unable to accelerate past ~25–30 mph; Temporary fix: turn vehicle off, wait 1–3 minutes, restart
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Correlation), P0137 (O2 sensor/emissions system), MAF/MAP sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator pedal sensor/assembly replacement (~$120–800). ECM replacement attempted on some vehicles; issue recurred. Dealerships unable to retrieve fault codes on first inspection in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V642 (status: incomplete, remedy not yet available as of complaint date). Recall 2020 on pedal sensor listed as 'closed out' but owners report issue persisted post-recall. No manufacturer cost coverage for out-of-recall-list VINs. Repair costs vary; some warranty coverage, most denied.
Brake vacuum pump failure
Brake vacuum pump becomes nonfunctional or ruptures, causing loss of brake power and brake booster malfunction. In one case, rupture resulted in metal shards entering engine, requiring engine replacement. Related to turbo intercooler moisture/oil accumulation in some instances.
When: Reported across model years 2013–2022. One case: early in ownership (within 1 month); another: 80,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Stiff brake pedal; Loss of brake power at random intervals; Brake booster malfunction; Engine rupture/metal debris (one case); Loss of acceleration; Vehicle stalling during auto-stop function; Brakes locking up unexpectedly; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: MAF/MAP sensor codes, ABS module backup activation signals
Repairs/costs cited: Engine swap required (one case). Brake vacuum pump replacement. Some owners report pump removed and available for third-party inspection. One owner paid $125 diagnostic fee despite free recall coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls listed as closed/handled in January 2020, but owners purchasing vehicles post-recall still experienced failures. GM awareness acknowledged by consumers; no proactive replacement program mentioned. Dealership refused cost coverage citing recall closure.
Turbo intercooler moisture/oil freezing (charge air cooler restriction)
Moisture and oil accumulate and freeze in the turbo intercooler charge air cooler, restricting induction system airflow. Causes sudden speed restriction and inability to accelerate above 60 mph.
When: One complaint dated January 22, 2024; interstate driving at 75 mph initial speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed restriction to ~60 mph; Service engine light illumination; Unable to accelerate past restriction speed; No prior warning lights or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Charge air cooler replacement. Dealership noted part design has been updated to prevent recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM design update acknowledged; owner contends this proves GM awareness and should trigger recall or manufacturer cost coverage. No recall issued at time of complaint. Owner disputes consumer responsibility for defect repair.
Accelerator pedal hesitation/lag on acceleration from stop
Vehicle hesitates or lags when accelerating from a complete stop in traffic or at traffic lights. Brake pedal engagement during auto-stop function causes jerking forward when gas pedal is pressed. Some reports of vibration and sputtering on acceleration.
When: Reported at various mileage points; some occurring within weeks of purchase. One case: stop-and-go traffic, everyday use.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or lag on acceleration from stop; Jerking/lurching forward after delay; Stiff acceleration response; Check engine light (stop/start transmission accumulator sensor code in one case); Vibration and sputtering on acceleration; Abnormal vibration while driving
Codes mentioned: Stop/start transmission accumulator sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost cited as $1,300+. One owner reported this same issue in thousands of 2018 Malibus with recalls; their car showed no active recall match.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall matched to owner's VIN in at least one case, despite owner awareness of similar recalls affecting the model. Dealership repair only, not covered as recall.
Shift-to-Park display/transmission shift malfunction
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message when already in park, preventing engine shutdown. Alternatively, transmission may not register park position even when shifter is engaged. Shift cable may be loose or disconnected.
When: Reported across multiple ownership periods; one case noted from August 2018 purchase onward.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' message displayed when vehicle is in park; Inability to turn off vehicle; Transmission not registering park position; Possible loose shifter cable
Repairs/costs cited: Potential shifter cable repair/replacement. One owner had multiple dealership visits with no resolution; dealership unable to reproduce issue during diagnostic hold.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned. Dealership unable to diagnose or repair despite multiple visits.
