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2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
279
Latest Aug 31, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
64%
of 435 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 279 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 279, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

6.2 motor failed in cylinder number 2

NHTSA ID
11761135
Incident
Aug 13, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

The contact's husband owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated but disappeared the following day. The contact stated that approximately four days later, after refueling the vehicle, while stopped at a red light and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that DTC: P129F was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,600.

NHTSA ID
11760994
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Mileage
23,600 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026

The company had a complimentary repair of the known issue of bad oil cooler lines. It oblast short period. I now own the vehicle and it still has leaking oil cooler lines why should it not be replaced by GM since the lines leaking or coming apart and possibly blowing up and engine is a known problem. Would like gm to replace it under the program they already had offered

NHTSA ID
11760773
Incident
Aug 29, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 30, 2026

AFM causing engine tick. I am reporting a radiator failure on my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 6.2L V8. The vehicle developed an active coolant leak from the radiator assembly. The coolant reservoir level dropped significantly after normal driving, and coolant was visibly leaking and collecting underneath the vehicle. The truck initially began running warmer than normal, approximately 215–220°F, before the leak was fully identified. After topping the system with the correct DEX-COOL coolant, the coolant level continued to drop and an external leak became clearly visible. The vehicle was subsequently parked to avoid engine overheating or further damage. The original radiator carries GM part number 84152439. I have since been advised that the current GM replacement radiator is part number 85575815. I was also informed by GM dealership personnel that radiator failures involving this application are currently being investigated. My concern is that a sudden radiator failure can result in rapid coolant loss and overheating, potentially causing engine damage or vehicle disablement while driving. This is particularly concerning because the temperature gauge may initially remain near normal even while coolant is being lost. I am requesting that NHTSA review radiator failures on 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models, particularly vehicles equipped with the 6.2L engine and heavy-duty/enhanced cooling package, to determine whether there is a pattern of premature radiator cracking, tank/seam failure, or other coolant-loss defects that warrant a safety investigation, service campaign, or recall.

NHTSA ID
11760747
Incident
Aug 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026

At 82,000 miles, cylinder number 6 lifter collapsed resulting in a bent push rod. I have since replaced the cam, lifters, push rods with an AFM delete kit for Texas Speed knowing that the same problem would occur if factory parts were used again. One would think that a newer vehicle should last longer than 82K miles with all the technology today. Oil changes were always on time between 3 and 5k miles. Unfortunately, I'm cursed with knowing how to work on vehicles. Is there anything that GM can do with my out-of-pocket material costs of $2500.00? Love the truck ... but very discouraged and may have to go back with a Ford!

NHTSA ID
11760611
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026

While driving 65 mph down the highway pulling a trailer. I lost all power and chimes went off on the dash to push button to start. I coasted to the side of the road and vehicle was completely dead. It was towed to the nearest dealership and it was determined that it needed a whole new engine. It took 119 days for the repair to be made.

NHTSA ID
11760609
Incident
Jun 14, 2025
BrakesEngineSteering
Filed Aug 28, 2026

We recently had a brand new engine installed In our truck that only had 70k miles and only 7 years old due to white smoke coming out of tail pipe. The day after receiving the truck back after having the brand new engine installed the truck was not operating properly then gave me a bunch of warnings and then the brakes wouldn’t work and the steering wouldn’t work. I informed the dealership that installed the brand new engine and they had the truck towed back to their shop just to look at it for 3 days and proceed to tell me there was no issues they could find. Picked the truck back up just to have the same issue happen not even a month later. I was able to document the warnings and issues while they were happening and provided those to the dealership when we drop it off for the second time after getting a brand new $13k engine installed. If you would like the video I captured of the warnings I will happily send them.

NHTSA ID
11760477
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, a "Low Oil Pressure" warning message displayed, and the engine RPMs and vehicle speed reduced. The contact drove the vehicle off the road and into a parking lot. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the engine failure. The independent mechanic replaced the engine, which remedied the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued extended warranty coverage for the failure for vehicles in Alaska and Canada. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 111,940.

NHTSA ID
11760408
Incident
Jun 27, 2025
Mileage
111,940 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026

while under warrantee the dealer quirk Chevy in Manchester NH, intentionally misdiagnosed the engine failure symptoms. The Service director did this three times all while under warrantee. now out of warrantee. my engine has completely failed. Silverado 1500 High-country with 6.2 L Gas engine with AFM. the service director in a private off site conversation admitted the intentional misdiagnose.

NHTSA ID
11760229
Incident
May 5, 2022
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 23, 2026

Torque converter failure led to transmission failure in 6 speed transmission. Engine lifter failure.

