2019 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has 285 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and power train.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 285 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
59 20.7%
POWER TRAIN
57 20%
ENGINE
56 19.6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
35 12.3%
SERVICE BRAKES
18 6.3%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 20.7% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 29 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has 285 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (59), POWER TRAIN (57), ENGINE (56).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 163 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 29 of 29 systems
POWER TRAIN
51 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH OF A DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE THE FEATURE PERMANENTLY BY OWNER REQUEST OR HAVE A METHOD FOR THE OWNER TO BYPASS THE SYSTEM. WITH LESS THAN 250 MILES I HAVE EXPERIENCED 2 INCIDENTS OF ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME FROM A STOP AND 1 OF ALMOST BEING HIT PULLING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. I SEE MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND HOPE THIS CAN BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR WORSE DUE TO IT.
2/20/2019
THE SPRING STEEL C-CLIP HOLDING THE CVT FLUID COOLING LINE IN PLACE AT THE RADIATOR FELL OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE 5. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAINED OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BUT THE ENGINE RAN FINE.
6/17/2019
ENGINE
48 Reports19% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
START/STOP ON POWERTRAIN / MOTOR CONTROL. MOTOR STOPS ON BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE AND STARTS UPON ? ? DECREASE IN PEDAL PRSSURE ? MOTOR STARTED AND RPM ACCELERATED BU ITSELF WHILE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED, VEHICLE "SURGED" AND HIT POST. MOTOR ACCELERATES RPM / WORKS BY ITSELF. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. DELAY IN "START / STOP" CAUSING SURGE. SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING PROBLEM ?
4/15/2019
NEW CAR. 500 MILES ON MOTOR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. P2097. NOTICED DECREASED ENGINE POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE. CAR STALLED ON START. FELT SLIGHT SHIMMY FROM MOTOR WHILE SITTING IDLE.
9/16/2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
48 Reports19% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FAULTY FUEL PUMP COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND KEY KOB READER
7/8/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION, THE RADIO WAS STILL OPERATIONAL. THE PUSH TO START BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED AND THE RADIO TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT INFORMED AN UNNAMED DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,359.
2/6/2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
29 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THE AUTO START WILL ENGAGE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND YOU RELEASE THE BREAK THE CAR WON'T MOVE. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE PLACED IN PARK TURNED COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON, DEARLER SHIP CANT FIND WHATS WRONG.
8/26/2020
WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT VEHICLE DISPLAYED MESSAGE 'STEERING ASSIST REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE' THIS HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES. VEHICLE IS A 2019 BROUGHT IT BRAND NEW THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.
9/20/2020
SERVICE BRAKES
18 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE WHEELS FEEL LIKE THERE ARE PUSHING ONE WAY. WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. PRESSING THE ON BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES. COUPLE DAYS AGO WE HAD TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS ON THE CAR FRONT TIRES. ITS WAS GOOD A COUPLE DAYS AND NOW AGAIN DOING THE SAME THING.. *TR
5/13/2020
I WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 49 WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAKS, AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I LET MY FOOT UP OFF THE BREAKS AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON, BUT STILL NOTHING. I WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND THE CAR STARTED BACK UP, SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND STARTED DRIVING, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN THE BREAKS WERE VERY TIGHT. FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF, I SAT THERE AND TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I FOUND NOTHING, SO I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND CRANKED IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT THE CAR TO STAR CHEVROLET AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. *TR
6/2/2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
13 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FAULTY FUEL PUMP COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND KEY KOB READER
7/8/2019
NEW CAR. 500 MILES ON MOTOR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. P2097. NOTICED DECREASED ENGINE POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE. CAR STALLED ON START. FELT SLIGHT SHIMMY FROM MOTOR WHILE SITTING IDLE.