Unintended acceleration during parking maneuver
Vehicle accelerates suddenly at high speed during low-speed parking, crashing into storefront. No prior warning; airbags did not deploy despite severe front-end damage.
When: One complaint at 80,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended rapid acceleration while parking; Vehicle crashes into structure; No airbag deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Cause not yet determined at time of complaint. Vehicle severely damaged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cause not yet determined; manufacturer not yet contacted per complaint.
Check engine light, stability control, and instrument cluster malfunction
Multiple warning lights (check engine, stability track, low fuel, shift to park) illuminate without clear trigger or persist even after repair attempts. Instrument cluster gauges drop to zero. No diagnostic codes retrieved on repeat visits.
When: Reported across ownership timelines; one owner with vehicle since August 2018 experienced recurring issues over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and stability track/traction control light on/off cycling; Low fuel light triggering without low fuel condition; 'Shift to Park' message in park; All instrument gauges dropping to zero; Slow take-off after stops; feels like transmission failure; Hard braking feels like crash impact; Dashboard display going black intermittently; Display showing false icy conditions warning on warm days
Codes mentioned: MAF sensors, Brake booster, Emissions system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster and MAF sensor replaced in at least one case without resolving start issue. ECM replacement performed, issue recurred 2 weeks later. Dealership unable to retrieve codes on multiple visits despite clear symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall (EMC) identified but labeled free; dealership charged $125 diagnostic fee to connect vehicle to computer despite recall coverage. Multiple warranty claims attempted; not all covered.
Engine stalling during acceleration or hill climbing
Engine stalls unexpectedly during acceleration, hill climbing, or auto-stop function. Vehicle loses all power and becomes immobile in traffic or on roadway.
When: Reported post-recall ECM update in at least one case. One complaint indicates issue ongoing since 2013 model year, unresolved through 2018+.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during acceleration; Engine stalls while going up hill; Engine stalls during auto-stop function; Vehicle becomes completely immobile in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported $3,500 proposed repair bill for stalling issue; issue traced back to 2013 Malibu design problem. Another reported ECM recall caused stall, resulting in accident (vehicle veered into parked car and overturned).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall ECM update attempted but issue not resolved in at least one case. One owner requested assistance from dealership and GM Financial; no assistance offered. Issue noted as recurring since 2013, not yet corrected.
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Faulty accelerator position sensor. Part is suppose to last the life of the car. The car has 60000 miles on it. It throws the check engine light and reduces power to the vehicle at highway speeds. This is very dangerous as you cant accelerate to get out of traffic or to get across the lanes. You just have to coast to safety.
I just got a 2018 Chevy malibu. I was driving home from work today and my car just stopped and a reduce engine power message flashed across my screen. I could have been killed when I car cut off in the middle of a busy street. I have just seen all of the messages about these issues and people coming out of hundreds of dollars to fix it. Chevy needs to do a recall on this issues sooner than later,…
We were driving on the freeway and the reduced power light, engine light and traction control light came on. The power was reduced and we pulled over, shut the car off and waited a few minutes. We started it again and the check engine light stays on, but we were able to gain speed to get back in traffic. This happened once a few weeks ago and twice today. It's very scary and dangerous. We were…
I got P2138 code, i replaced the accelerator pedal on my cost because the dealer told me my car VIN is not include in the recall, the code keep coming back even after replacing the pedal. The problem it happen two time were I was driving on thruway "65 mph" the speed suddenly reduced to less than 30 mph which put me and the other drivers safety in dangerous situation
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MHP, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speed would no longer exceed 30 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was…
My vehicle had the reduced power dash warning and check engine light on while I was driving down the interstate at 65 I lost my power speed reduced to 45 and my stability light came on as well it could have caused a serious accident had it been day time with traffic flying at 70 to 75 mph rear ending me I was able to get off the freeway safely last night when the incident occurred and safely make…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 68 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 44,000 and 72,721 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 72,721. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.