2018 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · MS

I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump was replaced. Approximately one week after the vacuum pump replacement, the warranty replacement engine suffered catastrophic failure. The repair facility diagnosed cylinder #3 scoring and informed me that the engine required replacement. I was told that the engine failure was related to the vacuum pump failure. Because the warranty replacement engine was no longer covered under warranty, General Motors initially declined to cover the repair. Initially, neither General Motors nor the Chevrolet dealership was willing to accept responsibility for the issue. After continued discussions, General Motors ultimately agreed to provide partial financial assistance as a goodwill adjustment. However, I was still left responsible for paying a substantial amount out of pocket to purchase and install a third engine. The cost has created a significant financial burden that I have struggled to afford, especially because the repair involved a component that I was informed has a known history of failure. I was also informed that vacuum pump failures are a known issue with these vehicles and that General Motors is aware of the problem, although no recall has been issued. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple vacuum pump failures, two catastrophic engine failures, and have now required three engines in the same vehicle. This has resulted in significant financial hardship, loss of use of my vehicle, and serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · MA

While driving th vehicle the component that ruptured was the vehicles vacuum brake booster pump which connected directly to the engine. The ruptured caused shards of metal to be launched into the engine resulting in no brake power and needs an engine swap. There was a recall on this model vehicle for the Pedal sensor malfunction that results in the cars engine going into a reduced power mode abruptly and suddenly while driving. This malfunction has occurred on this vehicle and I was not aware of this vehicle models recall history but it stated that the recall was successfully closed out in 2020. I purchased my 2018 Chevy Malibu in the year 2021 and the issue still persist. I am not confident that the recall on this vehicle was either fully completed or successfully fixed before purchasing. The car is now at the dealer and the repair team explains the vehicle needs a new engine. I questioned about the pedal sensor malfunction and asked if it was possible that this malfunction sending the vehicle into a reduced power mode so suddenly could have effected or cause wear and tear on brake booster pump connected to the engine. The dealers repair team wasn’t confident in saying it wasn’t possible. This is likely a design issue and if a recall was completed and I was sold a vehicle uninformed of this potential issue but the malfunction still persisted I do not believe I should have to cover the full cost of repairs for this chain of events. This malfunctioned put me at danger and if it had occurred while my wife and 3 children were in the car it could have been life threatening not only to us but the other drivers around as well. With the engine reduced you can’t accelerate and with the booster pump ruptures mid drive you lose all brake power. It is hard to understand the faulty design in this but I have read reviews that others have had the same issue so I do not believe I am alone in this.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

My brake vacuum pump seized while driving in the far left lane on the freeway. My car began to lose power and my rpms dropped and rose back up quickly making my car lunge forward and back quickly multiple times. My check engine light came on and a warning saying my engine was losing power flashed across the dash.I exited the freeway and pulled over to a safe location, when attempting to stop my car I noticed that the breakes were stiff and would not move and I had to push the emergency break to stop the car completely. I had my car full of family members and all of us were extremely sacred and worried for our safety and those of others around us as the speed was no longer under my control.

Filed May 20, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · NC

Purchase car in December 2018, had 3 engine replacement. I am currently in the 3 engine replacement. And still experiencing the same issue - check engine light permanently on for 2 months now. Issues A whistling sound from an opening vent in the hood since last engine replaced. Call stalls, reduces speed and jerk when trying to accelerate . Have reached out to Reed lallier Chevrolet they making it seems that normal and ok. I am scared to drive and cause an accident because the car stalls before picking up. When you put the car in park, the car still not registering at park it is still moving you have to sit and clear the dash board (shift to park, even thou it is in park). Chevrolet only gave 1 engine replacement and $100 gift card. Every other expense is on me, when I still have to pay for the lemon. Unable to locate most recent engine replacement sheet. But can retrieve from dealership if needed. This car is full service and maintained in the allocated time frame reed lallier has the file of needs be.

Filed Mar 9, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

Cam-driven Brake Booster Vacuum failure without warning. My engine died, my brake pedal and steering wheel stiffened, while in moderate traffic. I had use excessive brake force to slow my vehicle to a stop. Currently have 78,012 miles as it is sitting in the repairs shop. This is the first time it has happened, but I worry it may happen again because upon further research, it is a very common part failure.

Filed Feb 15, 2022 · Brakes · 77,000 miles · AZ

The vacuum pump on my vehicle has gone out for the 3rd time in 2.5 years. This creates a safety issue as that the brakes stop working and it takes an extreme amount of pressure for the car to stop. This has occurred once on the freeway and twice in heavy traffic areas. This could cause an accident and potentially seriously hurt or kill someone. This has occurred once before the engine was replaced and twice since it's been replaced.

Filed Oct 18, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 6,521 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the engine stalled while driving 25 MPH. The steering indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact experienced the engine failure several times. The vehicle was taken to ourisman chevrolet of marlow heights (4400 branch ave, marlow heights, md 20748, (240) 455-3386) to be diagnosed and the following failure codes were found: 1119835548, sd19835789, and doc5228009. The dealer reprogrammed the engine electronic control module; however, the vehicle continued to stall. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator and power supply converter failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 9-5585224979. The failure mileage was 6,521.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Steering · 6,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet malibu. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact released the accelerator pedal and depressed the brake pedal while approaching a stop. The contact managed to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to bredemann chevrolet (1401 w dempster st, park ridge, il 60068, (847) 655-1485) where it was diagnosed that the steering assist software needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.