2020 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

6 of the 203 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 150 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2022
2
2020
6
2019
8
2018
8
2017
9
2016
26
2014
5
2013
23
2012
9
2011
24
2010
32
2009
48
2008
23
2007
54
2006
50
2005
25
2004
36
2003
7
2002
9
2001
12
2000
10
1999
13
1998
10
1997
6

What owners say

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. The contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that a Lexus engineer retrieved the EDR; however, there was no failure found with the braking system. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · WA

While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash. I believe this represents a serious safety defect because failure of the vacuum pump significantly impairs the driver’s ability to stop the vehicle safely. I understand GM has issued service information regarding vacuum pump failures on this engine, and I am submitting this complaint because I believe other drivers may experience the same dangerous brake failure.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

Getting engine power reduced messsge in shop 4th time now in 3 weeks, 2 service bulletins, now they want to put new engine, found over 800 complaints about same issue on car complaint.com website and more on Reddit of same issue . Car wouldn’t go more than 5mph extremely traumatic on highway my son won’t get back in the car he is too scared.

Filed Oct 27, 2024 · Brakes · OR

Faulty Vacuum pump caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump exploded cracking the cam shaft sending metal shards into the engine. $12000.00 to repair and mechanic will guarantee the work because the replacement vacuum is an only OEM part. I was having braking problems prior to the vacuum pump failing. The brakes would intermittently freeze up and I couldn't get the car stop and had to use the emergency braking system to stop vehicle. Car is still at shop I can't afford the repair and I'm am still paying finance company for car. I have a disabled child and am low income. This has put hardship on me as I live in an area that does not provide public transportation. I don't know what to do.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · MD

Car demonstrates random full vehicle power loss while in drive mode both at stop and while actually in motion and driving. Vehicle had a catastrophic loss of all break power while going downhill. Luckily while leaving the Lincoln Memorial in DC driver was traveling slow enough and able to get vehicle stopped without immediate injury. Car brakes would not reengage without 3k repair to import/export value(see receipt). 2 days later check engine light returned. 2 weeks later dealer is still in discussion with GM to identify cause of engine failure.

Filed Oct 21, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 21,647 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with the Auto START/STOP safety feature. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine failed to start up while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and normal vehicle operation returned. The contact called the dealer and dropped off the vehicle to be inspected. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 21,647.