2022 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

My 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is experiencing severe and progressively worsening electrical, transmission, powertrain, and braking problems. While driving, the RPMs climb to 5,000 or higher, but the vehicle struggles to accelerate and maintain speed. It enters limp mode and feels as though the transmission is stuck in a lower gear. I have had to pull over on the highway, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to temporarily restore normal operation. Initially, this lasted approximately 10 minutes, but now the vehicle only drives normally for about 2 minutes before the problem returns. The dashboard gauges repeatedly drop completely to zero, return to normal, and drop again. The gear selector physically moves, but the vehicle sometimes does not recognize the selected gear, making it difficult to shift into Park or Drive. The air conditioning also stops cooling and blows weak, hot air. The check engine light remains solid. Approximately two days ago, I also began experiencing loud thudding noises that appear to come from underneath the vehicle when braking. Due to these worsening problems, I pulled over at the nearest gas station and had the vehicle towed to a Chevrolet/GMC repair facility. These recurring failures create serious safety concerns, especially when driving on highways. Unexpected loss of acceleration, transmission malfunctions, electrical interruptions, inability to select gears, and braking noises could cause an accident and endanger other motorists. I am also aware of another 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experiencing potentially similar issues, although with different symptoms, including a flashing check engine light. I am requesting an investigation into potential safety defects involving the transmission, powertrain, electrical system, instrument cluster, and braking system.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · 82,949 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N252508360 (turbocharger replacement for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles); however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in the program. The approximate failure mileage was 82,949.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine · 82,950 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,950.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine · 82,010 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the message "Reduced Engine Power" displayed, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic scan retrieved DTC: P0299, indicating a failure with the turbo charger. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the vehicle was not eligible for the GM Special Coverage: N252508360. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,010.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · MO

Component: Air Conditioning – A/C Hose Assembly / Refrigerant Discharge Line The air conditioning refrigerant discharge line (A/C hose assembly) appears to have been improperly designed and/or installed during manufacturing. The rubber A/C hose was routed in a manner that caused it to rest against or press against the side of the engine. Over time, the engine heat and constant contact burned a hole through the hose, causing a rapid loss of refrigerant (Freon). As a result of the refrigerant leak, the air conditioning system stopped blowing cold air, and the HVAC system no longer functioned properly. This failure was not caused by normal wear and tear, but by the improper routing and placement of the A/C hose against the engine. The issue was confirmed by Meineke Service Center through a diagnostic inspection and UV dye leak test, which identified the damaged refrigerant discharge line as the source of the leak. A significant safety concern is that simply replacing the hose does not permanently correct the problem if the replacement hose is routed in the same location. Without a manufacturer-provided redesign or long-term repair solution that prevents the hose from contacting the engine, the replacement part is at risk of failing in the same manner. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications before the failure occurred. The air conditioning stopped blowing cold air after the refrigerant escaped through the damaged hose. I believe this is a manufacturing and/or design defect that could affect other vehicles with the same hose routing configuration. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IA

My 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT repeatedly and unpredictably enters a "Reduced Engine Power" state, causing sudden, dangerous drops in speed while driving in traffic. This intermittent loss of power happens constantly on and off, creating an ongoing and severe safety hazard. A diagnostic scan reveals codes P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost), P1101, and P2227. General Motors has an active Special Coverage Program (N252508360) covering this exact turbocharger failure for 2022 Malibus with the 1.5L engine. However, GM and the local dealership refuse to cover the repair, claiming my specific VIN is excluded from their automated list. I have already replaced the MAF and MAP sensors to eliminate electrical faults, had all hoses examined for leaks, and I've replaced the air filter under the hood and in the cabin twice, proving this is a chronic mechanical failure of the turbocharger system. GM is using arbitrary VIN boundaries to avoid repairing a known, widespread manufacturing defect that continually compromises vehicle safety.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Transmission misfiring.

Filed Jun 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Check engine light came on and vehicle was slow to accelerate intermittently. Often slow to take off at a stop light. Safety concerns of being rear end due to slow take off. Took vehicle to chevy dealer for review and they indicated and show a picture of the turbo booster being broken. Per dealer this caused the vehicle to loose power and not accelerate properly. Dealer stated I was 5k miles over warranty and existing service special coverage notice n252508360 for 2022 malibu did not cover my VIN.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I have a problem with parking, the warning comes on,”Shift Into Park” knowing that I’m in park, so it’s not registering. Have to move the shifter a couple of times before it comes off. My check engine light stays on and then comes off a week or two later and then comes back on and no code comes up, so I’ll clear it or let it clear itself.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine, Tires · PA

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the front driver's side tire was replaced several times due to air loss. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced an unknown filter. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the unknown filter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the unknown filter and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.