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2014 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems

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

Data refreshed

Brakes 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.
45
Latest Jan 23, 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.
13%
of 349 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.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 45 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 brake

The 25 most recent of 45, in the owner's own words

BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 23, 2026

Car started shaking in the middle of driving it about 30 mph and all the electrical like door locks were going up and down car wasn’t accelerating and an alert came up for stabilizing wheels i believe. It happened for about a couple seconds and then everything went back to normal and randomly happens while I’m driving.Check engine appeared and went to the mechanic shop i usually go to and found out I had ebcm and ecm modules bad. Do some research on the car and noticed it had a recall back in 2014 for EBCM. The problem has resurfaced

NHTSA ID
11712837
Incident
Jan 2, 2026
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the heater and A/C system were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for the repairs and for other unrelated repairs. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the vehicle restarted independently without the key in the ignition switch. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding, causing the braking distance to be extended. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,098.

NHTSA ID
11682804
Incident
Aug 25, 2023
Mileage
139,098 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 20-25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the rotors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact stated that the vehicle needed to be warm for the defrost system to work. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V240000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11654467
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
Mileage
200,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 3, 2025

This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop light where my auto stop turned on. My brakes WERE STUCK AND COULDN'T BRAKE so I put it in park! THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL AND BRAKE LOCKING OCCURRED. GM FIX THIS!

NHTSA ID
11646105
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Feb 18, 2025

When the auto stop feature turns on, the car totally stops, and doesn't turn the engine back on for 20 minutes. I had complained about this before, and the mechanic did NOT fix it, so I am complaining AGAIN! I was in the middle of the street when it stalled! The steering wheel and brake locks up, and it's impossible for the engine to turn on. It revs, but doesn't work. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID
11643315
Incident
Feb 18, 2025
BrakesEngineInterior & seats
Filed Dec 23, 2024

I am filing a complaint regarding a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu that I purchased from a dealership on November 22, 2024. The vehicle was advertised as being in “excellent condition” at the dealership’s site. During the test drive, I raised concerns about potential transmission issues, but the dealership assured me that the vehicle was “clean” and safe to drive. Unfortunately, this assurance turned out to be false, as the vehicle has since displayed significant mechanical failures, including overheating issues, that pose serious safety risks. Within a week of purchase, the vehicle broke down twice: first on November 29, while driving to work, and again on November 30, while on I-10 Katy freeway. The second breakdown created a life-threatening situation as the vehicle suddenly lost power in traffic. I incurred towing costs of $125 to return the vehicle to the dealership. After an attempted repair, the vehicle was returned to me on December 5, 2024. However, it broke down again on December 8, 2024, requiring another tow. Since that time, the vehicle has remained at the dealership, yet no adequate resolution has been provided. Additionally, I have since discovered that the vehicle has persistent overheating issues that were not disclosed at the time of sale. These overheating problems pose a serious safety risk as they could result in a fire or explosion, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The dealership’s negligence in addressing these critical safety concerns demonstrates a disregard for consumer safety. I believe the dealership knowingly sold me a defective vehicle with significant mechanical issues that were either hidden or misrepresented. The sudden and repeated breakdowns, particularly in hazardous driving conditions, and the risk of fire or explosion due to overheating, warrant immediate attention from the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID
11632052
Incident
Nov 30, 2024
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 10, 2024

The cars automatic start/stop will activate and not restart the car. This has happened at stop signs, stop lights, intersections, hard breaks, etc. There are no warning lights or system failed/malfunction warnings. This has been inspected multiple times with software updates, changing batteries, changing fuses, etc.

NHTSA ID
11613762
Incident
Sep 10, 2024
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 30, 2024

When Stopping/Coming To A Stop. The Auto Start Feature Kicks In And Causes My Locks To Unlock And Lock Back And The Car To Stall For A Second Or So

NHTSA ID
11597797
Incident
May 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2024

my vehicle had just fixed by chevy dealership they changed both battery. i drove and pick it up,but its having the same problem it stalled or stops in red lights when i push brake it engaged the autop stop and have to restart the car again. almost got into an accident because i was stucked in the traffic with green lights and im in the middle of the road and my gas pedal wont work/accelerate. i paid 700$ for both battery i need my refund too.