NHTSA ID
11758861
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and independently turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an alternative local dealer. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the alternative dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased in 2019, several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that at one point the vehicle was at the dealer for more than thirty-two days and the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID
11757005
Incident
Dec 16, 2019
Mileage
20,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2026

I was driving my 2019 Chevy Silverado TrailBoss with 81,000 miles at 65MPH on I-80 East in Omaha, NE, when 3 warning lights came on. The first was the Service Parking Brake. The second was Service ESC. The final was a flashing Check Engine light. My truck started backfiring/misfiring, making a loud ticking noise, and running extremely rough. I was trying to merge off the interstate, but it was running so rough that it made it very difficult to do so safely. Eventually, I just had to finish going where I was headed and park it in the lot. I did some research and called my local shop. They said to stop driving immediately and have it towed to them for inspection. They used a diagnostic tool and diagnosed the issue as a DFM lifter failure. But they could not fix it there and recommended I take it to a different shop. I had it towed again, and they did their own diagnostics and have the same idea, but without taking the engine completely apart, they can't tell for sure. They want to charge me $1,250.00 to inspect it further. I called the dealer where I purchased the truck back in 2019 and am working with them on next steps. The last shop quoted me $7,800 repair if it is indeed the DFM lifters. Based on what I know, this is a known issue with these trucks. GM has an "Out of Warranty Policy Assistance" in place just for these know lifter issues. This is very concerning that GM hasn't done a recall on these parts as it has shown to be a safety issue when driving the vehicle in traffic on the interstate. I just hope that GM assists me with the repair costs because it is not guaranteed and I cannot afford $7,800 right now.

NHTSA ID
11756456
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 11, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Trail Boss (VIN [XXX]), currently at approximately 63,000 miles. My truck suddenly developed a rough idle, engine ticking, and a cylinder 3 misfire. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Service ESC” warnings appeared. The transmission also began shifting extremely hard, at times feeling as though another vehicle had struck the truck from behind. The oil pressure gauge also stopped functioning. Due to these symptoms, I stopped driving the vehicle. A diagnostic scan produced P0303, P0449, P0498, P0499 and P0500. After replacing a failed cylinder 3 spark plug, the truck initially ran perfectly for approximately 20 minutes before the rough idle and warning lights returned. The vehicle was subsequently diagnosed by a Chevrolet dealership. The dealership determined that the engine suffered a collapsed lifter that damaged the camshaft and other internal engine components. The engine repair estimate is approximately $10,000–$12,000. The dealership has also reported that the transmission is slipping and believes the torque converter/transmission requires approximately another $6,300 in repairs. I am concerned that a lifter/DFM-related failure causing a misfire, rough running and potential loss of engine power could occur while a vehicle is traveling at highway speed and create a significant safety hazard. The severe transmission shifting and subsequent slipping are also concerning because unexpected vehicle behavior during acceleration or while in traffic could increase the risk of a crash. The truck has been regularly maintained and has relatively low mileage for its age. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether similar engine/lifter/DFM and related powertrain failures represent a broader safety defect and whether an investigation or recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11756231
Incident
Apr 7, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and attempting to accelerate to 55 MPH, the engine started choking, and the vehicle lunged back and forth, and slowly lost drive power. The vehicle was driven to a local certified mechanic while driving at slower speeds. The certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems had failed and caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that Chevrolet vehicles with similar engines were known for engine failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID
11755970
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Mileage
119,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026

At 70,000 miles the engine failed. Dealership said it was due to the current issues with the 6.2 motors but mine was not included in the recall but was being evaluated to be part of the recall so I did have to buy a new engine.

NHTSA ID
11754858
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2026

I was driving the vehicle and suddenly there was a loss of power and a ticking noise. I was up to date with my oil changes per dealer recommendations. Had the vehicle towed to to Chevy dealer and they said they weren’t able to find what the problem is without further diagnosing. Further diagnosing was estimated to be about $2500. I had it towed to an independent shop, Viking Motorsports, to which the owner/mechanic tore down the engine and deemed it as bearing failure in my 6.2 L87. There was no warning whatsoever, just went from running to engine dead immediately. I proceeded to an engine change that has costed me approximately $15,000 and would like full reimbursement if not partial reimbursement from GM given that this is a known issue for the problem. I did not go with the Chevy Dealership for the job since they quoted me $20,000+ for the engine swap and realistically that wouldn’t make financial sense. I have a High Country and at 102,000 miles when the engine has failed. This has put me in such a financial bind.

NHTSA ID
11753995
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2026

Wife was driving on the interstate when the vehicle revved up and then a loss of power. had to drive home while vehicle was popping and still loss of power. I took to an Independent Service Center, and they started a tune up with changing plugs. They checked vehicle and advised that it was possibly a lifter failure, but they couldn't fix it. I took to another independent service person and after a diagnostic check and looking into the engine it was confirmed it was a lifter issue. Vehicle has been in the shop for 3 weeks waiting on parts.

