RoadVitals

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain (other) Problems

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

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) 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.
8
Latest Aug 20, 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.
12%
of 69 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.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 8 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 powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to turn off. The “Shift to Park” message was displayed. Additionally, after the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle independently started. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer as per the manufacturer's request. However, the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where the portable diagnostic tester was attached to the vehicle. The diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: U0073, P0700, P25A2, U0101,U0129,U0146, U18D5, U18D7, U2413, U0073-00, U0100-00, U0140-00, U0151-00, U026A-00, U0420-00 and U0100. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and several cases were filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be scheduled to be towed to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ID
11758173
Incident
Jul 8, 2024
Mileage
3,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11752132
Incident
Jul 22, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 22, 2026

The issue appears to involve the engine and turbocharger system. The vehicle has shown symptoms consistent with a turbo underboost condition, including loss of power and reduced acceleration. A mechanic indicated that the symptoms may be consistent with diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue affects safe operation because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while driving, which creates a risk when merging into traffic, accelerating, or maintaining speed in normal traffic conditions. The loss of power is inconsistent and can occur without warning, increasing the potential safety concern. The problem has been ongoing. The check engine light is currently on and has remained on. The warning light first appeared around January 2026, and the issue has continued since then. Similar turbocharger-related issues have been reported in prior model years, including 2022 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, where coverage or corrective actions were provided, raising concern that the same or similar issue may be affecting 2023 models.

NHTSA ID
11733160
Incident
Jan 10, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 7, 2026

We decided to take a road trip 2023 chev Malibu with 142000 miles and transmission goes bad

NHTSA ID
11729746
Incident
Mar 27, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated and unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, there was a white fuel warning light illuminated with the message “Low Fuel” displayed after refueling the vehicle. The white exclamation warning icon with the "Shift to Park" message, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the “Engine Power Reduced message was displayed. Additionally, the power train and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure was not replicated; an aftermarket tracker was disconnected. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred the following week. The vehicle was then taken back to the same dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,619.

NHTSA ID
11722895
Incident
Oct 10, 2025
Mileage
57,619 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 11, 2026
1 injury reported

MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY THEY WONT DO A RECALL ON ALL THE MALIBUS UNLESS ALOT OF PEOPLE REPORT AND NHTSA MAKES GMC REALL ALL CHEVY MALIBUS TURBOCHARGER ( GM launched a special coverage program for 2022-2023 models with 1.5L engines due to turbocharger failures leading to "Reduced Engine Power". The program covers, or potentially reimburses, repairs up to 15 years/150,000 miles)BUT MY VEHICLE VIN ISNT COVERED.

NHTSA ID
11717268
Incident
Feb 9, 2026
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 13, 2025

Check engine light will come on entire car will shut off. Shuttering, braking locks up, all power is reduced, especially engine power. car will get towed to the Chevrolet dealership in temple, Tx and Killeen, Tx for repairs. When hooked up to the scanner all 7 modules show as faulty. Chevrolet of Killeen replaced only 3 of the modules stating that was the issue. two days after repair same issue has happened. when hooked up to the scanner again all modules were faulty again including the ones that were just repaired. car has been in the shop for 100 days now. the car will cool down, and the check engine light will reset itself showing no issues repeat the process.

NHTSA ID
11693054
Incident
Apr 8, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 11, 2025

At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated P023F fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed same fuel pump error code. Confirmed no recall. Car is currently being repaired by dealership at my expense as dealership & GM says fuel pump is not covered by powertrain warranty. Cost is over $1500! Fuel pump should last longer than 40,000 miles! Please research this faulty fuel pump!

NHTSA ID
11672718
Incident
Jul 7, 2025

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .