2015 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 71 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, 26% of all complaints for the year, including 7 fire reports. A related recall (16V502000) covers a park lock lever issue that can let the key come out without the transmission in PARK.
- Electrical System complaints
- 71
- 26% of 270
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 54,335 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report fires starting near the battery, fuse box, or wiring harness, sometimes while the vehicle was parked or in motion.
- Several describe smoke and melted dashboard or carpet material on the driver's side after an electrical fire.
- Some drivers experienced a sudden loss of power while driving, with the engine, instrument cluster, and infotainment screen shutting off at once.
- Owners report all interior and exterior lights turning off unexpectedly while stopped, sometimes with a fuel smell present.
- One owner described water intrusion behind the dashboard that flooded the carpet area.
- A separate complaint tied to the park lock lever recall describes the key being removed while the vehicle was still in gear, leading to a crash.
When 2015 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 4, 2015, latest Aug 24, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
- NHTSA 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical System8,367 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Electrical System complaints by Malibu model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- NHTSA lists 71 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, which is 26% of all 270 complaints filed for that model year.
- Did the 2015 Malibu electrical issues cause fires?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 7 fire reports and 2 crashes tied to this problem area for the 2015 Malibu.
- Is there a recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system?
- Yes, recall 16V502000 covers a park lock lever defect that can allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission in PARK; dealers replace the key cylinder lock housing free of charge.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2015 Malibu?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 54,335 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2015 Malibu.
- How does the 2015 Malibu compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 2015 Malibu's 26% share of complaints in this area is lower than years like 2012 and 2013, which each had a 45% share.