NHTSA ID
11753523
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2026

The engine malfunctioned then the engine light came on. I finally got home turned it off and let cool down. Tried to restart and same issue

NHTSA ID
11753109
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2026

I have a 2019 Chevy high country that went into engine failure when going down the freeway to work. The engine light came on flashing and the engine was stuttering. I had it taken into the local Dealership where they first replaced catalytic converter. 3 months later I had engine failure again going down the freeway. I had them drop a whole new engine into it. I understand there is an investigation regarding a recall for 2019-2020 year vehicles. How I got the vehicle: I had previously bought a certified used Chevy Silverado 2016. It also had engine failure where it would shut off in the middle of driving. I repeatedly took it back to the dealership (different dealership) and they could not fix it; Instead had me test out another loaner vehicle for possible purchase. Driving off of the lot that loaner vehicle engine light came on. I took it back and they failed to mention to me that they dropped a new block into that one. After that I got another loaner vehicle that I was pigeonholed into purchasing as they could not figure out the issue with my previous purchase. 6 months later it started having electrical problems with rear cameras not working, sensors out, etc; Then eventually the engine failed. The amount of money I have spent and growing safety concerns I have for transporting my family and myself are beginning to grow. I do not want to incur subsequent mechanical failures/expenses in other areas due to previous engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11752868
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 6 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The dealer had retrieved DTC: P2074. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. While driving in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle failed to accelerate and unexpectedly shifted into park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart, and the battery was disconnected and reconnected. The vehicle was then taken back to the local dealer, and additional diagnostic tests were recommended. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 23-NA-018. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the dealer should use a flow chart. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11747417
Incident
Jun 3, 2026
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled. There was an oil message flashing on the screen instructing the driver to pull over. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed about the GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N212326940. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ID
11746747
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Mileage
42,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2026

6-12-26 while driving down the highway the engine suddenly started running rough. Multiple warning lights came on and sounded like a muffled backfire. The truck has confirmed lifter failure as well as camshaft damage enough to where they're replacing an engine I still have no ETA on getting my truck back the truck only has about 72 or 73,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11746186
Incident
Jun 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2026

While driving, my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 suddenly lost engine power approximately a quarter mile from my home. The vehicle has only 35,000 miles. A check engine light indicated a misfire, and I confirmed cylinder 7 was misfiring. I replaced the spark plug, plug wire, and coil pack, but the misfire continued. The dealership diagnosed a failed lifter in the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system and is disassembling the engine to assess further damage. This matches the widely documented AFM lifter failure pattern in GM 5.3L V8 engines. The sudden loss of motive power while driving created a safety hazard. All maintenance was performed at GM dealerships.

NHTSA ID
11745855
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026

Purchased 2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country Edition with the 6.2L engine and 143K miles for my son. The vehicle had a clean service history on Car Fax. On the day we purchased the vehicle, we drove it home and noticed it was shuttering at times. I used my computer scanner and it came back with a misfire cylinder #5. I troubleshot the issues and noted that the most common thing was a spark plug. Therefore, I replaced the spark plug and it drove much better. Two weeks later, my son was driving vehicle on I-40 near Nashville TN and without warning, vehicle stalled, locking steering wheel in place! Check engine lights came on and instructed him to place in neutral and restart, which he promptly did. The vehicle started, but went in limp mode making loud noises in engine before shutting off again. Luckily, traffic was minimal at 8 pm and he was able to get it over to the shoulder and avoid any injuries or accident. Towed it to Nick Mayer Chevrolet in Dickson, TN where they diagnosed it with catastrophic engine failure and needed to be completely replaced. This is the same issue that GM is being sued for and have somehow managed to take the stance that the lifter/cam/DFM issue only existed in 2020-newer models. The 2019 is when they changed to the newer body style and the new Gen V L87 engine in the 6.2. Despite the clean vehicle history, dealership reached out to GM and they stated they would not help cover any repairs but would gladly take 14K to fix it. The 2019-2026 models all need to be recalled due to this safety issue and fixed before catastrophic engine failure claims another victim financially or worse!

NHTSA ID
11744567
Incident
Jun 14, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2026

At 60k miles we had a lifter failure that caused an engine replacement. We were traveling home on I-10 about an hour from the Texas Border. My wife was driving about 70-75mph. We had to loud pops and the truck started shaking badly. The pickup was purchased in May 2021 with 26,450 miles. It has been well maintained, so the lifter failure was a complete surprise. We booked a room at a local hotel (3 nights total). The towing company took it to the local Chevrolet Dealership. The dealership couldn't even look at it for over a week. My brother in-law drove 6 hours from our home with a trailer and we hauled it home. We scheduled an appointment with our purchasing dealership and dropped it off. It took a week to get the diagnoses. It was a lifter failure. Our warranty company authorized an engine replacement, but the dealership wanted to just do a cam shaft and lifter. We were without our truck for over a month. It then cost us $300 plus for componets not covered.

NHTSA ID
11744055
Incident
Feb 4, 2025

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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