2017 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical Problems

When the vehicle is shifted into Park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down. The dashboard displays a "Shift to Park" warning message, indicating the vehicle does not recognize that the gear selector is physically in the Park position.To shut the engine off, the driver must repeatedly wiggle, slam, or cycle the gear shifter back and forth into Park until the electrical sensor finally registers the connection. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle can roll away if left unsecured, drains the car battery, and prevents the doors from locking properly.Crucially, this defect traps drivers inside an operational vehicle for extended periods while they repeatedly struggle to force it to shut down. This poses an immediate risk of heat-related illness or death (hyperthermia), especially in high-temperature environments, during heatwaves, or for vulnerable occupants like children and the elderly who cannot exit the vehicle safely until it is off.

NHTSA ID

11749242

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Shift to park error on dash. GM is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and Chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix this. If it's a known, repetitive issue on several models, it should be a recall. This causes owners to try to fix this issue themselves, which can cause more damage and more money.

NHTSA ID

11742521

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This situation poses a potential safety concern, as drivers might mistakenly assume their cars are securely parked and powered off while walking away. The issue has been prevalent enough for the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on June 7, 2021. The TSB specifically targets the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, while also mentioning the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and other 2016-2019 Chevrolet models. The bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing the “Shift to Park” problems, although it does not present a definitive solution to the underlying issue. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX IT

NHTSA ID

11713855

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. WHY is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the P1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or MAF sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The shift to park issue is so common. This is getting ridiculous. Plus the code. Please fix this ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11702122

Incident

Nov 30, 2025

When I accelerate and try to stop brakes goes down to the floor. I’ve had my rotors. Brakes changed and it’s impossible to stop at times. Purchase vehicle. 2018 and the check engine light came on shortly after I purchased it. It’s been on. I’ve got diagnostics. It’s unknown why! Tire sensors has been changed, including with new tires and none of them work and the airbag light is illuminated. I am concerned about my safety in this vehicle. I reported many times and I’m unaware of any recalls. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11699188

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

Engine Power Reduced, My car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle

NHTSA ID

11697859

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Okay so my car had 2 recalls but the they were not repaired the same problem reoccurred . Which was the car engine not turning on and electrical problems etc. I don’t really know how to explain it but yes it’s having the same problems .

NHTSA ID

11684084

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Currently I am having issues putting my car in park. Even when it shows that it is parked there is an “Action Required” that pops up saying “Shift to Park”. This has been happening all week and as I am able to toggle the shift stick it is no longer allowing me to which leaves my car somewhat on when I leave. I’ve contacted the dealership for repairs since I’ve seen this is a common recall issue with my model vehicle. However, they informed me that it would be an out of pocket expense even though research shows that this should be an expense paid by the dealership since they’ve had many complaints on this issue and can cause certain safety issues for members. I’m getting ready to PCS soon and need to pay out of pocket expenses for my move so trying to pay for something that the dealership should pay for is truly inconvenient.

NHTSA ID

11681107

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message to depress the brake pedal and shift to park(P) was displayed. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while driving at speeds below 40 MPH. The vehicle was returned to the same mechanic, and it was determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the PCV valve and the valve cover were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that the oxygen sensor was not OEM and replaced the Oxygen sensor with an OEM part. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and reprogramed the hybrid engine control module. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11673917

Incident

May 21, 2025

Mileage

75,000 mi

The shift to park sensor will become stuck and not register that the car is in park causing the battery to drain.

NHTSA ID

11665172

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11662208

Incident

May 13, 2025

Mileage

167,000 mi

About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system wouldn't shut off. I don't think it's right being sold a car with known issues then being told there did nothing that can be done about it, please help!!!!

NHTSA ID

11645787

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Every time I shift the car into park, I receive a "shift to park" warning on the informational display. I am unable to turn car off until the car recognizes it. Can sometimes take 10 minutes before I can get car to recognize. This was fixed once before while under warranty and fix lasted 3 years. They cleaned the park switch contacts and installed an online shifter jumper harness but will not cover the fix now that it is happening out of warranty. It's a known issue that mechanics say is so common a recall should be issued.

