Purchased a car for financing from Barret Motors and 2300 Lakeview PKWY, Rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [XXX] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to Chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment asap because I just started a new job which they also knew. The car has had a recall since 09-06-19 for an engine control module. Which is a serious issue and this car never had it completed and sold me a car with possible engine issue and did not inform there’s a recall on the vehicle for almost 5 years now. I took the car to get serviced at Chevy for the recall on 09/09/2025 and now I am facing multiple issues with the car from it not being done years ago. The recall was N192221960 and it’s major so to sell a car before getting the properly service and I have been financing the vehicle for a year now. Never not once late and I am now being told there’s nothing can be done. I have photos of the car having the engine light pop on the same day u financed this vehicle. Barret knew a serious engine problem was effecting this car for 5 years and still deciding to sell it to me for financing on [XXX]. I need immediate assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 101, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the battery and fuel pump. The contact was informed that the ground wire and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact about a recall on the malfunctioning ECM. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,206.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the engine and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and upon inspecting the exterior of the vehicle, the contact noticed gasoline leaking on the ground. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. An independent mechanic stopped by the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was advised that the fuel injectors and another unknown part had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concern. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have searched the prior recalls and I’m having the same problem that were said to be fixed. I would like the car check again for the recalls that said to be fixed and checked for all reacalls . The car turns of unexpected without warning . At random times the low power mode is always on and when I push down in the pedal it doesn’t respond well at all . I have invested countless money into fixing issues with this car .
On [XXX] while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Columbia SC vehicle lost power and shut down. Was able to move to emergency lane. Car would not start. Called AAA for tow back to Chevrolet dealer in York SC. Dealer performed diagnostic test and found fuel pump driver control module had failed. Part was replaced and car returned to service. Car mileage at time of failure 70,949 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was going about 75 mph on the express way with one lane open due to construction. My car started losing power.I heard the chime and upon the dashboard were the words power reduced. My car slowed down in a matter of seconds to around 45 mph. A 18 wheeler was trailing behind me. I quickly jumped in the emergency lane to my right and took the next exit while riding the emergency lane. I shut the car off at the gas station, sat there for about 10 minutes, restarting my car helped temporarily. I was 3 hours away from home and had to drive back unknowingly if I will make it or not. I reached out to Chevrolet and was told to bring it in and leave it but they had no loaner cars for anyone at that time. I have replaced 2 sensors and now my start /stop has quit working. I spoke with 5 visitors at Chevrolet and we all were having the same issues. This is something ongoing according to my research on this particular vehicle and should be recalled asap.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while on a trip and traveling at high altitudes, the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader which showed that the barometric pressure sensor was defective. Once the contact returned home, the mass air flow sensor was replaced. The following year while traveling in the same region at high altitude levels, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that the engine booster had started to fail due to ice accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC), which restricted airflow. As a result of the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin No: 18-NA-069; which the contact linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The “Engine Power Reduced” message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH unintendedly. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V642000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE). The local dealer was contacted and provided the contact with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Car has "check engine light" mechanic says vapor canister vent solenoid is bad. Part number: 2282618. Also said they have been seeing this a lot on Chevy Malibus and other GM cars. Part was not available from Chevorlet for oven two months.
Started car after acceleration, car started shaking , check engine light came on , acceleration decreased and message saying service Stabilitrak. 6 hours later started car and message no longer, check engine light off and car not shaking anymore. Chevy dealership diagnosed misfire, fuel injector needs replaced and damaged ECM.
When parking it says shift to park even when I’m already in park. The dealer says it’s the shifter however after seeing numerous other vehicles with this issue I believe it’s electrical
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was left on the side of the roadway. The contact called the dealer where the vehicle was purchased and was advised that he had to pay to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was aware of an open recall on the vehicle, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The failure mileage was unknown.
car pauses after stopping at lights and stop signs and in stop-n-go traffic and won't go as soon as gas pedal is pressed. It hesitates then jerks forward once the gas is activated. Check engine warning is for stop/start transmission accumulator sensor! Cost to repair over $1300 and seems to be the same issue seen in thousands of 2018 malibu's that have been recalled??? My car does not show an active recall??? Chevy rep Andrea at 1‑800‑222‑1020 said sorry no recall for your car and to contact you with complaint? This issue almost caused my wife to have accidents after the car lurched forward after stopping. We were also beeped at many times as cars behind us were frustrated we could not move for 10-20 seconds after stopping! [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Car is being repaired now by Belise Chevrolet Warwick RI 877‑553‑0957. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car hesitant to crank, once the Start/ stop button is pushed, the car will start, run smooth for a second or two then start to shake and putter like it’s not getting fuel and loses it power and cuts off. I have to go through this process 5/6 times before the car will stay crunk. While driving Car will out the blue say reduced engine power and acts as if it does not want to pull or it is losing power! The car also has the eco saving feature where it cuts off at every stop and there is not an option be turned off and car is hesitant to start back up after it cuts off. Car is now starting to smoke from the tailpipe. The VVT intake and exhaust solienoids have oil getting into them and the PCV valve is about to crack open. The car throws codes like rich fuel intake, something to do with the catalytic system (in which I’ve put a brand new catalytic converter on the car and it did not solve the issue) it also throws codes about a throttle and cam sensors and a few more codes.. I see where there are recalls for the (same make, model,year, and engine size) but my cars VIN is not included with the recall! Can we please get this as I need my car and need this issue fixed as soon as possible as it is dangerous for me and my 2 year to travel in this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power with an unknown engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and the odor of gasoline was very strong. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and saw gasoline in a puddle underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
My car does not register when it is park. I cannot disable the car when this happens. I have been that my car is not in the recall that has already been issued for this issue.
