This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
moderate 159 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
159
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 159 powertrain 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 159 powertrain 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 20 model years of Chevrolet Malibu in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
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 powertrain has multiple recurring failures documented across 50 complaint narratives. The most frequent issue is the "Shift to Park" error, where the vehicle refuses to recognize that the transmission is in park, preventing shutdown and draining the battery. Owners report having to wiggle the shifter for 5-20 minutes to resolve it, sometimes unsuccessfully. Multiple owners say the problem recurs after dealer repairs costing $450-$611, suggesting a design flaw in the shifter assembly or body control module.
Engine power loss is the second major failure mode. Owners describe the "Engine Power Reduced" message appearing with check engine lights, causing the vehicle to decelerate from highway speeds down to 25-30 mph unpredictably. This has led to near-collisions and highway safety incidents. Diagnostic codes point to camshaft solenoids, fuel injectors, throttle sensors, and transmission accumulator issues, but dealers struggle to reproduce the problem and repairs frequently fail to stick.
A third pattern is delayed acceleration on cold starts, where the engine takes 5-8 seconds to respond to the gas pedal, creating near-miss traffic incidents. Transmission control module failures and complete engine stalls while driving are also reported.
Owners note that GM has issued technical service bulletins and software updates, yet problems persist or return. Many repairs occur outside warranty, and dealers sometimes deny responsibility. The complaints suggest systemic electrical or software problems rather than isolated component failures, as multiple fault codes appear simultaneously.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Reduced / Loss of Power on Acceleration
Engine enters limp mode with severe power loss, typically triggered by sensor or solenoid faults. Vehicle may decelerate from highway speeds to 25-30 mph unpredictably. Check engine light illuminates with engine power reduced message on dash.
When: Occurs at various mileages from 4,700 miles to 167,000 miles; frequently within first 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced message on dashboard; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle unable to accelerate past 25-30 mph; Sudden deceleration from highway speeds; Engine sluggish or not building boost from turbo; RPMs spiking while speed is limited
Codes mentioned: P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance, P0011 - Intake Camshaft Position System Performance, P1101 - Intake Air Flow System Performance, P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor, P0689 - Engine Control Module Power Input Signal Low, P171D - Transmission Surge Accumulator System Performance
Repairs/costs cited: Suggested repairs include replacement of VCT/VVT solenoids, fuel injectors, throttle sensors, acceleration sensors, and ECM reprogramming or updates. One owner reported replacing fuel injectors did not resolve issue. Costs range from ~$100-$600+ depending on parts replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Special Coverage Number N182188250, NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V642, 19V642000, 20V668000 (some VINs excluded). GM technicians confirmed defect is known across multiple models but stated no recall exists for all affected vehicles. Owners report recalled software updates do not resolve persistent issues.
Shift to Park Error / Gear Shifter Not Recognized in Park
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message and prevents shutdown even when transmission is physically in park. Electronics remain powered, draining battery. Jiggling or manipulating shifter may temporarily resolve the issue, sometimes requiring 5-20 minutes of repeated attempts.
When: Occurs at mileages ranging from 12,600 miles to 90,000+ miles; frequently recurring after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park error message displays despite being in park; Vehicle will not fully shut off or lock; Electrical systems remain active (radio, lights, infotainment); Battery drains if error not resolved; Dings and warning chimes; Shifter jiggling temporarily resolves error; Intermittent onset progressing to constant failure
Codes mentioned: U0422-71 - Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include replacement of transmission control assembly, gear shifter harness, transmission shifter assembly, N-CONTROL, or BCM (body control module). Dealers charge $450-$611 for shifter assembly replacement. Multiple owners report same issue recurring within months or years after initial repair, suggesting design flaw or faulty replacement parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM made appointments and performed repairs under special coverage in some cases. Recall references include NHTSA Campaign Number 19V642. TSB 18-NA-297 addresses the issue. Some dealers acknowledge multiple vehicles have the same problem; however, some owners denied coverage after warranty expiration.
Acceleration Hesitation / Cold Start Delay
Vehicle fails to respond promptly when accelerator is pressed, particularly on cold start (morning or after sitting). Takes 5-8 seconds or longer for engine to respond to throttle input. May occur intermittently and reset after restart.
When: Primarily on cold starts; can occur from 3,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed throttle response on cold start; 5-8 second lag between pressing gas pedal and engine response; Almost hit by cross traffic due to inability to accelerate; Engine light may or may not be present; Issue clears after restart in many cases
Codes mentioned: P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to pull codes in many cases despite repeated visits. Independent mechanics could not diagnose. No confirmed repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership visits found no issues; owners advised to return if codes appear when light is on.
Transmission Hesitation / Harsh Shift into Gear
Transmission shifts hard or is slow to engage when moving from park to drive or reverse. Vehicle may jerk or lunge unexpectedly. Transmission control module failures lead to loss of acceleration response.
When: Can occur early in ownership (around 4,700 miles) and recur at higher mileages (11,700 miles+)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slams into gear; Vehicle jerks or lunges when shifting; Sluggish transmission engagement; Hesitation between gears; Shift interlock failure (inability to shift out of park or into drive)
Codes mentioned: P171D - Transmission Surge Accumulator System Performance
Repairs/costs cited: TCM (transmission control module) replacement initially prescribed; however, failure recurred within months suggesting ECM/TCM reprogramming or deeper systemic issue. Computer updates applied without permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineers recommended TCM replacement as initial solution. Software updates were performed; however, problems persisted despite updates.
Vehicle Stall / Complete Loss of Power While Driving
Engine shuts down completely while driving at various speeds, leaving driver without power steering, braking, or ability to maneuver. Vehicle may or may not restart immediately. Occurs on highways and city streets creating significant safety hazard.
When: Reported at mileages from 6,500 miles to 123,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Loss of steering power; Loss of or stiff brakes; Engine does not immediately restart; Check engine light may illuminate; Brake vacuum pump seized (one case); Brake pedal stiff and unresponsive
Codes mentioned: P0689 - ECM Power Input Signal Low, Failure codes: 1119835548, SD19835789, DOC5228009
Repairs/costs cited: One owner with brake vacuum pump seizure; alternator and power supply converter failure diagnosed in another case but not repaired. ECM reprogramming attempted without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case numbers but vehicles not repaired. TSB referenced but repairs not completed.
Check Engine Light with Multiple Fault Codes
Persistent illumination of check engine light alongside various diagnostic trouble codes indicating sensor and solenoid failures. Multiple codes often present simultaneously suggesting systemic electrical or software issue rather than isolated component failure.
When: Can appear early (within first year) and persist or recur throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated or flashing; Multiple simultaneous DTCs; Light clears and returns; Light remains on after restart
Codes mentioned: P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance, P0011 - Intake Camshaft Position System Performance, P1101 - Intake Air Flow System Performance, P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor, P0689 - ECM Power Input Signal Low, Rich fuel intake codes, Catalytic converter system codes, Throttle and cam sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates and ECM reprogramming attempted. Fuel injector replacements and catalytic converter replacement performed without resolving underlying issues. New catalytic converter did not solve problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates applied; however, issues persist. Recalls issued but some VINs excluded despite same issues.
Synthesized from 159 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Taking my fianc to the airport so that he can report for duty and the vehicle abruptly comes to a speed of 20mph on the highway cause a vehicle behind me to come to a close contact with my car. Replaced sensor and pedal as instructed because I am fresh out of my warranty and a month later. The issue returned. I cannot afford to pay 200 to 500 every couple of weeks or mo the to fix this issue.…
My car randomly displayed a message on the dashboard that said "engine power reduced" traction light and check engine light appeared and it brought my speed limit to around 20 while I was on a busy street. I turned the car off and got the power back but has done it 3 more time in 2 days. Very scary with 2 babies in the car.
Any time I've used my cruise control after my car had been serviced for the initial recall for the ECM over a year ago, I keep getting the 'reduced engine power' notification. This issue didn't begin until after the part was replaced. I've tried taking it to the dealership but they can't fix anything when the light isn't active. I've just stopped using the cruise control feature but I've been on…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 159 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,000 and 58,000 miles, with the median around 43,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 58,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.