2023 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · 46,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated, and the message "Engine Reduced Power" was displayed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The contact continued driving the vehicle, and the failure persisted. As per the manufacturer’s guidance, the vehicle was taken to Maxie Price Chevrolet Atlanta (3600 Atlanta Hwy, Loganville, GA 30052), and the turbocharger assembly failure was confirmed, and the contact was informed that the part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but denied assistance because the vehicle was not included in Special Coverage Program: N252508360. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · FL

I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace their vacuum pumps multiple times, while others have described serious safety incidents involving brake problems. I am concerned that these reports may indicate a recurring safety defect that could put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. A vacuum pump failure that affects brake assist could make it difficult to stop a vehicle safely and potentially cause a serious crash. I became aware of these reported safety concerns on October 13, 2026, after seeing multiple Chevrolet Malibu owners discuss these problems. This specific vacuum pump failure has not happened to my vehicle personally. I am submitting this report to bring these concerns to the federal safety agency’s attention and request an investigation into whether the affected Chevrolet Malibu model years have a safety defect that warrants a recall to prevent further crashes, injuries, or deaths.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 19, 2026 · Engine · MD

Unable to accelerate, dangerous when getting on highway or driving up hills

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine · 128,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated after starting the vehicle, and while accelerating on several occasions from a stoplight. The failure occasionally occurred while driving on the freeway, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for an extended warranty coverage associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently entered LIMP mode. The message "Turn off to Reduce Power Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cause of the failure was unidentifiable. The independent mechanic cleared the diagnostic trouble code; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · 85,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occured intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo charger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

The issue appears to involve the engine and turbocharger system. The vehicle has shown symptoms consistent with a turbo underboost condition, including loss of power and reduced acceleration. A mechanic indicated that the symptoms may be consistent with diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue affects safe operation because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while driving, which creates a risk when merging into traffic, accelerating, or maintaining speed in normal traffic conditions. The loss of power is inconsistent and can occur without warning, increasing the potential safety concern. The problem has been ongoing. The check engine light is currently on and has remained on. The warning light first appeared around January 2026, and the issue has continued since then. Similar turbocharger-related issues have been reported in prior model years, including 2022 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, where coverage or corrective actions were provided, raising concern that the same or similar issue may be affecting 2023 models.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · GA

My engine keeps decreasing and throwing code p0299, wastegate/turbo, under boost. 84k miles. After a few drive cycles, engine light may go off, then next drive cycle come back on. I’ve seen this is a common issue and has been recalled in previous year model.