Chevrolet Malibu check engine light comes on

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 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 Nov 2, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

Beginning in late August/early September 2026, my 2024 Chevrolet Malibu RS began experiencing recurring electrical and engine performance issues. The vehicle intermittently displays an “Engine Power Reduced” warning and Check Engine Light. I have also experienced unexpected vehicle shutdowns and intermittent electrical malfunctions. I have taken the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership multiple times for diagnosis and repair. Despite the extended time the vehicle has spent at the dealership, the underlying problem remains unresolved. Dealership technicians have indicated that they were unable to reproduce the reported symptoms during certain inspections. As a result, the cause of the recurring malfunction has not been identified or corrected. I am concerned that the sudden reduction in engine power or unexpected vehicle shutdown could create a serious safety hazard, particularly when driving in traffic, merging onto highways, or traveling at higher speeds. A sudden loss of acceleration or engine power could prevent me from responding appropriately to traffic conditions and potentially put my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. The specific component responsible for the malfunction is currently UNKNOWN. However, the recurring symptoms raise concerns about a possible electrical system, engine control, or power management malfunction. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these recurring safety-related issues and determine whether they may represent a potential vehicle defect affecting other Chevrolet Malibu owners. I have documentation of dealership visits, service records, and communications regarding the unresolved issues. The vehicle can be made available for further inspection upon request.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · MO

I got the engine light ON on dashboard! I need someone to check out for me, please. Thank you

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 · Electrical · 210,000 miles · TX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was listed as 170,225. During a service appointment for the check engine warning light illumination, the vehicle history report revealed that the mileage was 210,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Steering · NC

My chevy stopped while driving. The engine light came on and engine power reduced. The brakes locked up and I could not go anywhere. Code P1101, Vacuum Pump Failure and ECM came up. Financing this vehicle. Have not been able to drive it in 3 weeks.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 105,100 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the following morning while waiting at the school drop-off line with her foot on the brake pedal, there was an abnormal boom, and several warning lights illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The occupants inside the vehicle assumed that the vehicle was struck from behind. The vehicle attempted to surge and revved and started to choke and shut off. The vehicle was shifted into park and the ignition key turned to the off position. The vehicle was restarted but failed to move. The engine, traction control, and the radio were blinking. The vehicle was shifted to first gear but was moving slowly. The vehicle stalled and was restarted, but the failure recurred. The engine light remained illuminated, but the screen was dimmed. The vehicle was turned off. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 21-NA-045. The dealer was called and a voicemail was left. The vehicle was driven to the service center and the contact waited for 20 minutes to allow the vehicle to cool down and then restarted the vehicle. The gear shift indicator was not lit. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The radio started to work later. There was an abnormal hot odor. The contact was concerned about a fire. The local dealer responded and advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure after the vehicle was test driven. The dealer confirmed there were no previous crash with the vehicle. There was one fault code displayed. The dealer stated that there might have been a backfire from the engine. The approximate failure mileage was 105,100.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Tires, Transmission · 122,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. After starting the vehicle with the transmission in park(P), the gear shift indicator indicated that the transmission was in drive(D). The transmission was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle jerked and the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle failed to move. The TPMS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter was loose while shifting, and the vehicle rolled forward while parked. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

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.