2020 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

i am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 chevrolet malibu. my vehicle recently displayed a “service ESC” warning along with a flashing check engine light. these warnings appeared unexpectedly and have raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of my vehicle. the electronic stability control system is an important safety feature, and a flashing check engine light may indicate a serious engine malfunction. i am concerned about the possibility of experiencing reduced engine performance, loss of power, or compromised vehicle control while driving. i am also aware of reports from other chevrolet malibu owners describing similar warning messages and electrical or performance-related problems. i believe these issues warrant investigation to determine whether there is a recurring manufacturing defect affecting these vehicles. i am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate these safety concerns and determine whether a recall is necessary

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · AZ

The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter. When shifting the physical gear lever forward into the "Park" position and attempting to shut off the engine, a warning message reading "Action Required: Shift to Park" appears on the driver instrument dashboard display.This exact failure previously occurred in 2022, two years after purchasing the vehicle. It was formally repaired and covered under an extended warranty policy. However, the underlying manufacturer defect has recurred, proving that the extended warranty repair did not permanently resolve the systemic design flaw.The vehicle was contacted, and an authorized service dealer location in Phoenix, Arizona was notified of the recurrence. The dealer advised that because the vehicle is no longer under warranty coverage, the manufacturer will not cover the repair, and it must be paid entirely out-of-pocket. This creates an unfair financial burden as the vehicle is nearing its final loan payoff timeline at the end of the year. The component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The issue corresponds to GM Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206.Safety is actively put at risk because the vehicle's computer does not recognize that it is safely in Park. As a result, the car refuses to shut off its electrical systems completely. This leaves the dashboard, radio, and electronic modules powered on indefinitely, creating a severe battery-drain and stranding hazard. Furthermore, because the vehicle remains partially awake, it poses an electrical safety hazard and prevents the driver from securely locking and leaving the vehicle.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis‑related diagnostic trouble codes, including: B3979, U0164, B1325, B3122, U0121, C0196, C0460, B1011, B097B, B3205, C056E, C056D, U0420, U1510, C0545, U0422. These codes indicate failures in the steering system, brake control module, stability control system, body control module, and multiple CAN‑bus communication networks. The dealership confirmed: – No physical damage – No evidence of collision or impact – No evidence of flood damage – The suspected failed component is the electric power steering rack (GM part 85621696) – The part is not available, meaning the vehicle cannot be repaired – I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs This is a major safety concern. The vehicle can lose steering assist, stability control, and braking support without warning. The inability to obtain the required steering component makes the vehicle unrepairable and unsafe to operate. I am reporting this because this appears to be a systemic electrical/network failure affecting critical safety systems. I believe this defect poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and other motorists. The attached photo is a is a picture of the printout the Chevrolet dealership Service Manager provided to me.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · ID

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to pull over for my safety and other drivers safety, so after I pulled over safely I shut my car completely off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on when it turned back on the only light that popped on my dash was the check engine light, but the check engine light had actually been on the dash for a while after I replaced the 21 fuses that were missing that I didn't know were missing when I purchased the vehicle as is from a dealership the only thing that made me decide to check my fuses was because my check engine light was popping on and off and would stay off for a while then come back on a code reader said it was something to do with my turbo that code it was just very odd and the car was shifting weird 3 or 4 months after the purchase date XXX also after I put all the fuses back in a ton of codes popped up others safety and mine were at risk as I didn't really have control of my vehicle when it was doing that and it started breaking itself when I wasn't even hitting the break it was like jolting it's self and stopping slightly. I took my car to AAMCO Total car Care for a free diagnostic test, and then I had recently took my car to a Chevy dealership in Nampa Idaho off garrity boulevard because online it had told me there was recalls for my car and that recall was exactly what I was thinking had started off as the original problem originally leading into the other problems I got told to bring my car in then the fed me information saying pretty much it was a bust and that specific Malibu has no recall I think they just didn't want to work on it