NHTSA ID

11644370

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the electrical system was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11638374

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Mileage

86,000 mi

Since buying this car a year and a half ago, I have had to have the pedal position sensor replaced 5 times, my car has been broken down since April due to an oil leak issue and the pedal position sensor.

NHTSA ID

11634469

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

We own a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu plagued with the "Shift to Park" issue. I have read numerous articles regarding this issue and they reference a recall on this problem. However, I have been unsuccessful locating this document. Was a recall actually ever created for this issue; and, if so, where could I find it?

NHTSA ID

11633394

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that the message "Please Shift to Park" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective gear shifter wiring harness, and a battery current sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11621104

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my Chevy Malibu, specifically related to the Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak light intermittently flickers on and off while driving, which raises significant safety concerns. This malfunction has been ongoing, and despite efforts to diagnose the problem, my local auto mechanic has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. Services Performed: Initial diagnostic checks were conducted to identify any fault codes related to the Stabilitrak system. The mechanic found no definitive issues but noted that the warning light's behavior indicated a potential underlying problem. Each visit has led to additional uncertainty, with suggestions from the mechanic to proceed through the GM flow chart for further diagnosis. However, this approach may lead to extensive labor costs with no guaranteed resolution. Financial Burden: The recommendation to follow the GM flow chart for diagnosis is concerning, as it may result in significant and unnecessary expenses without a clear outcome. As a consumer, I believe that a properly functioning diagnostic system should provide clarity on such issues without incurring exorbitant costs. The erratic behavior of the Stabilitrak system poses a serious safety risk while driving. This system is critical for maintaining vehicle stability, particularly in adverse conditions, and its failure could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. I have been made aware of other drivers experiencing similar issues with their Chevy Malibu vehicles. It raises the question of whether there is a known defect in the Stabilitrak system that warrants a recall. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further, as it seems that GM has not taken the necessary steps to address these concerns

NHTSA ID

11616780

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

Rear high mount brake light is loose allowing water to leak I. And around the electrical connections, rear speakers in vehicle have moisture around them, potentially causingin a short and fire hazard

NHTSA ID

11615919

Incident

Sep 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that the "Please Shift to Park" message was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the gear shifter wiring harness and battery current sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11607313

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

Mileage

30,000 mi

Vehicle shut down completely while at intersection with no warning including no dash board warnings, recently had vehicle repaired at dealership computer was replaced, injectors cleaned, fuel system flushed. This car is unpredictable at times and not safe if turning off with no warning, if I did get a warning it's after the vehicle shut down then started back up with "Stabil break" code and reduced steering. I have kept up with the maintence on this vehicle since purchase had no wrecks and it's money gone down the drain. I'm not understanding why there hasn't been a recall on this cars electrical component's there seems to be some time of communication issue between the computer & parts causing the car to completely shut down.

NHTSA ID

11597498

Incident

Jun 27, 2024

Shift to park replaced 2 times problem still happening. Car says not in park when in park.

NHTSA ID

11591813

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

The infotainment system cycles and will change the radio, activate the gps anything that can be controlled through the infotainment system, it also changes the instrument cluster at times; the lane detection, distance alarm all the features, even the language and MPH to KPH. This can cause a sudden shock and safety issue as you are now unaware of the vehicle speed and even cause eratic driving as this can be a shock and take you by suprise.

NHTSA ID

11591482

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

When powering off car, shift to park message is displayed even though the car is in park. The vehicle will not power all the way down, and the battery will drain.

NHTSA ID

11590760

Incident

May 25, 2024

Unknown. Original owner.24,000 miles. When car turned off, shift to park message occurs. Required 10 on off cycles to turn car off. Dangerous since could be draining battery.

NHTSA ID

11582591

Incident

Jun 1, 2023