This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 75,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Malibu | 168 |
| 2017 Malibu | 138 |
| 2018 Malibu | 159 |
| 2019 Malibu | 63 |
| 2020 Malibu (this page) | 50 |
| 2021 Malibu | 24 |
| 2022 Malibu | 22 |
| 2023 Malibu | 6 |
| 2024 Malibu | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 50 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 50 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.
Powertrain accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
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 preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Malibu powertrain cluster shows distinct problem patterns. The "Shift to Park" warning dominates complaints—owners describe a transmission shifter assembly that fails to recognize the park position despite the shifter being physically parked. The warning message keeps the car powered on, prevents shutdown, drains batteries, locks doors, and triggers continuous beeping. Early on it's intermittent and can be cleared by jiggling the shifter; over time it becomes relentless. Owners cite repair costs of $300–$700 and note the issue is well known to GM, which issued service bulletins but won't recall 2020 models. One owner was denied warranty despite purchasing with 3 years/36,000 miles coverage because the vehicle was registered just outside the window.
Separate from shifter problems, owners report troubling power and drivability issues: intermittent loss of power while accelerating, sudden hesitation on highways, stalling at traffic lights and during shifts, and vehicle refusing to engage gears. Some dealers have tried replacing PCV valves, throttle bodies, or even transmissions without fixing the root cause. One owner's engine shows excessive piston blowby at 57,000 miles—normally a sign of major internal damage—yet the dealership keeps pushing a simple PCV valve repair and hanging up when given the VIN.
Less frequently reported but dangerous: complete engine shutdown at stop lights with loss of all power including brakes, brake lock-up during normal driving, and violent shaking on startup. One transmission failed at 35,000 miles and recurred within 20,000 miles. Dealers acknowledge they can't reliably diagnose these issues, and GM has refused assistance on nearly all owner reports.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Shift-to-Park Warning / Transmission Shifter Assembly Failure
Transmission shifter assembly fails to recognize when vehicle is in park, displaying persistent 'Shift to Park' warning even when shifter is physically in park position. Warning message prevents vehicle shutdown, keeps electrical systems active, and can trigger alarm sounds. Vehicle remains powered on, draining battery if left unattended. Some owners report needing to shift back and forth repeatedly, jiggle shifter, or disconnect battery to turn vehicle off. Intermittent early on, becomes recurring and persistent over time.
When: Between 20,000 and 113,000 miles; failures reported from early ownership to multi-year usage
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' message despite shifter being in park; Continuous beeping or audible alarm chime when warning appears; Vehicle will not turn off when shifted to park; Electrical systems and lights remain active after ignition turned off; Battery drains if vehicle left powered on; Doors may not unlock when warning active; Start button illuminated yellow, preventing complete shutdown; Intermittent at first, becomes more frequent and persistent
Codes mentioned: Transmission shifter assembly failure (diagnostic code not provided in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shifter assembly replacement cost cited as $300–$700 plus labor; one owner paid $567.28 for parts and labor; not covered under warranty for 2020 models despite coverage for other model years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for some model years (2016–2019) but does not include 2020 model year VINs; GM aware of issue and has issued Service Bulletins on how to fix it; owners report GM refuses warranty reimbursement; class action lawsuit reportedly filed; dealer support inconsistent, some refuse to cover under warranty
Intermittent Power Loss and Hesitation
Vehicle intermittently loses motive power and fails to accelerate normally when pedal is depressed. Power loss occurs at various speeds including during traffic merging, highway passing, and city driving. Some incidents accompanied by 'Power Reduced' message on dashboard or check engine light. Vehicle may stall or decelerate suddenly with little to no warning. Traction control may be illuminated. Turning off traction control button temporarily restores power in some cases.
When: Between 18,000 and 131,000 miles; incidents range from weeks into ownership to higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while accelerating; RPM increase without corresponding acceleration; Vehicle slows unexpectedly during highway driving; Hesitation when pulling into traffic from stop; Check engine light illuminated; 'Power Reduced' message displayed on dashboard; Traction control warning light appears; Vehicle stalls or comes to complete stop; Power restored after turning off traction control or waiting a few minutes before restart
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Turbo/Supercharger Underboost), 19 misfire codes reported (specific codes not listed), Multiple unidentified diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaned; PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system examined but not confirmed as root cause; crank case pressure measured at 0 PSI instead of expected vacuum (owner disputes diagnosis methodology); powertrain control module failure diagnosed and replacement recommended in at least one case; multiple dealer service attempts without successful resolution; one owner reports repairs to pistons, battery terminal, transmission, and wiring harness performed without resolving issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to consistently replicate or diagnose issue; one dealer mentioned possible Special Coverage Adjustment N182188250 (model year not included); Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-004 (CVT) referenced by one owner; manufacturer referred complaints to NHTSA; one dealer acknowledged low power mode and suggested contacting Chevy but unclear if follow-up occurred
Complete Engine Shutdown and Total Power Loss
Vehicle engine shuts down completely while driving at stop light or during operation, resulting in loss of all power including drivetrain, lights, dashboard displays, and center console. Loss of power creates hazardous situation as vehicle cannot accelerate and brakes lock up. Driver unable to activate hazards to warn other vehicles. Engine restarts after brief period but vehicle unresponsive to throttle input once restarted.
