2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine27949.6%
- Powertrain (other)11821.0%
- Electrical478.3%
- Brakes325.7%
- Fuel system223.9%
- Steering193.4%
- Driver assistance173.0%
- Suspension71.2%
- Other / unspecified61.1%
- Transmission50.9%
- Visibility30.5%
- Body & structure30.5%
- Airbags20.4%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Interior & seats10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
6.2 motor failed in cylinder number 2
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission entered limp mode when decelerating at highway speed. Shutter shift, rapid rpm increase. First shift in the morning is a hard shift with loss of power.
My truck suddenly stopped, received a message on the dashboard that said transmission hot. Idle engine. I was unable to remove my key. Minutes later it started up like nothing.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced various intermittent electrical failures while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the power locks and windows either failed to operate as needed or independently operated while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a friend, and a potential issue with the ground fault cable was found. The friend recommended that a dealer inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently displayed the messages, "Steering Column Lock Needs Service", "Check Engine", and other unknown messages. Additionally, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard while attempting to start the vehicle but resumed normal operation after the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but has not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence and jump-started. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the grounding straps were damaged, and one strap was severely corroded and fractured, while the other strap was severely corroded. The dealer determined that the grounding straps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N252515590. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the cost of the repair could be reduced at the discretion of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced various intermittent electrical failures while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the power locks and windows either failed to operate as needed or independently operated while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a friend, and a potential issue with the ground fault cable was found. The friend recommended that a dealer inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel intermittently displayed the messages, "Steering Column Lock Needs Service", "Check Engine", and other unknown messages. Additionally, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard while attempting to start the vehicle but resumed normal operation after the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but has not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I UNLOCKED THE DOOR AND ENTERED THE TRUCK GAS STARTED LEAKING / pouring from the top of the fuel tank. ON THE GROUND BEFORE I STARTED THE MOTOR. IF I HAD DRIVEN THE TRUCK VERY POSIBLE IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. ITS A 2019 WITH 61598 MILES. I FOUND A FUEL PUMP RECALL N192283991 SAID FOR CERTAIN 2019-2020 SILVERADO MODELS IT APPEARS I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS HAVE NOT CHECKED WITH A DEALER YET. TRUCK WILL HAVE TO BE TOWED.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My truck lost steering as I was trying to pull into a parking lot. It started as a momentary jerking of the steering wheel then total loss of steering. The ABS error and Trailer Braking failure warning also appeared. After 4 to 5 restarts of the truck the steering came back. If this was to happen at high speed it would have been very bad. I feel this is definetly a safety issue..
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
When backing the sensors fail to notify the driver/operator of forcibly engaging impending objects such as a small child or object by an audible noise alert that increases in loudness as the vehicle gets closer to the child/ person or object. I purchased the Pickup truck in 2020 with 17,000 miles and currently have 28,000 miles. the audible alarm cease to function well over a year ago, as I just became aware of your reporting site. Such safety items as cameras and alarms are not vehicle options. There sole purpose is to save lives!!
Esc system Poor braking. Engine idling rough. Almost hit another car
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
in beginning of January of 2026 my vehicle had lifter issues. Brought it to Chevrolet Group 1 in Spring Texas. Three weeks without transportation. Beginning of February the vehicle stopped in the middle of the feeder. Vehicle lights up but goes dark for five seconds and will not start. Had it towed back to the same dealership and told it was the battery cable that needs to be replaced. Three weeks passed no transportation. In the middle of April 16 2026 I was driving on the feeder in the far right lane and the front right wheel came off hanging by only the tie rod. the vehicle slid a good 700 to 900 almost crashing into a muffler shop gate. Upon inspection the muffler shop mechanic notice that the front right upper control arm bolt threads are not damaged and the nut is missing.
