2018 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road. The message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic retained the vehicle and informed the contact that it was unsafe to drive due to a potential fire risk. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for service. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

NHTSA ID

11755237

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

Mileage

169,000 mi

I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump was replaced. Approximately one week after the vacuum pump replacement, the warranty replacement engine suffered catastrophic failure. The repair facility diagnosed cylinder #3 scoring and informed me that the engine required replacement. I was told that the engine failure was related to the vacuum pump failure. Because the warranty replacement engine was no longer covered under warranty, General Motors initially declined to cover the repair. Initially, neither General Motors nor the Chevrolet dealership was willing to accept responsibility for the issue. After continued discussions, General Motors ultimately agreed to provide partial financial assistance as a goodwill adjustment. However, I was still left responsible for paying a substantial amount out of pocket to purchase and install a third engine. The cost has created a significant financial burden that I have struggled to afford, especially because the repair involved a component that I was informed has a known history of failure. I was also informed that vacuum pump failures are a known issue with these vehicles and that General Motors is aware of the problem, although no recall has been issued. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple vacuum pump failures, two catastrophic engine failures, and have now required three engines in the same vehicle. This has resulted in significant financial hardship, loss of use of my vehicle, and serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11754547

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship and the money it’s continues to take as more and more needs to be fixed or replaced as well as all the gaskets and screws that are only one time use as well as parts like my high pressured fuel line I mean this lost keeps going. I and to replace the water pump as well and all due to this vacuum pump that’s been reported and reported and nothing has been done this is outrageous that what’s caused is so much more then just a vacuum pump it can destroy your vehicle miles don’t matter the less or if you have more the pump goes out when it feels like it. Creating more issues then it should and potentially totaling out a vehicle as it’s been said mine should be. So I’m trying to fix my car to prevent losing it and it’s been one thing after another and such a nightmare. The fact that this issue continues to be ignored is unacceptable and a complete disregard to public safety due to the serious safety issue as mine I could barley get my car to stop the breaks were hard and unable to push down without basically standing on them to get into stop at only 7-8 miles per hour I was moving when the vacuum booster went out. Someone should not have to die to have this issue addressed and to be taken seriously and made right! I can’t believe nothing has been done and that it’s not required to have to address this issue with the severity it bring to one’s safety as well as public safety is beyond me. This is a major lawsuit and people’s lives and lovely hood should be taken more seriously and instead nothing is being done. It’s very concerning to think what has to happen for this to be addressed!

NHTSA ID

11753408

Incident

May 7, 2026

JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE CAR IS RECEIVING ERROR: "SHIFT TO PARK". THIS APPEAR TO BE A KNOW ISSUE FOR 2018 CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID. CAR CUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC

NHTSA ID

11751389

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I was told that the vacuum pump failed and exploded the parts into the camshaft. After 2 days of repairs I was finally able to get my car back to working order. This could have been a fatal car accident coming down a mountain pass. I was able to get stopped safely because I know the road. I had just driven 700 miles over Eisenhower Pass, Vail Pass, Glenwood Canyon, and then the final pass being McClure pass where it failed. I bought this car brand new and I probably won't buy another Chevy after this. This was a terrifying experience that I will have lasting trauma from.

NHTSA ID

11750766

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on the interstate and attempting to exit the ramp at 40-45 MPH, the brakes failed. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, confirmed there was no recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11742983

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Mileage

150,000 mi

I went to put my car in park and it was saying "Shift to Park" on my dashboard even though I was already in park. I know that there was a lawsuit that was won for this very defect but my car is not recalled for this and I feel every Malibu should be especially if almost every Malibu is experiencing the same issue Nationwide. It cannot be a coincidence. Also I have been having issues with a knocking noise on the back of the car when I am driving and I'm being told it's also another common issue with Malibu's known as the Knuckles that need replaced which are not cheap. If these are common issues on every Malibu then every Malibu needs to be recalled for the issue to be fixed not just certain ones. My Malibu has not had one recall but has had the same issues that other Malibu's had with multiple recalls done.

NHTSA ID

11742533

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.

NHTSA ID

11741758

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

The vacuum break booster went out. My check engine light came on and it said power reduced I’m not sure exactly. Because my power didn’t reduce but my car seems to be misfiring. Luckily I was going to be turning at a light and there was a few cars in front of me so I wasn’t going fast. As I got closer to the car in front of me I applied my breaks. They would not move and were hard and I gave it all I had to try to get my car to stop and thank god it did. Then my car stalled. I tried to start it and it just kept cranking but wouldn’t turn over, it also would not turn off till about the 3 times I push then button it finally turned off. Yes my safety and others would surely been at risk I wouldn’t have been able to stop in time if someone pulled in front of me or stopped suddenly I would not have been able to stop. If a child ran into the street I inn o way could’ve stopped! My step dad is a mechanic and he also ran a test on the check engine light and it threw 7 codes from this occurring. It didn’t give me no time it was very sudden. Once the engine power reduced appeared on my dash the check engine light came on and my car began misfiring in less then 45 seconds I went to apply the breaks and they were hard and I could barely stop. That was when I was almost about to be at a full stop so I wasn’t going very fast at all and I almost rear ended the person in front of me waiting to turn at the light. Then my car stalled. It all happened within 1 min 30 seconds from the warning my engine power was reduced but my engine power wasn’t not reduced either, and from then my check engine light and it all only took less then 2 minutes to all occur. It was sudden, no warning to think my breaks would not work at all and very quickly it could’ve been so much worse I can’t even imagine. Very alarming and fearful or my life and others from this occurring with no time to react and no idea what happened was going to. I will not buy a Chevy Malibu again and I was going to!

