2018 Chevrolet Malibu: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Transmission · 89,992 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter was intermittently stuck in park(P). The contact turned the steering wheel, engaged and disengaged the parking brake several times, per the Owner's manual instructions, and the gear shifter was able to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure recurred. The mechanic was able to move the gear shifter out of park(P) after several attempts. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The contact contacted two dealers, who advised that there was no availability for an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,992.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Brakes · 107,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the braking system failed, and the brake pedal became firm while depressed. The "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, causing the vehicle to decelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the braking system vacuum booster pump had failed and needed to be replaced, along with the camshaft and crank case which were damaged during the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 107,000

Filed Oct 29, 2022 · VA

I am the first owner of a 2018 Chevy Malibu. This car was displayed on the showroom floor. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle a new “computer” was needed. Following the new computer, my Chevy Malibu would be at approximately 70MPH and would “engine lock” its speed causing it to suddenly go from 70MPH to 20MPH while on a freeway. During this time my Chevy Malibu would reeve at approximately 5,000 RPMS and would not go over 20MPH. I brought this to GMs attention and they appeared to have very little concern. As a mother of two and a Police Officer I was very upset with GM. My vehicle has “engine locked” itself multiple times and has been towed to a dealership. Fast forward, my car, will not turn off and I’m unsure if it is going into “park”. I have replaced the “wire harness” or “transition switch” where my shifter is located. It has been approximately two months since replacing this part. My Chevy Malibu is once again not going into park and will not turn off. I am concerned my car will roll away while I am at work or out in town and cause serious injuries. GM does not seem to care about these issues. Issues being, the “shift to park” and the “limp mode” issues that my car continues to have. As a Police Officer I know that this could be VERY dangerous and I would like a solution to this issue or a new vehicle. This vehicle is not safe.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Brakes, Engine · 83,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode. The contact stated that she pulled over and when the gear was shifted to park (P), the brake vacuum pump failed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to her residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic went to her residence and diagnosed the vehicle. The independent mechanic retrieved DTC: P0365 for the camshaft position sensor. Additionally, the contact was informed that shattered pieces of the brake vacuum pump dispersed into the camshaft. The contact stated that pieces were also found in the oil lines. The contact stated that the brake vacuum pump was repaired; however, the camshaft sensor was not yet replaced due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed May 17, 2022 · Transmission · MD

my 2018 malibu premier with 12600 miles on it, parking sensor, and wiring harness is defective. The shop tells me gm knows about it and recommends replacing them. when you park the car and turn it off it does not go into park, you can not lock the car, and the radio keeps playing. If you do not shake the shifter it stays that way. If you do not have the radio on and you get out and close the door and walk away you do not know it. They want $450 to fix it as long as all goes well.I feel there should be a recall on this since they put in faulty parts and have notified their dealers.

Filed Nov 15, 2021 · Transmission · GA

Our Malibu won't shift into Park. Displays "Shift to Park" message when the shifter is in the park position and it won't let you turn the car off.

Filed Jan 4, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

When driving, message will appear on dash stating that engine power is reduced. My car will go in to limp mode, and will not increase higher than about 340 RPM, and cannot accelerate faster than 25 MPH. Sometimes I have been I have been able to pull over to the side and restart my engine, and this error will go away. There were a couple times where this error did not immediately go away after restarting my engine and I was forced to drive home at 25 MPH. Luckily I have no been rear ended yet, but this is a serious issue and is frequent with 2018 malibu's according to several online articles.

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Electrical · GA

Car won't shift to park, while it's already in park and car will not turn off. Chevrolet should recall this because there are a lot of people with the same issue. My car was brand new when I bought it and now I'm having this issue and I know it's nothing I have done to cause it.

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Engine · 32,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine power reduced and check engine warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle went into limp mode. On several occasions, after the vehicle was cycled off and back on, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The failure recurred often. The vehicle was taken to bob stall chevrolet (7601 alvarado rd, la mesa, ca 91942, (619) 460-1311) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced and the throttle body needed to be serviced, which was still pending. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.