How common are engine problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA lists 339 engine-related complaints out of 697 total complaints for the 2018 Malibu, or 49% of all complaints for that year — the highest engine complaint share among the model years shown.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine?

Yes. Recall 19V642000, reported September 6, 2019, covers 2018 Malibu vehicles with 1.5L turbo engines where an ECM software error could disable fuel injectors. GM dealers reprogram the ECM software free of charge.

At what mileage do 2018 Malibu engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 50,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Malibu.

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to 2018 Malibu engine complaints?

NHTSA records list 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries among the engine-related complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 339 of 697 complaints (49%) filed on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, the highest share of any model year listed. NHTSA also lists a related recall (19V642000) for ECM software that can disable fuel injectors. Median mileage at failure is 50,000.

Engine complaints: 339; 49% of 697
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Vehicle suddenly stalls or loses power while driving, sometimes dropping to 20 mph or less on the highway.
Dashboard displays a 'reduced engine power' warning along with the check engine light before the vehicle slows sharply.
Some owners report the engine sticking at a fixed RPM and failing to build power when accelerating from a stop or passing another car.
Stalling has occurred in combination with automatic stop/start engagement, with the engine failing to restart smoothly afterward.
A few owners describe unintended acceleration or an inability to stop in time after the reduced-power condition, leading to crashes.
Dealers in several cases could not duplicate the intermittent stalling or power-loss symptom during diagnostic visits.

When 2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 9, 2018, latest Sep 21, 2026.

339 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (31).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

NHTSA 19V642000Sep 6, 2019Engine177,282 vehicles
Engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Risk: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.

Engine complaints by Malibu model year

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

2010222 (16%)
2011223 (23%)
2012144 (16%)
2013229 (27%)
2014137 (39%)
201581 (30%)
2016373 (45%)
2017314 (45%)
2018339 (49%)
201970 (37%)
202070 (35%)
202114 (16%)
202236 (37%)
202318 (26%)
20244 (10%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: NHTSA lists 339 engine-related complaints out of 697 total complaints for the 2018 Malibu, or 49% of all complaints for that year — the highest engine complaint share among the model years shown.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine?: Yes. Recall 19V642000, reported September 6, 2019, covers 2018 Malibu vehicles with 1.5L turbo engines where an ECM software error could disable fuel injectors. GM dealers reprogram the ECM software free of charge.
At what mileage do 2018 Malibu engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 50,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Malibu.
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to 2018 Malibu engine complaints?: NHTSA records list 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries among the engine-related complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.