NHTSA ID

11736822

Incident

May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving and stopped at a traffic light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that five minutes after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11733336

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive driving, the vehicle drove sluggishly and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light was reset, but the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a diagnostic test could not be performed because the machine was unable to remain connected to the ECM. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that three fuel injectors were weak, there was a crack in the lower oil pan, and that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was partially repaired by replacing the oil pan, but the fuel injectors were not replaced. The contact stated that on several occasions during the summer, after turning the vehicle off, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The vehicle was turned on and the shifter was shifted several times and was turned off several times until the correct gear selection was recognized. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11733040

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Mileage

116,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a failure near the fuse box. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The ECM and PCM were diagnosed, and DTC: P0689 was retrieved. The vehicle was undrivable. An appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of the diagnostic test. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who checked the spark plugs, cylinders, and fuses; however, the vehicle still failed to start. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure; however, the contact was placed on hold. The contact disconnected the call because no one returned to the call. The failure mileage was 123,334.

NHTSA ID

11721715

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Mileage

123,334 mi

I was driving on the freeway with my kids in the car at 60 mph and without warning I get an engine power reduced message and then my car losing power and starts dropping speeds down to 35 mph within seconds. I have cars speeding up behind me and I can't go any faster than 35 mph on the freeway so I am forced to quickly pull to the side of the freeway before I get hit. This was one of the post scariest situations for me any my children. I had to turn the car off and sit for awhile before I could start it back up and pray it made it home and didn't do it again. It has randonly done this for no rhyme or reason and no codes are showing when it's happening. I have no recalls on my car so this is something I believe Chevy needs to fix before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA ID

11717742

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

I was driving and the reduced engine power came on. I almost crashed because I couldn't control the steering

NHTSA ID

11716308

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

The Vacuum pump continues to go out causes code P1101. I have replaced it 4 times and people just in my town are fighting this code for dear life like me! It causes our brakes to barely work and make it completely unsafe to drive as the check engine light goes in and out for MAF sensor. It’s not safe. It needs to be recalled. It doesn’t matter if i buy the most cheapest part or expensive part. It has happened on multiple occasions where i replace it and within 2 months, its back on and does reduced power in the middle of me driving on busy roads. i’ve been almost hit and almost caused multiple accidents because I have to pull over.

NHTSA ID

11715185

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.

NHTSA ID

11713472

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

Engine power reduced car shuts off and will not start

NHTSA ID

11710102

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brake pedal suddenly became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was required to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while stopping the vehicle. The contact then stated that after pulling into a parking lot, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11709076

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

Mileage

111,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was difficult to turn over. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the fuel injectors were leaking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,074.

NHTSA ID

11699741

Incident

Nov 16, 2025

Mileage

123,074 mi

The back up camera cuts out while backing up. The lines vanish and leave only the picture. The check engine light comes on with the throttle body being the culprit.

NHTSA ID

11697873

Incident

Apr 25, 2025

I get a engine power reduced warning and check engine light is on for 3 start cycles and goes away. Auto Start/Stop after stopping, lights flicker and power is slow to come back on upon auto start and I get a power steering reduced warning.,

NHTSA ID

11691535

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

Purchased a car for financing from Barret Motors and 2300 Lakeview PKWY, Rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [XXX] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to Chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment asap because I just started a new job which they also knew. The car has had a recall since 09-06-19 for an engine control module. Which is a serious issue and this car never had it completed and sold me a car with possible engine issue and did not inform there’s a recall on the vehicle for almost 5 years now. I took the car to get serviced at Chevy for the recall on 09/09/2025 and now I am facing multiple issues with the car from it not being done years ago. The recall was N192221960 and it’s major so to sell a car before getting the properly service and I have been financing the vehicle for a year now. Never not once late and I am now being told there’s nothing can be done. I have photos of the car having the engine light pop on the same day u financed this vehicle. Barret knew a serious engine problem was effecting this car for 5 years and still deciding to sell it to me for financing on [XXX]. I need immediate assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11691347

Incident

Jul 30, 2024

Multiple components and/or system failures/malfunctions, exact cause is unknown. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risks include engine power reduction issues that result in unexpected deceleration, and/or sudden/dangerous loss of power/acceleration. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, representatives, or any others other than diagnostic trouble code testing at O’Reilly auto parts due to illuminated check engine light. Vehicle displays error messages “engine power reduced,” while driving and/or idle, and “shift to park” when vehicle has already been shifted into park. No obvious symptoms of the problem prior to failure, unknown when first appeared. Vehicle-2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT L4-1.5L 1490cc 91ci GAS DI Turbocharged vin T LFV-4 valve DOHC (Mileage-145000). Primary Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code “P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance (Code P0014 indicates that the Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position timing was advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period of time),” with additional Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes “P0011 - Intake Camshaft Position System Performance,” and “P1101 - Intake Air Flow System Performance.” Also receiving ABS Diagnostic Trouble Code “U0422-71 - Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module - Invalid Data.” Suggested solutions included “Replace Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid,” and “Replace Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid.” Believed to be related to NHTSA ID numbers 11643630, 11586483, 11581989, 11569471, 11568501, 11565871, 11564692, 11635526, 11457416, 11420146, 11416774, 11325303, 11561528, 11559451, 11555493, and approximately 30 other related NHTSA ID Numbers for same error message(s), and/or problem code(s), NHTSA Campaign Number 19V642, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V642000, GM Special Coverage Number N182188250, and GM Recall Number N192221960.

NHTSA ID

11689865

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

Engine Reduced Power Light on dash. Vehicle stalling

NHTSA ID

11678281

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

!Engine Power is Reduced

NHTSA ID

11678009

Incident

Jul 28, 2025