Underlying fuel pump went out
Brake Power Booster, vehicle not starting. Not catching, brakes when completely out couldn’t stop
MOTOR DIED GOING DOWN THE ROAD Car is available for inspection If I had been crossing the street without the aid of a stoplight, I would have been T-Boned Vehicle problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. Vehicle component has not been inspected by dealer or anyone else. The check engine light and logo came on as the engine was shutting down. I went into the trunk on the passenger side and shook and twisted the wires going into the control module mounted to the trunk wall. This was suggested for the 2016 Malibu which had a recall. There should be a recall on the 2018 also. After repeated shaking and attempting to start the motor, it finally started. I drove it home and parked it. When I went to read the code, the engine started and ran for a couple of minutes and stalled again. The code was P2BB3.
My car just stopped in the middle of the road , and would not start again for a few minutes. Then is was in low power mode , no brakes either after that , found that problem to be a bad Vaccum pump , which G M didn’t even have , and a faulty Accelerator Pedal sensor !
I was driving around 50 MPH and the car began to sputter and it wasn't getting in gas. It slowed down to 20 MPH and I had to stop on side of road. It behaved as if it were out of gas, but it had a qtr tank of gas. It would not start after I stopped it. I took it dealership and they still do not have an answer. There should be a recall on this. Numerous reports that are similar to my scenario.
My car constantly gives an error saying the power is being reduced to the engine. It was repair 3 months after I bought it but it didn't fix the issue. These cars a danger to everyone around us. They reduce speeds to very low numbers even on the freeway, when yielding to turn left the car won't go but will drift into oncoming traffic, and many times the car won't shut off. It says it's not in park but it is. The seatbelts look like they're secured but with one good tug they'll come apart. And I slide when braking even without snow or rain. Mine I'd always broke down and no one will help me. I pay 475 a month for a car that doesn't work and is dangerous to me and my special needs child and everyone around us. Please do something.
I was driving 35 mph when the message "reduced engine power" and it noticably slowed down. The check engine light is still on. I researched recalls/problems with the 2018 Chevy Malibu and this is one major one I found.
Son was driving my 2018 Malibu with 90,000 miles. Check engine light came on and car reduced speed from 75mph to 40mph on interstate! Autozone reading says replace Variable Camshaft Timing Solenoid. Very dangerous situation. Chevy should have to fix this.
Warning: Reduced speed, car stalled in the middle of traffic. Took to dealer ship and they charged me $279 and said it was the battery, from the looks of everyone else’s complaint, which we have the same complaint, I got ripped off. I deserve a refund and we all deserve our cars serviced.
Certain @018 Chevy malibu models has a recall for asoftware problem could disable the fuel injectors And im currently having this issue where my vehicle will not start all of the time and is misfiring.
The car is going slow when you put it on drive a jumps then when you press on the gas it goes real slow then it kicks in at a faster level but when am at like 30 mlp it Jenks as if it wants to lock on me
Reduced engine power occurs while driving and will indicate a traction control issue and the check engine light will engage. The first time it happened, it was during a snowstorm on 2/24/2022, but it has occurred two other times while driving on a highway on sunny days (3/3/2022 and 3/8/2022) with no snow on the ground, road completely dry. Car speed dropped from approximately 55-60 mph to 20. I have to pull the car off the road, turn it off, and let set for at least one minute turned off before it will have engine power restored. Code for car was checked, and it was P2138, throttle/pedal position sensor switch.
engine shuts off with out warning. shuts completely off sitting a stop light and has to be put in park and restarted. shuts of in drive through and scared it will begin doing while traveling down the highway. no warning lights or nothing on. was told at dealer if not doing all the time or there was no light on indicating a failure that there was nothing could be done. very dangerous problem
My 2018 Chevy Malibu has been working fine then all of a sudden the warning light came on and the message warning light read ENGINE POWER REDUCED While I was driving on the freeway at 60 mph dropping my speed to 25mph instincts told me to pull over, so I did! Then I tried to drive again still no power it was like a strong pullback! So I again pulled over and turned my car engine off! Let it sit a few hours before driving up to local automotive parts store to use the ODII code reader and it read the code P2138 Throttle/ Pedal Position Sensor Correlation The part to order is $120.00 I am not able to get it today so I googythe problem and found out that this is a possible RECALL ??!!??
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