RoadVitals

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
268
Latest Jul 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, 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

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.

70
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car continues to die when I come to a stop. The error code for the engine light is P305F. I have changed both batteries along with several different sensors and spent thousands of dollars in repairs at a couple different shops and still can’t find the problem with this error code. I have fixed everything that this error code points to. The car will not pass inspection with the check engine code on. This should have been recalled as this is a very common problem.

NHTSA ID 11712569 · filed Jan 21, 2026

The transmission and engine fails repeatedly. The vehicle repeatedly stalls while accelerating at all speeds, simultaneously, the gear shift lights,dash lights, radio, etc restarts. Issue also happens when shifting gears. Issue happens at every stop light and stop sign, when the vehicle is engaged in ‘auto stop’. The vehicle has been in and out of the repair shop since 2022 for TCM/ECM failure. The vehicle has been inspected by Chevrolet twice and other repair shops. Problem persists and the vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle has to be jumped daily in order for it to work even after purchasing several batteries and alternators. Warranty company, SilverRock, denied claim. When shifting gears, the warning message states ‘power steering’ and all of the car lights disappear and the vehicle stalls. These issues appeared 31 days after purchase in May of 2022.

NHTSA ID 11699309 · filed Nov 13, 2025
All 70 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car continues to die when I come to a stop. The error code for the engine light is P305F. I have changed both batteries along with several different sensors and spent thousands of dollars in repairs at a couple different shops and still can’t find the problem with this error code. I have fixed everything that this error code points to. The car will not pass inspection with the check engine code on. This should have been recalled as this is a very common problem.

NHTSA ID 11712569 · filed Jan 21, 2026

The transmission and engine fails repeatedly. The vehicle repeatedly stalls while accelerating at all speeds, simultaneously, the gear shift lights,dash lights, radio, etc restarts. Issue also happens when shifting gears. Issue happens at every stop light and stop sign, when the vehicle is engaged in ‘auto stop’. The vehicle has been in and out of the repair shop since 2022 for TCM/ECM failure. The vehicle has been inspected by Chevrolet twice and other repair shops. Problem persists and the vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle has to be jumped daily in order for it to work even after purchasing several batteries and alternators. Warranty company, SilverRock, denied claim. When shifting gears, the warning message states ‘power steering’ and all of the car lights disappear and the vehicle stalls. These issues appeared 31 days after purchase in May of 2022.

NHTSA ID 11699309 · filed Nov 13, 2025
All 66 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

49
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was t-boned on the front side panel near the door at a high rate of speed. I would estimate well above the posted limit of 35 mph and my front and side airbags failed to deploy. I have video from the intersection and dash cam demonstrating the impact. My head hit off the steering wheel causing a concussion, neck and spine dislocations, bruising, and cracked xiphoid, dislocation on the left side of my chest, and cut on my ear. I went to the hospital, have the police report, and the two videos are also available. My car was totaled and towed to the lot off of Lamb, north of Craig Road.

NHTSA ID 11752215 · filed Jul 22, 2026

Service airbag light goes on and off. Also passenger air bag keeps turning on and off.

NHTSA ID 11682022 · filed Aug 20, 2025
All 49 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Wheel hubs causes car to think that it’s going faster(200mph) causing car to drop speed, locks steering wheel making it impossible to turn away from traffic and drive it’s an accident waiting to happen not sure why there isn’t a recall. Also batteries causes the battery system warning to be a major problem even if alternator is good. I’m not sure if the two batteries is a good idea. The stop/start feature can cause radio issues it’s like cutting the car off and turn it back on when brake is released radio comes back on.

