2018 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 86 brake complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 12% of all complaints for the year, with 7 crashes and 3 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 51,001 miles, and one related recall (18V576000) covers a brake system bleed procedure.
- Brakes complaints
- 86
- 12% of 697
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 51,001 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the vehicle failing to slow or stop despite the brake pedal being fully depressed, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Some describe sudden loss of power and steering assist accompanied by stabilitrak, traction control, or ABS warning lights coming on at the same time brakes felt affected.
- A few report brakes locking up unexpectedly during normal stops, causing the car to be struck from behind or to strike another vehicle.
- One owner described the brake booster and vacuum pump failing, making the pedal feel stiff and hard to press.
- Several complaints describe the vehicle continuing to move forward after the driver shifted into park or reverse, with dash warnings like check engine and low power mode appearing at the same time.
When 2018 Chevrolet Malibu brake complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 14, 2018, latest Aug 3, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
- NHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018Brakes210,628 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 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 18279.
Brakes 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 brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA lists 86 brake-related complaints for the 2018 Malibu, which is 12% of the 697 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Yes. Recall 18V576000, filed August 30, 2018, covers the brake system and calls for dealers to bleed the brakes free of charge. It is not a park-outside or do-not-drive recall.
- At what mileage do 2018 Malibu brake problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 51,001 miles at the time of the reported brake failure.
- Have the 2018 Malibu brake complaints led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 7 crashes and 3 injuries linked to brake complaints for the 2018 Malibu, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2018 Malibu compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2018 model's 86 brake complaints and 12% share are lower than years like 2010 (367 complaints, 27% share) and 2020 (51 complaints, 26% share), suggesting fewer relative brake reports for 2018.