VECHILE CONTINUES TO FAIL OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, TEST BEGAN 09/2023, AND CONTINUES TO BE THE ISSUE PRESENT DAY. ENGINE WAS REPLACED 2025, 3-4 MONTHS LATER TRANMISSION WENT OUT. TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2025. OIL CONSUMPTION CONTINUES TO FAIL. DEALERSHIP CHUCK HUTTON 2471 MT. MORIAH ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115 PERFORMED ALL THESE SERVICES. SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE LEAKING OIL POLLUTION IS CAUSING HARM TO ME AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS LEAVING OIL RESIDUE IN THE DRIVEWAY. NO WARNING MESSAGES EXCEPT FOR WHEN IT SAYS ADD OIL, THAT'S WHEN I'M PUT ON NOTICE THAT THE VECHILE IS LOSING OIL. DUE TO THE LEAKING OIL, OIL IS NOW MIXING WITH GASOLINE, INDICATING THERE TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP. NOW BEIND DIRECTED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THIS HAS BECOME VERY COSTLY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AND CONTINUES TO BE AN ON-GOING PROBLEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 6 MPH, the rear wheels unexpectedly seized, requiring the driver to pull over and turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation after restarting the following day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
in beginning of January of 2026 my vehicle had lifter issues. Brought it to Chevrolet Group 1 in Spring Texas. Three weeks without transportation. Beginning of February the vehicle stopped in the middle of the feeder. Vehicle lights up but goes dark for five seconds and will not start. Had it towed back to the same dealership and told it was the battery cable that needs to be replaced. Three weeks passed no transportation. In the middle of April 16 2026 I was driving on the feeder in the far right lane and the front right wheel came off hanging by only the tie rod. the vehicle slid a good 700 to 900 almost crashing into a muffler shop gate. Upon inspection the muffler shop mechanic notice that the front right upper control arm bolt threads are not damaged and the nut is missing.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle remained stuck in 3rd and in 4th gears upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle contact stated that the vehicle experienced a hard shift while driving. The contact stopped, parked, and turned off the vehicle for 10 minutes; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the failure could not be replicated. The contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,900.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the transmission fluid was flushed and replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 47,200.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
. I bought this truck for my husband as a birthday present & it has been a nightmare. My husband is a [XXX] & I wanted a vehicle that he would be comfortable in to take him to his numerous medical appointments. The first indication was the check engine light came on. I took to to O'Reillys & they scanned the vehicle & no issue was detected. I then had several instances where the vehicle would not start & one instance when it would not go into reverse & the truck was making a noise from the underbody. The windshield washer unit also was not working. I then took it back to the Ford dealership where it was purchased. They ran a scan at the dealership & said there was nothing wrong. They then indicated that I should take it to a Chevy dealer which I did. They stated that Chevy has a special scan that the previous scans cannot access. I documented all the issues and the Chevy dealership found 8 issues including the transmission, holes in the struts, software issues, washer pump, grille shutter & loose battery cables. The Ford dealership agreed to fix the struts & the washer pump as well as the diagnostic testing. I thought we were going to be able to resolve the transmission and the grille shutter issue but that has not happened. The defective grille shutter is what is activating the check engine light. The Ford dealership charged me for fixing the battery cables and yet they were needed to be done again. They also told me that the grille shutter was not necessary as I could drive with it but I would never know when I had an actual problem. They wanted to replace the torque converter. I submitted a request to Carvana & they offered me 5,000 and I paid double that plus. I don't feel safe driving the vehicle and GM is well aware of the issues with this make and Model. Let's not wait until someone is killed or hurt before action is taken. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The back windshield on my Silverado leaks water every time it rains causing the back window to smell of smoke like electrical burning. It also creates a visibility issue out the back window when I've called three different dealerships in the area and each one of them say it is a known issue with this vehicle and it's going to cost almost $3,000 to fix. I have contacted GMC only for them to say that I needed to contact this department I feel like this is a safety issue that GMC should have to help their customers with not just be like oh well your truck may or may not be on fire while it rains
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased the truck in 2021 from a chevy dealer with 32k miles on it, truck looked great and performed great, at 42k miles it started to be sluggish and it would vibrate between 30-40 and 60-70 as i feathered the gas pedal to maintain speed, but if i gave it more gas or take my foot off the pedal it would stop vibrating, I've taken it to 2 chevy dealers, the first one said it drives within GM spec's. the 2nd one looked more promising but my warranty ran out at 75k and i was at that mileage. So today at 93k on it, it still vibrates and sluggish from a start. I looked online and many people have similar problems. ALSO: The paint around my front wheels is peeling off down to the primer, I've had many vehicles and never had this happen to me, It's just flaking off, When i had the truck at the chevy dealer for maintenance and told him about it, He said GM will not fix it and they know about the issue. Now these trucks are not cheap, It seems like once they sell the vehicle GM washes their hands of it, I guess that's why they only give you 36,000 mile warranty because they don't even trust their product to last.