NHTSA ID 11590513 · filed May 24, 2024

I bought my 2015 Chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but no one else could smell or experience it. I just kept getting sick. 2) I thought “MY” first 30k miles or so was rolling too fast and 3-5 months in, the ENGINE light popped on. Immediately took it to Chevy who said my engine light was on due to an “airbag” but wouldn’t tell me which unless I paid 70$. 3) Still, driving was not affected so I kept taking it to the Chevy dealer every 3-6 months for the proper maintenance. About 2 years in I go for an oil change at CHEVY: one guy pours RADIATOR fluid in my OIL compartment during the oil change. Just before he realizes it’s the wrong thing and looks to see if I saw, I alert the manager who immediately drains the oil and says it won’t be affected.. and assures me everything is fine. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 4) 4 years ownership, the service stability track message started appearing and the ENGINE POWER REDUCED SPEED LIMITED TO 25 MPH starts popping up on the screen and simultaneously the car DANGEROUSLY goes from highway speed to 25mph. ONLY Jesus mercy! That’s a death trap in itself. Still no recalls and no help. Temp fix (get to safety, turn off vehicle, wait 30 sec-1 min and restart) 5) At 150k miles, I returned to get transmission flush.change.check whatever the best procedure was. Chevy says, I wouldn’t because it doesn’t have to be serviced on these vehicle. yet they send me coupons for trans services. 6)JUST put on new tires, oil, oil cabin, and engine filters changed. Car riding smoothly then 4 days later I start it and up pops a message about SERVICE POWER STEERING: drive with care! No Gearshift lights. And it’s an EPS system! Something is WRONG with these cars. 7) Paint defects along pass. side

NHTSA ID 11493257 · filed Nov 12, 2022
All 43 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(P), drive(D), and neutral(N), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter panel. The doors locked and unlocked, and the engine started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the message "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" was displayed during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road after each failure and the gear shifter was slowly shifted between gears until the desired gear was selected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11744242 · filed Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to stop to make a turn, and there was a popping sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but failed to move or respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA ID 11725686 · filed Mar 19, 2026
All 29 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED

NHTSA ID 11732005 · filed Apr 18, 2026

My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the computer and he has had several of the same car come in with the exact problem.

NHTSA ID 11667586 · filed Jun 17, 2025
All 18 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Wheel hubs causes car to think that it’s going faster(200mph) causing car to drop speed, locks steering wheel making it impossible to turn away from traffic and drive it’s an accident waiting to happen not sure why there isn’t a recall. Also batteries causes the battery system warning to be a major problem even if alternator is good. I’m not sure if the two batteries is a good idea. The stop/start feature can cause radio issues it’s like cutting the car off and turn it back on when brake is released radio comes back on.

NHTSA ID 11590513 · filed May 24, 2024

The vacuum boost pump failed suddenly leaving the vehicle with no brakes and potentially causing catastrophic engine damage.

NHTSA ID 11526157 · filed Jun 9, 2023
All 15 reports naming brakes

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

No airflow or heat from the windshield defroster. Happened on a cold morning and the windshield fogged up and blocked vision of the road.

NHTSA ID 11565577 · filed Jan 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle a broken white plastic gear part was found on the front driver’s side floorboard. The contact later discovered the air condition selector switch was inoperable and the defroster could not be used to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the air conditioner mode switch actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ID 11492537 · filed Nov 7, 2022
All 14 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2015 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t have a key hole to lock it manually so I can’t close my trunk of my car. The latch assembly isn’t working properly so when I push the button it doesn’t lock. So I’m complaining about not having a key to lock the trunk of my vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11582891 · filed Apr 14, 2024

EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR I WASH THE CAR, WATER LEAKS INTO MY TRUNK. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE ANTENNA SEAL AND I HAVE HEARD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, BUT I HAVENT SEEN ANYWHERE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11377024 · filed Nov 30, 2020
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag light is on dashboard and my driver seat won’t recline back up to a normal driving position. Brought it to the mechanic to have it checked and was told I am in need of a new driver seat do to a faulty airbag. The car is not even 10 years old yet and I can’t use the seat properly to drive safely.

NHTSA ID 11549010 · filed Oct 9, 2023

AIRBAG LIGHT IS KEEP COMING ON. I HAVE POWER SEATS AND PAYED TO GET THE PANEL FIXED AND THE PANEL IS HANGING AGAIN.

