2021 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 28 of 89 total complaints (31%) filed on the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this area on this model year.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 28
- 31% of 89
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 60,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle displays a "Shift to Park" warning even when the shifter is already in park, preventing the ignition from fully shutting off.
- Owners describe having to wiggle or shift the gear selector multiple times before the transmission recognizes park position.
- Some drivers report the vehicle rolling after shifting into park, with the shift-to-park message appearing afterward.
- One owner reported a stretched drive chain that sent metal debris through the transmission, causing jerking at highway speed and requiring transmission replacement.
- In at least one case the transmission stopped engaging first gear entirely, and the vehicle would not move forward or reverse, leading to a tow.
- Some complaints note the shift-to-park issue draining the battery because the ignition remains in accessory mode.
When 2021 Chevrolet Malibu transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 27, 2023, latest Aug 21, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Malibu model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Malibu, which is 31% of the 89 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?
- NHTSA shows no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2021 Malibu, based on the data available.
- What is the main transmission complaint on the 2021 Malibu?
- The most frequent pattern is a "Shift to Park" warning appearing even when the vehicle is already in park, sometimes preventing the ignition from shutting off or the shifter from being fully recognized.
- At what mileage do 2021 Malibu transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Malibu is 60,000 miles.
- Have these transmission issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported among these Transmission & Powertrain complaints.