2018 Chevrolet Malibu: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · UT

After diagnostic troubleshooting from DTCs on a check engine light, it was discovered that the brake vacuum pump connected to the engine was completely nonfunctional. Previous symptoms included stiff brake, loss of brake power at random brake periods which could have cause and accident with other drivers, and finally malfunctioning sensors attributed to the exhaust system. This also led the vehicle to be unable to pass state regulated Emissions testing because of the inability to maintain proper emissions levels. Brake Vacuum pump that was removed from vehicle to inspect and diagnose is still available for inspection. Recent findings show that Chevrolet/GM is aware of the issue in their vehicles but refuses to address or replace faulty brake vacuum pumps. It is a common problem amongst 2013-2022 Chevrolet Malibus. Vehicle that is in question was inspected by a certified mechanic shop with failed emissions test. Solid check engine light appeared once the brake had become harder to push and stop the car. OBD scans show DTC codes that were pertaining to MAF and MAP malfunctions in readouts and communications to the ECM. After further inspection, the ABS module had been acting as "backup" for hydrolic brakes system that had zero vacuum to power the brake booster, this could have caused the engine to stall, longer than normal stopping distances (stronger risk of rear ending other drivers), and multiple components and sensors to fail, requiring them to also be replaced.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Multiple components and/or system failures/malfunctions, exact cause is unknown. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risks include engine power reduction issues that result in unexpected deceleration, and/or sudden/dangerous loss of power/acceleration. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, representatives, or any others other than diagnostic trouble code testing at O’Reilly auto parts due to illuminated check engine light. Vehicle displays error messages “engine power reduced,” while driving and/or idle, and “shift to park” when vehicle has already been shifted into park. No obvious symptoms of the problem prior to failure, unknown when first appeared. Vehicle-2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT L4-1.5L 1490cc 91ci GAS DI Turbocharged vin T LFV-4 valve DOHC (Mileage-145000). Primary Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code “P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance (Code P0014 indicates that the Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position timing was advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period of time),” with additional Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes “P0011 - Intake Camshaft Position System Performance,” and “P1101 - Intake Air Flow System Performance.” Also receiving ABS Diagnostic Trouble Code “U0422-71 - Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module - Invalid Data.” Suggested solutions included “Replace Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid,” and “Replace Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid.” Believed to be related to the federal safety agency ID numbers 11643630, 11586483, 11581989, 11569471, 11568501, 11565871, 11564692, 11635526, 11457416, 11420146, 11416774, 11325303, 11561528, 11559451, 11555493, and approximately 30 other related the federal safety agency ID Numbers for same error message(s), and/or problem code(s), the federal safety agency Campaign Number 19V642, the federal safety agency Campaign Number 19V642000, GM Special Coverage Number N182188250, and GM Recall Number N192221960.

Filed May 6, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · FL

Regular electrical issues that cause the steering assistance to become disable while driving. Faulty sensors that the Chevrolet certified service center cannot resolve, engine light has been on for over 6 months. faulty mass airflow sensor Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control See attachment for additional codes over 2 years. I have contacted as many people as possible in order to understand the issue and find a resolution. Began having electrical issues since May 2022. Dyer Chevrolet in Lake Wales Florida has all the records.

Filed Jan 17, 2021 · Acceleration · 76,000 miles · CA

I was driving on a highway going about 50 MPH and I started to accelerate and as I hit 55 MPH I got an error message reading, 'engine power reduced' and the ABS light and engine light both lit up. I also could not accelerate any longer. I pulled over immediately turned off the car and waited about 3 minutes and turned the car back on, I did not get a message however the check engine light still was lit but not the ABS light. I drove to an autozone got he code read and it was p2138. I looked up online and it seems as if thousands also have this problem with 2016-2018 malibu's and cruzes. I'm also aware gm has had a lawsuit against them over this.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 16,467 miles · MD

During operations while turning car locked up; lost power, lost steering. With engine running the radio and AC shut off. Drifted to shoulder of road. Illuminated dash lights: power steering drive with care, traction control, emergency brake, ABS light, temp showed cold, no gear indicator light. Operated car less than 5mph approx. 1/4 mile and shut engine off. During operations it sounded as though brakes were on (screeching/clanking). Once engine shutdown stabilitrak light illuminated intermittently with power steering. Doors would not unlock, windows would not go down (trapped in vehicle 10 min). Brake pedal locked, car would not start. 45 min later car started. All illuminated lights cleared, check engine light illuminated. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership investigated. Several fault codes were present. Each fault code pertained to vehicles communication. Vehicle lost communication with everything. Dealership stated difficult/impossible to follow any sort of direction for fix. Dealership drove car and could not replicate incident. Asked me to drive and recreate problem then to bring back. Car is unsafe. Instantly locked up during operation, trapped me inside, left me stranded and scared me. Refuse to drive. Gm was contacted; awaiting guidance.