NHTSA ID 11203659 · filed Apr 25, 2019
All 10 reports naming interior & seats

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(P), drive(D), and neutral(N), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter panel. The doors locked and unlocked, and the engine started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the message "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" was displayed during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road after each failure and the gear shifter was slowly shifted between gears until the desired gear was selected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11744242 · filed Jun 15, 2026

"Service Power Steering" message suddenly appeared while driving on the freeway and the car started to loose power and nearly shut off while driving. Through forums, I learned that this is an ongoing issue with Malibus.

NHTSA ID 11492340 · filed Nov 4, 2022
All 9 reports naming steering

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The slot in the B-Pillar where the seatbelt enters and exits the trim when it's extended or retracted has an unrounded and sharp edge. Under normal use, this plastic edge cuts nylon fibers on the sides of the belt, leading to a overall loss in integrity of the safety restraint. Vehicles should have rounded plastic edges or metal oblong loops to eliminate the belt rubbing against sharp surfaces. The belt is frayed on the side facing the forward part of the vehicle, which rubs the most as it's extended that direction when the driver pulls on the belt to fasten it. An independent mechanic says it seems to be a design flaw and my seatbelt is at a high risk of ripping in the event a substantial force is applied to it by an occupant during a crash.

NHTSA ID 11688570 · filed Sep 20, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11656637 · filed Apr 24, 2025
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Headlight lowbeams going bad every 4 or so months. Always divers side first. My electrical auto guy said he couldn't locate a problem with the bulb being burnt out.

NHTSA ID 11580166 · filed Mar 29, 2024

I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO NUMEROUS SHOPS TO GET THE MATTER FIXED BUT NO CODE SHOWS UP WHEN BEING TESTED FOR AND BLOWN FUSES. THE COMPLETE RIGHT TURN SING ALL AND HEAD LAMPS GOUTS OUT WHEN I USE IT TO TURN RIGHT. EVERYTHING GOES COMPLETELY BLACK AS I AM DRIVING THE CAR. REALLY AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT COULD BE WRONG?

NHTSA ID 11280663 · filed Nov 17, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED

NHTSA ID 11732005 · filed Apr 18, 2026

BOLTS SECURING REAR SUSPENSION MAY BE LOOSE ONE OR MORE BOLTS SECURING THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. LOOSE SUSPENSION BOLTS CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS.

NHTSA ID 10954299 · filed Feb 13, 2017

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Qdeana auto sales in Winchester ky took out my fog lights , 6by 9 speakers and replaced my wheels and tires with 3 18 inch tires that were all different brands and heights and widths and added my 4th tire that was completely a different sized. A size 17. Gave me a key fob that was broken and only that one. Made me have to buy a new one, also stole my 6 by 9s right out my car. Paid for a car straight out to them and they scammed me. They should be shut down ! And pay me my money !

NHTSA ID 11735428 · filed May 4, 2026

Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED

NHTSA ID 11732005 · filed Apr 18, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tire, Tire Line: Contipro Contact, Tire Size: 215/60R/16. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the passenger’s side front tire experienced a blowout. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. The Vin was not available.

NHTSA ID 11422813 · filed Jun 29, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES ASSURANCE TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

NHTSA ID 10818949 · filed Jan 8, 2016

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. During the incident, the front passenger made contact with the dashboard and sustained bruises to the left knee and finger. No medical treatment was needed. The failure mileage was 151,000.

NHTSA ID 11691613 · filed Oct 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact then veered to the left as the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ID 11633636 · filed Jan 2, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 8:00 P.M. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM UP. IT WAS 27 DEGREES OUT AND WHEN I TURNED MY HEAT ON, NO AIR WOULD BLOW OUT. THE CAR WAS IN PARK. AFTER I LET IT WARM UP FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I NOTICED THE AIR WOULD STILL NOT BLOW OUT. I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE AIR STILL WOULD NOT BLOW OUT. THE LIGHT ON THE KNOB INDICATING IT WAS ON, WAS NOT LIT UP. ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE WORKING FINE IN MY VEHICLE. ONCE I STARTED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIR KICKED ON AND STARTED BLOWING OUT. AND FUNCTIONED FINE FOR THE REST OF THE DRIVE. MY CAR HAS 20K MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. *TR

NHTSA ID 10934007 · filed Dec 8, 2016

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

Data on this page last refreshed .