NHTSA ID
11574370
Incident
Feb 27, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign, the contact felt as if the vehicle was shutting off without any warning. The contact stated he released his foot off the brake pedal and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the electrical brake traction needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that no further assistance was available due to the parts being discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11500543
Incident
Nov 6, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed Jul 11, 2022

My car only has 54,000 mile and my transmission is already going out and it happened out of nowhere literally I just started getting stuck at lights like the cat didn’t want to go so mechanic told me it had to be something the dealership could do cause it’s no way I keep up my fluids and all and my brakes just keep wearing

NHTSA ID
11473379
Incident
Jun 30, 2022
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 25, 2020

THE CAR WILL NOT START AND MESSAGES POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD STATING BATTERY SAVER ASSIST, POWER STEERING CARE, STABILOCK CONTROL.

NHTSA ID
11376308
Incident
Nov 23, 2020
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Aug 27, 2020

AUTO/STOP IS HAVING ISSUES. WHEN IN GAUGED IT STALLS THE CAR OUT AND WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO TURN BACK OVER. I HAVE BEEN IN TRAFFIC AT A STOP LIGHT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. ALSO I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY RPMS JUMPING AND THE CAR LOSING POWER. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH THE INTAKE AND THE EXHAUST SOLENOID AND STILL LOSE POWER.

NHTSA ID
11351565
Incident
Aug 26, 2020
Mileage
110,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 2019

WHEN AUTO STOP KICKS IN MY BRAKES ON DRIVER SIDE START CLUNCKING WHEN I APPLY BRAKES CAR ONLY HAS 89,345 MILES ON IT 2014 MALIBU LS

NHTSA ID
11280349
Incident
Oct 15, 2019
Mileage
88,500 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 6, 2019

WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED LIMIT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED AS IT SHOULD. DRIVER HAS TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO EVEN GET UP TO SPEED. AND ONCE CAR IS UP TO SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE EVEN WITH NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED ON JULY 27, 2019 THE CAR TENDS TO CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE EVEN MORE INSTEAD OF STOPPING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN THE CAR IN MARCH 2018 PLUS WHEN THE AUTO-STOP IS INITIATED THE CAR ACTUALLY TURNS COMPLETELY OFF TURNING THE RADIO OFF BUT ONCE THE BRAKE IS RELEASED IT THEN RESTARTS. A NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED ON MARCH 8, 2019.

NHTSA ID
11266600
Incident
Oct 6, 2019
Mileage
93,699 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 13, 2019

CODE U0121 LOST CONNECTION WITH ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLS AND THE RPM'S DROP. JERKY ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED, VEHICLE STUTTERS AN ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ID
11219704
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
90,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed May 30, 2019

JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER COMPLAINT FOR THIS MODEL YEAR - ABS/BRAKE SILS COME ON W/ROUTINE DRIVING @40 MPH OFF HIGHWAY AND THEN SERVICE WARNINGS ABOUT STABILITRAK AND BRAKE SYSTEMSCOME ON; THIS HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY WHERE THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS A CRACKED WHEEL HUB (OWNED LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND NOT COVERED) AND SAID IT NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACED AT ~$600. AFTERWARDS, BRAKES WERE REAL SHAKY (WHOLE STEERING COLUMN SHAKES) WHEN BRAKING OVER 55MPH - DEALERSHIP SAID IT COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO REPLACING THE WHEEL HUB. NOW, THREE MONTHS LATER, IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN - THIS TIME @30MPH GETTING ON HIGHWAY ON-RAMP HAVE TO TAKE CAR IN, PAY DIAGNOSTIC AND THEN REPAIR COSTS. CHEVROLET KNOWS [XXX] WELL WHAT'S GOING WRONG WITH THEIR DESIGN FLAW (SPEED RING WEAR/MALFUNCTION) AND NEEDS TO BE REDESIGNING/REPLACING SYSTEM COMPONENTS. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11210848
Incident
May 28, 2019
Mileage
52,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed May 13, 2019

SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH ANTI LOCK BRAKES (ABS) AND SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER ALL THREE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND APPEARED ON CENTER DASH CONSOLE, THE CHEVROLET MALIBU BEGAN TO JERK AND STALL AGGRESSIVELY AND VIOLENTLY. THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS DISABLED AND NO.POWER TO THE CAR. THE CAR POWER SHUTOFF AND CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. TRIED TO RESTART CAR BUT CAR DOES NOT TURN ON BUT CAR WAS ELECTRICAL POWER, RADIO TURNS ON AND OTHER ELECTRICAL DEVICES WORK FINE. 15 MINUTES LATER THE CAR TURNS ON NORMALLY BUT ONCE PUT INTO DRIVE THE CAR JERKS AND STALLS THEN POWERS OFF COMPLETELY.

NHTSA ID
11207147
Incident
May 9, 2019
Mileage
75,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Apr 25, 2019
Crash reported

ON MARCH 30TH, MY ABS LIGHTS CAME ON MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY CAR WAS SERVICED FOR THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND ABS BRAKE SYSTEM $1085. AFTER PICKING UP MY VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A DIAGNOSTIC REPORT FROM ONSTAR STATING THAT MY VEHICLE STILL HAD BRAKE AND ABS PROBLEMS. I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MY BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY OUT AND I CRASHED INTO A VAN.

NHTSA ID
11203693
Incident
Apr 4, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 16, 2019

ON 1/2/2019 I WAS DRIVING IN MY CAR AND TWO WARNING MESSAGES SUDDENLY POPPED UP ON MY CONSOLE WARNING ABOUT THE STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEMS. THERE IS A SENSOR THAT READS A "SPEED RING" ON THE REAR OF THE WHEEL HUBS. IT SEEMS CHEVY CARS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE THIS RING CRACK AND SECTIONS BREAK OFF. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE SENSOR CAN NO LONGER READ IT AND YOUR STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEMS WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP WORKING. THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HUB. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT A CONSIDERABLE DESIGN FLAW. YOU SHOULD ONLY EVER HAVE TO REPLACE A HUB IF THE BEARING WEAR OUT BECAUSE IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THE OTHER REAR HUB ON MY CAR IS SHOWING CRACKS IN THIS RING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. CHEVY IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I TRIED TO CONTACT CHEVY ABOUT THIS ON JAN 5 AND GOT A CALL FROM THEM JAN 14 FROM A VERY RUDE AND CONDESCENDING PERSON WHO WAS MORE CONCERNED THAT I DIDNT PAY CHEVY TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SAFETY ISSUE. CHEVY NEEDS TO COVER THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS FOR ME AND EVERYONE AFFECTED AND NEEDS TO DO A RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11170440
Incident
Jan 2, 2019
Mileage
62,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 4, 2019

STABILITRACK, ABS, AND BRAKING ASSIST DEACTIVATION AND OR REDUCTION IN FUNCTION CAUSED BY PREMATURE FAILURE OF WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. RESULTS IN LESS CONTROL OR LOSS OF CONTROL IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS OR UNDER HARD BRAKE APPLICATION OR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS. CHEVROLET HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLITEN TO DIRECT THEIR DEALERS IN FIXING THIS BUT ONLY UNDER WARANTEE, SHOWING THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM YET TOOK NO ACTION TO ASSIST CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11165250
Incident
Dec 28, 2018
Mileage
33,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (PAT O'BRIEN CHEVROLET, 2315 STATE RTE 60, VERMILION, OH 44089, (888) 392-1095) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,614. **TR SENSOR, BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON CONSUMER STATED I PURCHASED THIS 2014 MALIBU FROM MY SON KEN WHO LIVES IN MCCARDSVILLE, IN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED IN THE ON POSITION AND WERE ONLY NOTICED WHEN OUR SON KEVIN WAS FOLLOWING US ON A TRIP THIS PAST JUNE. SINCE THER WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW LONG THIS DEFECT EXISTED. I AM ENCLOSING THE COPY OF REPAIR THIS PAST JUNE. UPDATED 10/22/18*JB