When: At low mileage (84,000–88,000 miles at time of incident)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while stopped at red light; All electrical power lost simultaneously (lights, dashboard, radio, center console screens); Check engine light came on prior to shutdown event; Loss of brake function; brakes lock up; Steering wheel locks up; Gas pedal unresponsive after restart (no revving, no movement); Engine restarts but drivetrain will not engage; Violent engine shaking and horrible noises upon subsequent restart attempts
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Initially diagnosed as needing valve cover replacement; oil change performed without resolving check engine light; vehicle not repaired after complete shutdown event; currently unable to be driven
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found under VIN; no manufacturer assistance documented
Transmission Mechanical Failure and Hard Shifts
Transmission exhibits hard, jerky shifts between gears and difficulty engaging forward gears or reverse. In some cases transmission is replaced under warranty but issue resurfaces or persists. Metal debris discovered inside transmission requiring full replacement. Vehicle may become stuck unable to shift into or out of certain gears, or refuse to shift into forward gears while allowing only backward movement.
When: Between 31,803 and 106,000 miles; one owner reported two-year history of worsening issues
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or jerky shifts between gears; Difficulty engaging forward gears; Hard shifts into reverse; Vehicle stalls during or after shifting; Transmission will not engage despite shifter movement; Vehicle rolls backward when attempting to shift into park; Vehicle stuck in one gear (reverse only in one case); Intermittent loss of power during transmission engagement; Violent jerking when entering drive (described as sounding like explosion)
Codes mentioned: Metal debris in transmission (not a code but diagnostic finding)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement performed at 35,000 miles and again later at higher mileage; transmission valve body replacement performed in at least one case; one owner advised to pull transmission for diagnosis and replace as easier fix; metal debris found inside transmission in at least one case; owner reports recurrent transmission issues every 20,000 miles following warranty replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty replacement covered at lower mileage; later issues not covered; dealership suggested contacting Chevy for recall information
Excessive Crankcase Blowby and PCV System Failure
Engine exhibits excessive piston blowby (excess pressure and gas bypass past piston rings into crankcase) at abnormally low mileage. Independent shops and dealership diagnostics confirm excessive blowby, but dealership attributes issue to PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve rather than internal engine damage. PCV valve replacement performed but does not resolve underlying blowby condition. Appears to be internal engine defect requiring piston and ring replacement rather than simple valve issue.
When: At 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive piston blowby detected during diagnosis; Visible or audible indication of crankcase pressure escape
Codes mentioned: Excessive blowby (diagnostic finding, not OBD code)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed at two independent service centers as requiring pistons and rings replacement; dealership charged $200 diagnostic fee each visit and recommended PCV valve repair only; PCV valve replaced at owner expense but blowby persists; owner has diagnostic reports, receipts, and video documentation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service calls disconnect when owner provides VIN; dealership unwilling to authorize complete internal engine repair; repeated diagnostic charges without addressing root cause
Valve Cover Gasket Leak / Valve Cover Failure
Valve cover requires replacement due to leak or failure, indicated by check engine light. Issue persists even after oil change and code clearing, suggesting structural problem with valve cover gasket or seal.
When: At 84,000–88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Oil leak from valve cover area (implied by need for replacement)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Entire valve cover replacement required; estimated/advised repair not completed by owner due to lack of funds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information provided
Stalling and Loss of Motive Power
Vehicle stalls without warning during normal driving at various speeds. In some cases stalling is recurring despite multiple repairs to different components. Vehicle may stall when attempting to shift gears, accelerate from stop, or while driving downhill. After stalling, vehicle may not restart immediately or may restart only after waiting several minutes.
