2022 Chevrolet Malibu: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 Sep 3, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

Driving along the highway the CEL light came on followed by reduced engine power warning. Vehicle abruptly slowed down to 35mph (limp mode). Were there to be another vehicle behind me, they would have to do emergency braking. My vehicle would not start after pulling over to the shoulder. A tow truck was dispatched, and after diagnosis from the service center; The fuel pump module was found to be defective.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Engine · 128,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The contact continued driving until being able to safely stop. Once the vehicle was stopped, it was turned off and restarted after a while. The failure occurred while the contact was attempting to accelerate and had become more persistent. The check engine warning light was illuminated with the message “Reduce Engine Power” displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there was a failure with the turbocharger. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall for the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · 110,022 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to exceed 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,022.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Engine · TX

Check engine light came on. Took car to Autozone and O'Reilly's to be given the same P0299 code which is a failed turbocharger. Reduced engine power, car goes into limp mode. GM has issued a special coverage program for 2022 Chevy Malibu as of Nov 2025 but for some reason my car is not covered!!

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

Purchased the car February 14 2025 with 102,664 miles on it. About 2 weeks ago I was merging on a highway and it went into limp mode and I almost get rear-ended. It felt like it lost all power. The check engine light came on and I drove it to Auto Zone to have it scanned and code P0299 was the code, turbo underboost. I then went to O'Reilly's for a second opinion and their scanner also said turbo underboost. I have replaced all sensors that interact with the turbo thinking maybe it was a sensor but negative. Turbo failure

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger had failed, causing oil to leak into the turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.