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2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine and electrical gripes lead 2018 Malibu owner complaints

Engine and electrical complaints dominate owner reports for this model, with powertrain and speed control issues also frequently noted. Owners most often describe check engine lights appearing shortly after purchase, along with episodes where the engine sticks at a fixed RPM and fails to accelerate normally. Some reports in multiple categories mention fires or crashes.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 40%
Owners report the check engine light illuminating during routine startup, sometimes within weeks of acquiring the vehicle. · 1 fire · 3 crash · 2 injured
Electrical System safety 27%
Owners report the check engine light coming on during startup, with some incidents occurring shortly after purchase. · 2 fire · 2 crash
Power Train safety 25%
Owners report the engine sticking at a fixed RPM with severely reduced power during acceleration, occurring both from a stop and while attempting to pass. · 3 crash · 1 injured
Vehicle Speed Control safety 16%
Owners report the car holding a fixed RPM and making almost no power when trying to accelerate, happening from a stop or during passing maneuvers. · 3 crash · 2 injured
Fuel/Propulsion System safety 12%
83 reports (12%), commonly about sputtering or uneven acceleration. Includes 1 crash and 1 injury; no fires reported.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 685 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.