NHTSA ID
11119868
Incident
Jun 21, 2018
Mileage
75,614 mi
BrakesElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 6, 2018

I HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES WOULD NOT BRAKE AND POWER CUT OFF AND CUT BACK ON

NHTSA ID
11083700
Incident
Feb 6, 2018
Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 2017

IN 2016 I STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL WORKING SOMETIMES & SOMETIMES NOT. AFTER A YEAR OR SO WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ABS LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON (OCT.2017) AFTER TAKEN IT TO AN AUTHORIZED GM DEALER IT WAS FOUND THAT MY LEFT REAR WHEEL HUB UNIT BEARING BROKE, A LITTLE OVER A MONTH LATER, THE ABS & THE STABILITY TRAC LIGHT CAME ON. THIS TIME IT WAS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB UNIT BEARING BROKE. IT CONTROLS ALL THAT TAKES PLACE WITH STOPPING, CRUISE CONTROL,SKIDDING, BREAKING,ETC.... EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PER TIRE & NOT SAFE! AFTER QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH THE MALIBU & IMPALAS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR THIS ISSUE.I WAS DRIVING BOTH TIMES WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I WAS TRAVELING DOWN AN EXPRESSWAY(I-75)!

NHTSA ID
11053785
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
50,000 mi
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 1, 2017

INCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD ISSUE AFTER ISSUE WITH TRIM, ABS, STABILITY TRACK, HEATING SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION, AND WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE HAD THE STABILITY TRACK FIXED TWICE, TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING (COVERED UNDER A RECALL). WHEEL BEARINGS IN REAR BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE 80000 MILES. WIRING HARNESS TO WHEELS, THE DEALER SHIP HAD TO SPLICE ( I STILL CANT SEE HOW WIRING HARNESS IS NOT A COVERED COMPONENT. FOR A MANUFACTURE BASED OUT OF A STATE THAT HAS SNOW, AND TO PROVIDE A VEHICLE THAT HAS A STABILITY SENSOR THAT GETS DIRTY BECAUSE OF SALT THAT WILL ERROR IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION. SAME FOR THE DEFAULT WHEEL BEARINGS ONE WINTER IN MICHIGAN AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED (ALSO NOT A COVERED FEATURE). TRIM THAT BLOWS OFF ON THE EXPRESS WAY. I LOST MY WINDOW TRIM AND THE FRONT BLACK COVER. FUNNY HOW THE 2015 MODELS HAVE A SCREW IN THEM BUT NOTHING FOR US POOR 2014 OWNERS THAT HAD AN ISSUE. I CAN PURCHASE A NEW ONE AT 60.00 (REALLY ITS PLASTIC). ABS COMES ON EVERY TIME I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY TRACK, WHICH IS EVERY WINTER IT GETS DIRTY. ENGINE LIGHT ON NOW SO I CANT AUTO START THE CAR, MORE THAN LIKELY THAT WILL BE CAUSED BY THE GLAMOROUS AUX BATTERY THAT WAS ENGINEERED FOR THE LOVEY AUTO STOP FEATURE THAT I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. HAVE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP TO BE RIPPED OFF SOME MORE....APPT SHOWED A P011 CODE, SECOND TIME IN SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED. UPDATE: MONTHS LATER, ABS ON THE DRIVERSIDE HUB IS NOW OUT. YES YOU GUESSED IT THE P011 ENGINE CODE IS BACK. (THIRD TIME). FIXED TWICE AT THE SHOP. WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO MAKE GM WAKE UP AND FIX THESE ISSUES. IT JUST LIKE MY KEY ISSUE WITH MY 2004 IMPALA . CAR STALLS BOGGS DOWN AT 70 MPH.

NHTSA ID
11051839
Incident
Dec 1, 2017
Mileage
116,000 mi

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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