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 ↗2019 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
moderate 63 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
63
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 63 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 63 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.
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 service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of start/stop inoperative, MIL illuminated w/DTC P2797.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates information on what dealer technicians should due if they encounter a broken chain on a CVT transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Malibus describe multiple powertrain catastrophes, many creating immediate traffic hazards. The transmission is the most common complaint: it either won't move when shifted into drive or delays acceleration for 5–30 seconds while the engine revs, leaving drivers stranded in intersections or merging lanes. Some vehicles stall completely mid-drive, restart momentarily, then stall again. One owner reported 114,000 miles of transmission trouble; another was 10,000 miles into ownership when power loss started.
The shift-to-park sensor ranks second: the car displays "Shift to Park" repeatedly despite already being in park. Owners must shift multiple times to make the system acknowledge park position. The vehicle won't turn off, doors won't lock, and batteries drain from being stuck in accessory mode. One owner spent the night in her car unable to exit.
Power reduction under load (highway driving, turbo underboost) forces vehicles onto roadsides. Charge-air hoses blow off the throttle body, causing sudden power loss. One owner's brake vacuum line cracked—a manufacturer defect.
A handful report the main fuse-box connector coming loose during driving, killing all vehicle electrical systems. One owner found the three-year-old CVT cooling line spring clip had fallen off mid-highway, draining transmission fluid completely.
Engine stalls while driving, sometimes with no warning whatsoever. The auto stop/start feature often fails to restart the engine promptly, or restarts and lurches the vehicle forward unexpectedly.
Owners cite GM Service Bulletins 19-NA-206 and 23-NA-119 for shift-to-park repair, but GM refuses coverage once warranty expires—even when the company acknowledged the fault through a bulletin. Multiple owners paid $200–$300 out of pocket for fixes GM knew were problems.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Shift-to-Park sensor/shifter failure
Gear shifter fails to register park position. Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warning message repeatedly even when shifter is in park. Owner must shift multiple times before vehicle recognizes park, or vehicle won't turn off. Doors cannot be locked and battery drains. Some owners report inability to exit the vehicle.
When: 6,000 to 111,400 miles; failures reported from early ownership through 100k+
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park message displays on dash when vehicle is already in park; Vehicle refuses to turn off despite shifter being in park position; Doors cannot be locked; Battery drains from vehicle staying in accessory mode; Shift knob must be moved multiple times to make vehicle recognize park; Vehicle rolls on inclines due to failure to confirm park engagement; Cannot exit vehicle when failure occurs
Codes mentioned: No specific OBD codes reported for this failure mode
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacement of gear shifter, shift sensor, jump harness, shift part switch, or support bracket. One owner paid $237.53 out of pocket. Repair costs typically a few hundred dollars at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 and 23-NA-119 addressing shifter microswitch/sensor replacement. Owners report GM refused to cover repairs once warranty expired (out of warranty). Some dealers cite it as a known issue but refuse warranty coverage. Related class-action settlement exists for 2016-2019 Malibu owners (STPLawsuit.com). No official recall covers all affected VINs despite multiple owner complaints.
Transmission loss of power and delayed acceleration
Transmission loses motive power or responds with extreme delay when shifted into drive or during acceleration. Vehicle may hesitate for seconds to minutes before moving, stall unexpectedly, or jerk violently. Affects safety when merging or accelerating in traffic. May occur intermittently.
When: 10,000 to 114,000 miles; intermittent failures reported throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not accelerate from complete stop or hesitates 5-30 seconds before power engages; Vehicle stalls while in drive or while accelerating; Hard jerking or lurching forward upon acceleration; Engine RPMs rev high but vehicle remains slow to accelerate; Vehicle moves only 50 feet then stalls again; Power loss during highway driving or traffic merging; Check engine light illuminates; engine power reduced warning appears; CVT transmission feels sluggish or unresponsive
Codes mentioned: P0014, P0017, P0556, P0700, P2714, P0299, P0101, P1101, P0506, P0507, P0325
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics indicate transmission replacement needed; costs estimated $3,500 to $8,400. Some transmissions replaced under warranty; owners out of warranty faced full replacement costs. Some mechanics unable to replicate issue during testing. Clutch solenoid failure mentioned; problem may appear after 60,000+ miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges transmission issues but dealers state no recall applies until company issues one. Dealers unable to replicate intermittent failures. One owner reported GM/dealer informed them multiple other 2019 Malibu owners had identical transmission issues but no recall yet issued.
Engine power reduced / turbo/intake system failure
Vehicle loses significant motive power during driving, triggering 'Engine Power Reduced' warning. Often accompanied by turbo underboost condition or intake system problems. Charge-air hose may blow off throttle body causing sudden loss of power.
When: 22,000 to 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine Power Reduced warning message displays; Vehicle decelerates unexpectedly or cannot accelerate above 40 mph; Charge-air hose blows off throttle body; Sudden loss of power while driving on highway; Vehicle must be pulled over due to power loss; Check engine light illuminates; Turbo fails to engage properly
Codes mentioned: P0299, P0101, P1101
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced/repaired turbo intake, throttle issue. One owner's repair at Chapman Chevrolet recurred. Repair costs not specified by most owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case. No recall mentioned.
Intermittent electrical/fuse box disconnection
Main service disconnect (fuse box connector panel under hood) fails or comes loose during driving, causing multiple vehicle systems to lose power/communication. Connector has 30+ pins held by plastic latching handles. Separation disrupts all vehicle modules.
When: Intermittent during driving; reported on roads with minor to moderate potholes
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters near-stall state while driving; Instrument panel gauges behave erratically (spike up and down); Gas gauge reads empty on full tank; Brakes feel unresponsive; ABS system not responding; Engine runs rough; Vehicle displays 'Put in Park to Shift' message while in drive; Cannot shift out of park or vehicle won't recognize park position; Check engine light and multiple fault codes appear; Vehicle modules lose communication (network errors)
Codes mentioned: Network communication errors, Powertrain hard fault code, Multiple pending fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports identifying the issue: main service disconnect connector coming loose. Temporary fix by owner: manually disconnect and securely reconnect the connector handles. Issue recurred during testing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM instructed owner to have dealership fully test issue but indicated owner responsible for repair costs. No recall issued despite owner's contention this affects 2019-2022 Malibu models.
Engine stall and auto stop/start feature malfunction
Engine shut-off while vehicle is in motion or at stops. Auto stop/start feature can fail to restart engine promptly or cause unexpected lurching forward. Engine may shut off while driving in traffic.
When: Throughout ownership; early as 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at highway speed or at traffic stops; Vehicle stalls while in active driving lane; Engine stalls when turning or accelerating; Auto stop/start feature causes delay in restarting; Vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly when restarting; Instrument panel resets independently before restart; Engine shuts off while applying brakes at stops
Codes mentioned: No specific codes reported for this failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported vehicle not yet repaired at dealership. No repair costs provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM service department states owners cannot temporarily or permanently disable auto stop/start feature on this model. No recall issued.
CVT transmission fluid cooling line failure
Spring steel C-clip holding CVT transmission fluid cooling line at radiator fails or falls off during driving on interstate. Transmission fluid completely drains from vehicle, causing total loss of power to wheels.
When: While driving on Interstate 5
Symptoms owners cite: CVT transmission fluid drains completely onto roadway; Complete loss of power to wheels; Engine light illuminates; Engine runs fine but vehicle has no motive power
Codes mentioned: Engine check light only
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost provided. Fluid loss indicates cooling line replacement necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
No oil / oil life sensor malfunction
Engine suffers extreme oil loss without triggering check oil light or low oil warning. Oil life sensor reads normal (22%) despite vehicle having little or no oil. Subsequent engine damage requires complete engine replacement.
When: 59,898 miles on a vehicle purchased at 54,054 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine requires extended cranking before starting; Vehicle stalls and shuts off repeatedly; Engine power reduced warning and check engine light appear; Diagnostic reveals little to no oil in crankcase; No check oil warning light ever illuminates despite severe oil loss; Oil life sensor still displays 22% remaining oil
Codes mentioned: P0014, P0017, P0556
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required due to lack-of-oil damage. Owner had vehicle only 2 months; no one drove it during owner's absence. No oil changes performed. Engine replacement cost not specified but represents significant expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer/GM denied warranty coverage claiming improper oil levels caused failure. GM cited warranty language excluding defects caused by 'improper fuel or lubricant levels.' Owner discovered GM Service Bulletin #PIP5598C addresses this as a known problem with diagnostic and repair procedures, suggesting GM aware of issue.
Loss of propulsion at highway speed
Vehicle loses all forward propulsion while driving at highway speed without warning. Driver must coast to stop on roadside.
When: Vehicle traveling 75 mph on interstate
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power to acceleration; No forward propulsion available; Vehicle must coast to stop
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; vehicle out of service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response; vehicle purchased from dealership 6 days after warranty expired (5-year warranty from purchase date). 82,000 miles on vehicle at time of failure.
Brake system failure
Brake system fails to stop vehicle properly. Broken vacuum line identified as manufacturer defect.
When: July 16, 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to stop properly; Brake pedal ineffective
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Broken vacuum line identified and repaired by auto shop. Owner reports this is a manufacturer defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned; repair completed at independent shop.
Synthesized from 63 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The component that failed is the internal microswitch/sensor within the gear shifter assembly. The specific part that requires replacement is often documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-NA-206 or 23-NA-119. The faulty component is available for inspection if the dealership removes the old part and retains it. My safety and the safety of others are put at risk because…
My 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has severe safety defects involving the engine, powertrain, and speed control. The vehicle will sometimes accelerate on its own with my foot off the gas, and other times it loses all power while pulling into traffic. This creates an immediate risk of a crash. Multiple diagnostic codes appear repeatedly, including P0299 (turbo underboost), P0101 (mass air flow…
The electrical system was refusing to acknowledge that my car was in Park & kept giving me a “Shift to Park” message on my dashboard. Took 3 or 4 tries of starting & shutting off the car for it to go away. Took the car to the Dealer & turns out that a faulty shifter was the problem. The gear shifter had to be replaced, but not the shifter harness underneath the shifter.
I was traveling down i-25 at 75 mph because that is what the speed limit here in Colorado. I was traveling south heading to Colorado Springs to visit family and i was entering near Castle Rock and my vechile would not go at all forward and it seemed as if I lost power to acceleration and I believe it was 2 or 3 lanes to exit off an off ramp as cars pasted me by honking their horns it was very…
In the past week, I tried turning off my vehicle, but received the message "shift to park". This has happened three times, thus far (11/6, 11/8, 11/13). The car is already in park, but won't turn off, unless I continually shift, or restart the car several times, otherwise, it continues to run with the message displayed. After several attempts, it finally turns off. This is absolutely…
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 15 MPH with the power reduced message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to chapmen Chevrolet located at 1717 e baseline rd, tempe, az 85283 to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo intake was defective. The vehicle was repaired…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 63 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 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,000 and 83,555 miles, with the median around 39,737. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 83,555. 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/2019/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.