YearToAvoid

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 60 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of its 702 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 51,000 miles. A related recall (18V358000) covers the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe on 2016-2018 Malibu models.

Fuel System complaints
60
9% of 702
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
51,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Fuel gauge shows a full tank after refueling but the reading does not match actual fuel level or the automaker's phone app.
  • Check engine light triggers with a diagnosed fuel injector error, sometimes recurring after a prior repair.
  • Vehicle fails to start as the starter cranks briefly then shuts off, traced to the fuel pump control module and loss of fuel pressure.
  • Engine enters reduced power mode at highway speed, dropping to around 25 mph, linked in some cases to a fuel pedal sensor issue with backordered parts.
  • Check engine light appears with an error code pointing to the post-catalyst fuel trim system reading high, attributed by dealers to a software issue.

When 2017 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 27, 2017, latest Aug 29, 2026.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2017Jun 2019Jul 2020Mar 2021Feb 2022Jan 2024Feb 2025
60 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2018 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

  1. NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

    Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Fuel System complaints by Malibu model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201039 (3%)
  2. 201137 (4%)
  3. 201256 (6%)
  4. 201334 (4%)
  5. 201426 (7%)
  6. 201519 (7%)
  7. 201653 (6%)
  8. 201760 (9%)
  9. 2018101 (14%)
  10. 201918 (9%)
  11. 202018 (9%)
  12. 202110 (11%)
  13. 20229 (9%)
  14. 20238 (12%)
  15. 20242 (5%)
  16. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA records 60 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Malibu, which is 9% of the 702 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. Recall 18V358000, issued 2018-05-31, covers the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe on 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu and several other GM models. Dealers replace the pump and pipe free of charge.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2017 Malibu is 51,000 miles.
Did the fuel system problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this fuel system issue area shows 1 crash and 2 injuries reported, with no fires.
How does the 2017 Malibu compare to other years for fuel system complaints?
The 2017 Malibu's fuel system share is 9% of its total complaints, lower than the 2018 model's 14% share but higher than most earlier years like 2013 at 4% and 2016 at 6%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.