Filed May 7, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · NC

May 7, 2026 the federal safety agency 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Safety Defect Complaint – Brake System / Vehicle Control Concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to Reed-Lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and increased risk of failure. Given the nature of the symptoms involving braking and vehicle control, I request review for potential safety-related investigation. Vehicle Information: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu VIN: Mileage:

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Electrical · 23,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stopped at a traffic signal and after depressing the accelerator pedal when the light changed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH while accelerating. The contact stopped and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, the battery was replaced, and the system was reset; however, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Several things have been going wrong with this car. I have only had it for about 7 months. Minimal driving. Got the car with 84,000 miles and it now has 88,000 miles. About 2 months ago the check engine light came on. Got it into a shop and they said an oil change may possibly help with this. Got the oil change, cleared the code, drove it around and check engine light came back on. Brought it back to the shop and now the entire valve cover needs replaced. It’s been about 2 weeks since then haven’t had it fixed due to low funds. A couple days ago I was driving with two [XXX] olds in the car and was at a stop light. After about a minute the cars engine turned completely off lost all power including the center screen that displays your settings and radio, all lights, and the screen behind the wheel all with my foot on the break at a stop light. Due to this situation I was unable to turn my hazards on to alert the cars coming up being me at a green light absolutely panicked that we were going to get into an accident. A little while after the car turned back on, but unfortunately when trying to push down on the gas pedal nothing was happening. No revving sound and no movement of the car. Car still in drive. A police officer pulled up behind me to check if we were okay. He stayed to keep us safe until people came to push the car off to the side. During the push the wheel was almost completely locked up as well as the breaks. This is not the first time the breaks have locked up on me. Next day we got the car to a safe area to be parked. A couple days later went to try and turn the car on and immediately the car is shaking violently and making horrible noises. The car is unsafe for me to drive and unsafe for people on the road. This car is completely unable to be driven now also due to the horrible shaking. No recalls were found under my VIN, but all of these signs seem to be a problem for other people. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 18, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · GA · crash

Got this car Oct 16 2025 and check engine lights on the place in Greenbriar dreka passed emmission and the shop explicit auto sold me car for 7500 been having problems with car since owner told me to do what I need to do no refund nothing in writing saying as is this car needs axles ball joint lower arm control and more car not safe for me and my kids this car go get emission passed so when u take title to DMV you can get a tag for a car that not passing emissions also purchase a second car same day Oct 16 2025 and this car need oil pump oil sensor brake sensor brake caliber and more and explicit auto wont fix cars the man that sell these cars are on Instagram and dolufree and explicit auto is the name of both Names if you look you'll see light on in every car he post and sell to people for high price and no results when you bring car back every car sold from them need to be investigated. We need help I have two cases that I cannot drive and I was charged 13,500 for both cars and this is illegal for someone to use someone else access and get these cars and sell them under someone else license the address for business have a old national address but cars being sold at 2263 metropolitan pkwy and I don't know what to do at this point

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · OH

This is a 2020 Malibu with only 18,000 miles on it now. We are having intermittent loss of power. Car will be moving fine when suddenly it looses power when pulling into traffic from a stop. It has also happened on the highway(right after leaving the dealer service department) when going to pass a vehicle…all of a sudden power drops and rpms go up and car slows up. When it suddenly happens, pulling into traffic is very slow. The only way to get power back is to turn off traction control via a button. It is back at the dealer now. They have had it the last two weeks. They fixed a shift to park issue but cannot duplicate the loss of power. So they are saying it is ready to pick up. Once, recently, a check engine light come on along with a message saying something like low power mode. We went straight to the dealer with the vehicle. They had the car for three five out of six weeks and were able to duplicate the loss of power once. We wanted them to contact Chevy to help resolve this, but we are unsure if they actually did. These problems first were serviced in April of 2024. This car is very scary to be in, the way this happens and when it is happening.

Filed Nov 1, 2025 · Electrical · MI

The shifter will not read when the vehicle has been placed in park.