9/16/2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SOME DAYS WHEN I AM DRIVING MY CAR IT SEEMS AS IF I'M PUSHING MY FOOT DOWN ALL THE WAY ONTO THE PEDAL AND THAT'S NOT NORMAL IT DID IT TODAY 6/4/2020I JUST GOT THAT CAR OCTOBER 2019, IT DID IT 3 TIMES SO FAR LIKE I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND IT SEEM AS IF THE CAR TOOK A VERY LONG TIME FOR ME TOO PUSH DOWN ON THE PEDAL, AND ALSO WHILE TURNING A CORNER IT TOOK A WHILE FOR THE ACCELERATION TOO CATCH UP AND AS I DID SOME REACH SEARCH SOME LOWER YEAR CARS LIKE MINE HAS RECALLS FOR FUEL INJECTORS RELATING TOO ENGINE STALLING OR PEDAL SENSORS. *TR
6/4/2020
WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MERGING IF I GET CLOSE TO 3 RPM TO GET UP TO 60-65 MPH M ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH AS WELL AS MY TRACTION SENSOR LIGHT AND MY CAR WILL NO LONGER ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE. ALSO AFTER THIS HAPPENS IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED TWICE THE FIRST TIME THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG THE SECOND TIME THEY DISCOVERED 3 OF MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE BROKEN. I STILL EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY SCARY NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH BIG SEMIS AND OTHER VEHICLES COMING BEHIND ME.
3/25/2021
AIR BAGS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM KEEPS GOING OFF FOR WARNING
9/29/2020
While I was getting on the highway during acceleration there was a loud popping sound which was immediately followed by the check engine light turning on the airbag system warning light turning on and a reduction in engine power. I had to pull off to the side of the highway and pop my hood in which at that point I observed the air intake hose had popped off of the throttle body. I put it back on and attempted to continue to drive but it popped off again which caused me to take it very slow ride to the closest dealership. Once I arrived I had it checked out by a service technician and was advised that my throttle body needed to be replaced and so does my airbag clock spring which controls the airbag system, it's deployment, the horn and all of the steering wheel controls. Without this being operational I cannot blow my horn and the airbags may not deploy or malfunction in the event of a crash. I looked online and found out that this was an existing problem with previous models of the Chevy Malibu specifically 2016 to 2018 models.
8/19/2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently fail to accelerate above 55 MPH as the "Engine Power Reduced" message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact called the dealer and was informed that she could not be given an appointment for another month. She then contacted an independent mechanic and was informed that unless the failure was persistent, they would not be able to diagnose the failure. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unable to reach a representative. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
9/29/2022
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was stiff and could not be depressed. The contact stated he heard a grinding noise coming from the front tires. The contact stated that he was able to slow the vehicle by shifting to low(L) and using the parking brake. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P0556 (Brake Booster Pressure Sensor) failure. The mechanic also determined that the brake vacuum booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,697.
12/7/2022
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I canât get car to go into park, I continuously get a âshift to parkâ error..This seems dangerous and from what I read online this is a chronic problem with this year malibu
7/14/2022
I get a warning saying that the car is not in park when it is in park, when I am driving or stopped at a stop sign or red light the engine will shut completely off as if the car was in park. When I take my foot off the break it will start back up as if the car had just been started by pushing the engine start/ stop button. Itâs really scary when I have my kids I. The car with me
7/25/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION, THE RADIO WAS STILL OPERATIONAL. THE PUSH TO START BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED AND THE RADIO TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT INFORMED AN UNNAMED DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,359.
2/6/2020
WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MERGING IF I GET CLOSE TO 3 RPM TO GET UP TO 60-65 MPH M ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH AS WELL AS MY TRACTION SENSOR LIGHT AND MY CAR WILL NO LONGER ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE. ALSO AFTER THIS HAPPENS IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED TWICE THE FIRST TIME THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG THE SECOND TIME THEY DISCOVERED 3 OF MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE BROKEN. I STILL EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY SCARY NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH BIG SEMIS AND OTHER VEHICLES COMING BEHIND ME.