When: Between 51,000 and unknown mileage; recurring over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at various speeds; No warning light illuminated prior to stall in some cases; Vehicle will not re-engage into gear after stalling; Stalling occurs when backing up, taking off, or decelerating; Multiple restarts required to resume normal operation; Vehicle stalls uphill or during deceleration
Codes mentioned: Check engine light and traction control light illuminated in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs performed including pistons, battery terminal, transmission, and wiring harness without resolving stalling; dealer unable to duplicate issue on multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; referred owner to NHTSA; no assistance provided
Brake System Lock-Up and Failure
Brakes lock up during driving or at stops, preventing normal brake modulation and creating immobilization hazard. Wheels lock and brake pedal becomes unresponsive or extremely hard. Lock-up occurs multiple times over ownership period and is sometimes associated with 'Shift to Park' warning and transmission issues.
When: Multiple incidents over ownership; one documented at 84,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up completely during driving; Brake pedal becomes hard, unresponsive, or impossible to press; Wheels lock up preventing vehicle movement; Brake lock-up accompanied by vehicle stalling; Occurs at stop lights and during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; issue remains unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Reduced Engine Power Mode / Limp Mode Activation
Vehicle enters limp mode or reduced power state with dashboard message 'Power Reduced' or 'Engine Power Reduced.' In limp mode, vehicle speed limited to approximately 30 MPH regardless of throttle input and cannot manually shift gears or use higher gears (limited to 1st and 2nd gear only in at least one case).
When: At various mileages between 18,000 and 131,000
Symptoms owners cite: 'Power Reduced' or 'Engine Power Reduced' message on dashboard; Vehicle speed capped at approximately 30 MPH; Unable to exceed 30 MPH even with full throttle input; Manual transmission shifter locked out of higher gears; Vehicle deceleration without driver input; No warning light illuminated in some cases
Codes mentioned: Various unspecified diagnostic codes triggering limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented; vehicle towed to residence in one case and not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner referenced Special Coverage Adjustment N182188250 but model year not included in coverage
Whistling Noise from Engine Area
Whistling sound heard from under engine hood after approximately 30 minutes of driving with air conditioning on. Noise persists but remains undiagnosed. Dealership resistant to investigate or repair.
When: Starting approximately May 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Whistling noise heard under engine hood; Noise occurs after ~30 minutes of driving with A/C on; No warning lights illuminated; Noise persists but cause undiagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner available for inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspected but appears resistant to perform further diagnosis or repair
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure
Powertrain control module fails to manage engine operation, resulting in stalling and inability to accelerate. Vehicle requires PCM replacement for normal operation restoration.
When: At approximately 77,765 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls when accelerator pedal depressed; Failure to accelerate as needed; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Powertrain control module failure (diagnostic finding)
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement required and advised
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; VIN not included in unknown recall campaign; no assistance provided; owner advised to contact NHTSA
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
This is a 2020 Malibu with only 18,000 miles on it now. We are having intermittent loss of power. Car will be moving fine when suddenly it looses power when pulling into traffic from a stop. It has also happened on the highway(right after leaving the dealer service department) when going to pass a vehicle…all of a sudden power drops and rpms go up and car slows up. When it suddenly happens,…
Shift to Park Alarm will not stop beeping. Looked into it on the internet found it to be a known issue with GM. Can prevent the doors from unlocking and would drain battery and annoyance. Replaced shifter assembly at a cost of $567.28 I believe GM knows of the issue and should recall the defective parts. I am making this complaint on behalf of my 85 year old Mother that purchased the 2020…
Shift to park error, No power to car, reduced engine power, camshaft positioning error, brakes failed (completely went hard unable to press) almost causing crash.
Trouble going into forward gears. hard shifts into reverse. Hard idle, had transmission valve body replaced in october. Same issues before and after replacement
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while the gear shifter was already in park(P). The contact stated that upon shifting out of park(P) and shifting back to park(P) several times, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that…
My vehicle displays a "shift to park" message on the dashboard, even when the gear selector is in the park position. This prevents the car from being shut off, and in sometimes, the doors may not be able to be locked. Not understanding the issue initially has thus caused me to have to replace my car battery numerous times for battery drainage.
Problems with my transmission for over two years, I’ve searched the website and have taken it to a dealership since. The vehicle has had a hard shift and problems to accelerate. The issue continues to get worse and my car has stopped while in drive, only allowing me to go backwards. It was within warranty and low miles. I was told that that’s what new cars do. Transmission fluid has always been…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal properly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who discovered metal debris inside the transmission and advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 50 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 56,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. 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/2020/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.