2018 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report issues with the engine suddenly losing power, often accompanied by a "reduced engine power" warning message. This problem can occur at various speeds and may lead to the vehicle stalling or decelerating abruptly, which poses a safety risk, particularly on highways. Complaints also mention difficulties with the car starting, as well as issues with fuel injectors and engine sensors, such as the barometric pressure sensor. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 58,000 miles. In one case, a crash was associated with these engine issues, and another complaint involved a fire, highlighting potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report issues related to the vehicle's speed control, particularly involving the "Reduced Engine Power" warning and sudden deceleration. Common symptoms include the car unexpectedly dropping to speeds as low as 10-30 mph while driving, often accompanied by warning lights for the traction control and check engine. These incidents occur at various mileages, with some reports indicating problems as early as 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three complaints involving crashes and one injury reported, primarily due to the abrupt loss of speed on highways, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the brake vacuum pump leading to a loss of brake power, further complicating safety concerns.

Owners report recurring issues with the steering system in the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, particularly related to the "Steering Assist Reduced" warning. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel jerking, especially during the auto stop/start function, and instances where the steering becomes tight or unresponsive, often accompanied by various warning messages. Some reports indicate these issues occur at higher mileages, such as around 127,000 miles, but others experience problems much earlier. Safety implications include loss of vehicle control, with one report of injury when a driver hit their head on the steering wheel due to sudden vehicle shutdown. Prospective buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues, as they may affect vehicle operation and safety.

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report issues with the brake system, primarily involving the failure of the brake vacuum pump. Complaints typically describe a hard brake pedal that is difficult to press, resulting in a significant loss of braking power and increased stopping distances. These issues often occur at higher mileages, generally around 50,000 to 120,000 miles. Some reports include incidents of crashes and injuries, emphasizing the potential safety risks associated with this failure. Additionally, the failure of the vacuum pump can lead to engine damage, as metal fragments may enter the engine, compounding repair costs. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider when evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety.

Owners report multiple issues with the fuel and propulsion system of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, primarily involving sudden loss of power and stalling. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to accelerate, engine misfires, and the "check engine" light illuminating. Some complaints indicate that problems occur after a certain mileage, such as around 70,000 miles, or following specific events like ECM reprogramming. Safety implications are noted, with several owners expressing concerns about the risk of accidents due to the vehicle's unpredictable performance, especially when merging onto highways or driving in traffic. These reports suggest potential issues with components like the fuel pump driver control module, fuel injectors, and accelerator pedal position sensor.

Owners report that the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu frequently experiences issues with the fuel system, particularly involving fuel injectors and fuel pump failures. Common symptoms include strong fuel odors, stalling, and loss of motive power, often accompanied by warning lights such as "Engine Power Reduced." These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring around 50,000 to 123,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle continued to move forward despite attempts to stop, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage.

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report issues with air bags not deploying during crashes, with seven out of ten complaints involving crashes and ten injuries noted. Common symptoms include air bags failing to deploy upon impact and unexpected air bag deployment without collision. Complaints often describe these issues occurring at various mileages, with specific instances reported at approximately 1,000 and 96,336 miles. Safety implications are significant, as non-deployment of air bags during collisions is associated with injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. Used car buyers should be aware of these air bag issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage, as they may affect safety in the event of a crash.