2014 Chevrolet Malibu Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2013-2024 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2013+ Malibu uses an electric power steering (EPS) system with a column-mounted motor that is prone to failure. The motor develops internal faults causing intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist, making the car extremely difficult to steer at low speeds. GM issued Preliminary Information PI1521B covering loss of power steering assist and the "Service Power Steering" message on 2013-2015 Malibu and 2016 Malibu Limited, noting a blown power steering fuse as one cause. The steering column module and torque sensor can also fail, triggering a "Service Power Steering" message on the DIC.

On the 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L LUK eAssist I4, the 2013 Malibu Eco (and the 2014 Eco carryover) uses GM's eAssist mild hybrid: a belt-driven motor-generator, a liquid- and air-cooled 115V lithium-ion pack in the trunk, and a generator control module (GCM) mounted with the pack. Two failure points dominate owner reports. The GCM's own cooling fan clogs or fails, the module overheats, and the car drops into 'Battery Saver Active' mode; and the 115V pack itself loses cells, at which point the 12V system stops being charged properly and system voltage sags to around 11.3V instead of the normal ~14V. Owners also report the generator mounting bracket cracking and stranding the car. Dealer quotes for a pack replacement have run near $4,700, which totals many of these cars. This is specific to the eAssist Eco and does not apply to the conventional 2.5L or 2.0T Malibus of the same years, nor to the later 1.8L LKN hybrid.

On the 2008-2019 Chevrolet Malibu, sunroof-equipped Malibus drain through a trough around the glass panel with four hoses — the front pair routed down the A-pillars and out into the wheelhouse area, the rear pair down the C-pillars. Two distinct failures are documented by owners who have traced them: the hoses clog with pollen, needles and roof grit, and — the one that surprises people — the hose simply falls off its nipple at the corner of the sunroof module and hovers loose behind the trim, dumping every bit of roof water directly into the headliner and down the pillar. The result is a soaked driver's or passenger's front and rear floor, a stained headliner, and a persistent musty smell. On this platform the floor is where GM put connectors and, on some builds, modules, so a long-running leak produces corrosion-driven intermittent electrical faults that get chased for months before anyone finds the water. Reported across the seventh, eighth and ninth generations.

On the 2008-2024 Chevrolet Malibu, the trunk latch mechanism on the Malibu fails due to a worn release cable, broken latch spring, or faulty trunk release actuator motor. Owners report the trunk will not open via the key fob, interior button, or the trunk release button on the lid. In some cases, the trunk will not latch closed and pops open while driving. Water intrusion into the latch mechanism accelerates corrosion and failure, especially in northern salt-belt states.

On the 2012-2023 Chevrolet Malibu, p0442 flags a small EVAP leak (roughly a 0.020-0.040 inch hole). On 2012-2016 Malibus with a conventional threaded gas cap, the most common cause is a cracked or flattened cap O-ring. On the 2016+ ninth-gen cars with the capless fuel filler, the culprit is usually the filler-neck seal or debris holding the spring-loaded flap slightly open. On all years, a leaking or weak EVAP purge valve — a well-known failure across GM platforms of this era — is the next most likely source. Cracked charcoal-canister hoses round out the list.

On the 2012-2023 Chevrolet Malibu, p0455 indicates a large EVAP leak (a hole ~0.040 inch or bigger). On the Malibu the leading cause — more than half of cases across GM cars of this era — is a loose, missing, or failed fuel cap (or, on 2016+ capless cars, a bad filler-neck seal). The second most common cause is a failed EVAP purge valve stuck open, a notoriously common GM failure shared across the Impala, Camaro, and others. Cracked or disconnected canister/vent hoses can also let enough vapor escape to trip the gross-leak monitor.

On the 2008-2020 Chevrolet Malibu, the A/C compressor clutch on the Malibu fails due to a burned-out clutch coil, worn clutch plate, or bearing failure in the compressor pulley. When the clutch fails, the A/C blows warm air because the compressor cannot engage. A squealing or grinding noise from the serpentine belt area is common before total failure. The compressor clutch can also seize, which will shred the serpentine belt and cause a loss of all belt-driven accessories (alternator, power steering, water pump).

On the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L Ecotec, the 2013-2016 Malibu with the 2.5L Ecotec engine uses the GM 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission that develops a pronounced shudder during light acceleration in the 25-45 mph range. The torque converter clutch wears prematurely, causing slippage and vibration that feels like driving on rumble strips. Harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are also common. The 6T40 is sensitive to fluid condition and the issue worsens rapidly if the fluid is not changed on schedule.