What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering Motor Failure, 6T40 Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts, Excessive Oil Consumption (2.5L Ecotec LCV/LKW). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Electric Power Steering Motor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Malibu issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering Motor Failure, typically costs $400-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2024 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power Steering Motor Failure?
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 iss… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu 6T40 Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts?
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 driv… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2020 Chevrolet Malibu Excessive Oil Consumption (2.5L Ecotec LCV/LKW)?
The 2.5L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine in the 2013-2020 Malibu consumes oil at a rate well beyond what GM considers normal, with some owners reporting 1 quart every 1,500-2,000 miles. The piston rings do not properly seat against the cylinder walls, allowing oil to pass into the combu… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2020 Chevrolet Malibu A/C Compressor Clutch Failure?
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 bel… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2019 Chevrolet Malibu P0420 — Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) from Oil-Consumption-Poisoned Converter on the 2.4L Ecotec?
The single most common P0420 pattern on the Malibu is on the 2008-2012 2.4L Ecotec (LE5/LE9), whose low-tension piston rings are notorious for excessive oil consumption. Burned oil sends phosphorus and other contaminants into the exhaust, which glazes and poisons the catalytic co… Repairs typically run $700-$2,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2004-2015 Chevrolet Malibu P0302 — Cylinder 2 Misfire from Failed Ignition Coil or Fouled Spark Plug?
P0302 on the Malibu is most often a failing ignition coil or a worn/fouled spark plug at cylinder 2. On the four-cylinder Ecotec engines (2.2L, 2.4L, 2.5L) each cylinder has its own coil, so when the #2 coil weakens it can no longer produce a strong enough spark and that cylinder… Repairs typically run $100-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2024 Chevrolet Malibu Trunk Latch and Release Failure?
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 no… Repairs typically run $50-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2012-2023 Chevrolet Malibu P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Loose/Failed Gas Cap or Stuck Purge Valve?
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… Repairs typically run $25-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2008-2019 Chevrolet Malibu P0128 — Coolant Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature from Thermostat Stuck Open?
On the Malibu, especially the 2008-2012 2.4L Ecotec, P0128 is overwhelmingly caused by the engine thermostat sticking open. These thermostats fail as their internal rubber seal deteriorates, so coolant flows through the radiator constantly and the engine never reaches the calibra… Repairs typically run $150-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2012-2023 Chevrolet Malibu P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap O-Ring or Purge Valve (Capless Filler Seal on 2016+)?
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… Repairs typically run $25-$250. Severity: low.