3/25/2021
STEERING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE WHEELS FEEL LIKE THERE ARE PUSHING ONE WAY. WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. PRESSING THE ON BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES. COUPLE DAYS AGO WE HAD TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS ON THE CAR FRONT TIRES. ITS WAS GOOD A COUPLE DAYS AND NOW AGAIN DOING THE SAME THING.. *TR
5/13/2020
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the "stability track" symbol illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the brakes started to grab, causing the vehicle to shudder. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked to the left which she corrected by turning to the right. The contact stated that additional warning lights for the power steering and ESC illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence, placed the vehicle in park (P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
3/30/2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While I was getting on the highway during acceleration there was a loud popping sound which was immediately followed by the check engine light turning on the airbag system warning light turning on and a reduction in engine power. I had to pull off to the side of the highway and pop my hood in which at that point I observed the air intake hose had popped off of the throttle body. I put it back on and attempted to continue to drive but it popped off again which caused me to take it very slow ride to the closest dealership. Once I arrived I had it checked out by a service technician and was advised that my throttle body needed to be replaced and so does my airbag clock spring which controls the airbag system, it's deployment, the horn and all of the steering wheel controls. Without this being operational I cannot blow my horn and the airbags may not deploy or malfunction in the event of a crash. I looked online and found out that this was an existing problem with previous models of the Chevy Malibu specifically 2016 to 2018 models.
8/19/2021
I have no Brake Lights when applying the Brakes and cruise control no longer works due to Service ESC message on display. I was advised by replacing the battery this would clear the ESC but it did not. I believe the service ESC message is tied into the brake lights and cruise control not working.
11/11/2022
STRUCTURE
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an unknown substance that leaked through the windshield and the trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. The VIN was unavailable.
12/27/2021
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that he noticed water leaking on both sides of the trunk. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred whenever it rained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that water was leaking through the rear window. The dealer removed the rear window and headliner and the dealer cleaned the water. The dealer then reinstalled and resealed the rear window on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
9/26/2022
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR MAIMED BY A DEFECTIVE TIRE JACK THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE TIRE CHANGING EQUIPMENT THAT CAME WITH A NEW IMPALA I RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL. THE JACK BENT IN TWO WHEN I TRIED TO CRANK THE JACK HIGH ENOUGH TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE CHINESE-MADE PART #13592351/2017. I HAVE NOTIFIED BOTH ENTERPRISE AND GENERAL MOTORS. IN DISCUSSING THE ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT NEITHER COMPANY INCLUDES A SAFETY CHECK OF THE TIRE JACK. MY CONCERN IS THAT 40-50 THOUSAND IMPALAS WERE SOLD IN 2018. CAR RENTAL COMPANIES PURCHASED THEM AS DID DEALERSHIPS. THOUSANDS OF UNUSED, I.E. NEW TIRE JACKS MAY BE SITTING IN THE TRUNKS OF IMPALAS THROUGHOUT THE US, CANADA, ETC. AND SOME COULD BE DEFECTIVE. THE GM EXECUTIVE OFFICE REP SAID THEY WERE GOING TO CONTACT ENTERPRISE REGARDING THE SAFETY ISSUE. TO ME THIS IS SHORT SIGHTED ON GM'S PART. THEY DON'T SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN FINDING THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE JACK. ARE THEY MORE LIKELY TO CHANGE THEIR TUNE, IF CONSUMERS DIE AS A RESULT OF USING THE GENERAL MOTORS PROVIDED DEFECTIVE JACKS? STAY TUNED.
10/26/2018
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TAKATA RECALL. AFTER DRIVING MY MALIBU FOR MORE THAN A QUICK DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK I NOTICED THAT MY LEFT EYE WAS GETTING BLURRY AND I SEEMED A LITTLE NAUSEOUS. THE SYMPTOMS STARTED EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED A DISTORTION OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS CAUSING THE NAUSEA. WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AT ONCOMING TRAFFIC MY VIEW IS DISTORTED. THE SAME AS WHEN I LOOK THE VERY RIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DROVE ANOTHER BRAND NEW MALIBU FOR A DAY AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE I GET NAUSEATED AND HAVE A SMALL HEADACHE. GM THEN DECIDED TO REPLACE MY WINDSHIELD. I RECEIVED A LONER EQUINOX TO DRIVE AND HAD NO ISSUES. I DROVE A SILVERADO FOR A FEW DAYS WITH NO PROBLEM. I TRADED IN MY OLD 2016 MALIBU THAT HAD NO ISSUES. I HAVE HAD COUNTLESS FRIENDS DRIVE MY NEW MALIBU AND THEY ALL SEE THE DISTORTION. I HAVE TRIED MOVING MY SEAT, CLEANING MY WINDSHIELD, PUTTING A TOWEL ON MY DASHBOARD TO REMOVE GLARE AND NOW ANOTHER BRAND NEW WINDSHIELD. I CAN'T DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE. I DRIVE TWENTY MINUTES TO WORK AND TAKES MY BRAIN ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES TO READJUST AFTER I GET OUT. I WANT MY OLD CAR BACK. THE DISTORTION IS A CONSTANT WHETHER DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, AROUND THE BLOCK, SUNNY OR RAINY DAYS.
6/25/2019
WHEELS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE WHEELS FEEL LIKE THERE ARE PUSHING ONE WAY. WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. PRESSING THE ON BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES. COUPLE DAYS AGO WE HAD TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS ON THE CAR FRONT TIRES. ITS WAS GOOD A COUPLE DAYS AND NOW AGAIN DOING THE SAME THING.. *TR
5/13/2020
VISIBILITY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an unknown substance that leaked through the windshield and the trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. The VIN was unavailable.
12/27/2021
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was placed in Park, the "Shift to Park" warning message was displayed while turning off the vehicle with the push to start/stop button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the sensor and gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
2/7/2022
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The ESC, traction control, check engine, and powertrain malfunction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000
4/5/2022
SEAT BELTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I bought the car from Variety Auto in Abingdon VA, and then I had the accident on May 3rd 2022 I took it to the collision center and then after they repaired the body they noticed the airbag lights and the restraint system lights came on also, and when Rameyâs started doing the work for the air, module and wiring harness and air bag they noticed that the wiring harness was not working properly and the air bag was cut completely out they put diodes in the wiring to keep the lights off, they sold me the car saying that there was no airbag deployed but we later found out that it was, and also when I had the accident it didnât deploy and thatâs why is because there wasnât a airbag in it to start with, if you need anything else we have all the proof of deception by someone and if you need anything else here is my phone number [XXX] you can call me anytime, thank you!!! I tried to up load all the pages and everything but it would only let me do the first Paige, so if need these let me know and I can probably get them faxed to you, thank you!!! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
12/12/2022
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park(P) and turned off, a message displayed across the screen that stated âShift to Parkâ indicating that the vehicle was not parked. The contact stated that she was informed by a mechanic that the message indicated that the vehicle was not completely in park. The contact stated that an undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic test. The contact stated that no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
5/26/2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the brake pedal was firm when depressed and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. No warning light was illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Codes for the camshaft sensor and crankcase sensor. The camshaft sensor was replaced by the contact. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the ABS vacuum pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
9/18/2023
LANE DEPARTURE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy rain storm, the vehicle lost significant motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact also stated that a message displayed, "Side detection system disabled," and the lane departure assist system activated, briefly steering the vehicle into oncoming traffic before he was able to regain control. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,500.
10/12/2023
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy rain storm, the vehicle lost significant motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact also stated that a message displayed, "Side detection system disabled," and the lane departure assist system activated, briefly steering the vehicle into oncoming traffic before he was able to regain control. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,500.
10/12/2023
PARKING BRAKE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while at a light, the engine lost motive power and shut off. The vehicle began to roll backward. The emergency brake was inoperable. The vehicle shifted from park. The contact continued to pull the emergency brake, but it failed to respond. The contact attempted to turn the vehicle off, but it failed to turn off. The vehicle crashed into a ditch. The passenger sustained injuries to her head. The driver sustained injuries to his shoulder. The occupants did not receive any medical attention. There was no fire or air bag deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. 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 approximately 105,800.
8/26/2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, after removing the foot from the pedal brake and turning off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact was unable to exit the vehicle while the message was displayed. Additionally, the doors were unable to be locked during the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was provided the cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,555.
8/27/2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
My 2019 Chevy Malibu had a problem where the gear shifter failed to properly register that it's in the "park" position, even when I moved the lever there, resulting in a message on the dashboard saying "shift to park" having me afraid to leave the vehicle and having to restart the vehicle and move the shifter to different gears then trying again even driving a few feet to see if that would help finally after a several tries i was able to park vehicle. I scheduled a appointment with Lasorsa GM service for 2 /18/ 25 this was my second incident the prior one resolved after two tries but was also unnerving
2/17/2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, the contact determined that the failure was due to the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
6/10/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Are complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Are complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Malibu: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 285
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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