The main frame of the truck is rusted so badly I can poke my finger through it. Body shop says they don't consider it safe to drive.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On January 28, 2023, my Chevrolet Silverado was involved in a significant multi-impact collision. At the time of the accident, I was a front-seat passenger and my vehicle was fully stopped when it was struck from behind at high speed by a Dodge 2500. The force of the rear impact pushed my truck into the vehicle in front of us, resulting in a secondary front-end collision. This sequence occurred twice. During the collision, the front passenger-side airbag did not deploy, and the front passenger seatbelt failed to lock. As a result, I was thrown violently within the passenger side of the vehicle and struck my head on the dashboard. In contrast, the driver’s seatbelt locked properly, as did the rear seatbelt where my child was seated. Due to the failure of the passenger-side seatbelt to lock, I sustained a severe concussion, a black eye, and other injuries. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by my insurance company. When sheriff’s deputies and state police arrived at the scene, they expressed concern and surprise that the passenger seatbelt did not lock and that no airbags deployed despite the severity of the collision. Shortly after the accident, I contacted GMC regarding these safety concerns. GMC retrieved the vehicle’s Crash Data Recorder (CDR) and conducted an investigation. I was later informed that GMC found no defects or issues with their products. Nearly three years have passed since the accident, and I remain deeply concerned and dissatisfied with GMC’s conclusion. The passenger-side seatbelt did not function as designed, while the driver and rear seatbelts did, and no airbags deployed. I do not believe adequate accountability or explanation was provided regarding the apparent failure of the passenger-side restraint system. Given the force of the impact, I could have been ejected through the windshield.
During acceleration my vehicle had a whinning noise coming from near the transmission. It will buck and then when slowing down to a stop it bucks like being hit in the rear by another vehicle. It also shudders and makes the reduce engine power light come on.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
On January 28, 2023, my Chevrolet Silverado was involved in a significant multi-impact collision. At the time of the accident, I was a front-seat passenger and my vehicle was fully stopped when it was struck from behind at high speed by a Dodge 2500. The force of the rear impact pushed my truck into the vehicle in front of us, resulting in a secondary front-end collision. This sequence occurred twice. During the collision, the front passenger-side airbag did not deploy, and the front passenger seatbelt failed to lock. As a result, I was thrown violently within the passenger side of the vehicle and struck my head on the dashboard. In contrast, the driver’s seatbelt locked properly, as did the rear seatbelt where my child was seated. Due to the failure of the passenger-side seatbelt to lock, I sustained a severe concussion, a black eye, and other injuries. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by my insurance company. When sheriff’s deputies and state police arrived at the scene, they expressed concern and surprise that the passenger seatbelt did not lock and that no airbags deployed despite the severity of the collision. Shortly after the accident, I contacted GMC regarding these safety concerns. GMC retrieved the vehicle’s Crash Data Recorder (CDR) and conducted an investigation. I was later informed that GMC found no defects or issues with their products. Nearly three years have passed since the accident, and I remain deeply concerned and dissatisfied with GMC’s conclusion. The passenger-side seatbelt did not function as designed, while the driver and rear seatbelts did, and no airbags deployed. I do not believe adequate accountability or explanation was provided regarding the apparent failure of the passenger-side restraint system. Given the force of the impact, I could have been ejected through the windshield.
The rear driver side seatbelt will not pull out, when I went to the garage to have it looked at to see what the problem was they told me it was the seatbelt retractor. I have not fixed this yet because it is expensive to fix.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that with a load in the trunk, the tailgate suddenly opened. The items fell on the roadway. The tailgate was difficult to open. The contact had to secure the tailgate with a strap. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact indicated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-NA-112. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer referred him to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .