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2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

258 complaints (37% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,541. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
258
of this car's complaints
37%
typical mileage
56,541
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu engine problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 169Loss of power 113Stalling 46Won't start 19Engine failure 9Misfire 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2017 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

The vehicle is experiencing an apparent fuel-system malfunction. The vehicle has a very strong raw gasoline odor, significant difficulty starting, and appears to be consuming fuel at an abnormally high rate. After filling the fuel tank completely, I drove approximately 20 miles at most and the fuel gauge decreased by approximately one-quarter of a tank. The engine oil also has a strong gasoline odor, indicating that fuel may be entering the engine oil. The exact failed component has not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The strong raw gasoline odor and apparent rapid loss of fuel create a concern for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. The vehicle also has difficulty starting and shuts the engine off when the automatic stop/start system activates while stopped at a traffic light. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not restart normally when traffic begins moving. I am concerned that the vehicle may have a fuel-system defect similar to the high-pressure fuel pump/fuel-line issue previously recalled on certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibus. No. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The symptoms have been personally observed while operating the vehicle. This was my first step as this happened at 10:30pm. No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or another official representative. I am reporting the problem because of the severity of the symptoms and the potential safety risk. There were no warning lamps or messages that I noticed before the problem occurred. The first symptoms were a very strong gasoline odor, unusually rapid fuel loss, and significant difficulty starting the vehicle. The vehicle also shuts off completely when the automatic stop/start system activates while stopped at a traffic light. These symptoms began recently.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · LA

I was driving back home and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I started driving, but my car was jerking a little too much. I pulled over and turned my car off. When I cut my car back on my brake became very hard to the point I had to push down extra hard to stop my car. I started back driving home once I realized my car needs to be turned completely off and sit. While I'm driving I see a message on my dashboard saying "Engine power reduced." Luckily I made it home safely with no wrecks, but when I had to brake my car was still moving jerking while in place. Also when I made it home and turned my car off I heard a fan like noise that eventually stopped.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · SC

the trottle body position sensor just started acting up. took it to mechanic. they stated they can try to fix it but it may only work for a month then go back out. may end up paying over 6k and the car isn't worth it

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · OR

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the issue, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the contact was forced to pull over and turn off the vehicle. The contact waited approximately 30-40 minutes before restarting the vehicle and resuming normal driving. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer; however, no codes were found. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be caused by the floormat being under the accelerator pedal. The contact had the floormat removed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure, and another appointment was scheduled to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

The Reduce Power to Engine keeps happening. It shuts my car down and lights up the traction control light, check engine light and its a serious hazard because I travel highway to and from work and its very dangerous when you loose power to your vehicle at high rates of speed. Also my emissions is bad due to a supposed fixed recall for the catalytic converter.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine · IL

I was driving my car on the highway and the car begin to feel like it was about to shut off. Shortly after, the car check engine light turned on with a warning sign on dashboard stating “engine reduce.” the check engine is still on and my mechanic states my turbo needs to be replaced. I have an appointment for second consult with chevy dealer to verify.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This situation poses a potential safety concern, as drivers might mistakenly assume their cars are securely parked and powered off while walking away. The issue has been prevalent enough for the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on June 7, 2021. The TSB specifically targets the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, while also mentioning the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and other 2016-2019 Chevrolet models. The bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing the “Shift to Park” problems, although it does not present a definitive solution to the underlying issue. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX IT

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

While driving at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of engine power and reduced acceleration. The traction control light and engine light illuminated, and a “Reduced Engine Power” message appeared. The vehicle would not respond to the accelerator, creating a serious safety hazard. This occurred shortly after authorized dealer service involving the PCV system and related components. The vehicle did not have this issue prior to dealer service. I returned the vehicle to the dealer, and they stated they could not replicate the issue. The sudden loss of power could have resulted in a serious accident. I believe this may be related to improper dealer service, disturbed electrical connectors, or throttle body/engine management components. I am reporting this as a safety concern. I also would like to mention this safety issue has occurred now multiple times with my car on multiple separate occasions with the last prior occurrence being 12/20/2025.

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Reduced engine power. Car will not accelerate over 35 mph. Almost rear ended. Will be the second time in dealer for same problem. Also, Shift to Park. Also second time at dealer for same problems. You cannot get out of car until you keep moving the shifting handle.

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Engine Power Reduced, My car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle

Questions about the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have engine problems?

Owners have filed 258 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 37% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,541 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (305 complaints), 2018 (285 complaints) and 2017 (258 complaints).

Other 2017 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Electrical 161Transmission 139Acceleration 135Brakes 73Driver assistance 65Fuel system 60Steering 47Lights 21Body 19Airbags 14Suspension 10Seat belts 7Visibility 7Wheels 7Seats 6Locks 1Tires 1

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