2020 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/25/2026

While attempting to enter a high-speed expressway, the transmission malfunctioned, preventing normal acceleration. The vehicle could only accelerate very slowly but managed to maintain a limited speed, creating a hazardous situation while trying to merge into fast-moving traffic. I was able to navigate the vehicle off the expressway, at which point the transmission completely failed and the vehicle died. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership service center, where technicians diagnosed a total internal failure of the CVT transmission requiring complete replacement. Mind you, the vehicle is under 6 years old and has fewer than 90,000 total miles, and this is the second time the transmission on this vehicle has suffered a total failure and required a complete replacement. Prior to this mechanical breakdown, there were no warning lights, abnormal symptoms, or performance issues indicating an impending transmission failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/31/2025

While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash. I believe this represents a serious safety defect because failure of the vacuum pump significantly impairs the driver’s ability to stop the vehicle safely. I understand GM has issued service information regarding vacuum pump failures on this engine, and I am submitting this complaint because I believe other drivers may experience the same dangerous brake failure.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/31/1969

Ejesitais to shift. Most of the times. Also shif to park when is o ready park.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/05/2026

Shift to park displaying when car is in park so it won't turn off and stalling out randomly with no warning or anything and being hesitant to go

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/31/2025

May 7, 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Safety Defect Complaint – Brake System / Vehicle Control Concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to Reed-Lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and increased risk of failure. Given the nature of the symptoms involving braking and vehicle control, I request review for potential safety-related investigation. Vehicle Information: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu VIN: Mileage:

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/21/2026

To Whom It May Concern, ​I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. This defect resulted in a life-threatening incident while I was driving on the highway, during which my vehicle failed to stop as required. ​While operating at highway speeds, the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress, making it nearly impossible to decelerate or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This sudden loss of power assist forced me to manage an incredibly dangerous situation in high-speed traffic. Based on the symptoms, I am concerned that the brake booster vacuum pump has suffered an internal failure, a documented issue for this model year where oil sludge or debris causes the pump to seize. ​In addition to the physical resistance of the pedal, I am concerned about the reliability of the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). The failure experienced on the highway demonstrates that this vehicle is unsafe for public roads, as the force required to engage the brakes in an emergency is far beyond safe operating standards. ​I request that the NHTSA investigate this brake failure and determine if a mandatory recall is necessary to prevent similar incidents from resulting in catastrophic collisions. ​Please contact me if you require further information Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/25/2026

Vehicle stalled/lost power while driving due to auto start/stop system.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 04/27/2026

I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue that occurred with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT on April 27th 2026. While driving on the interstate after work, my vehicle suddenly experienced a failure that made it extremely unsafe to operate. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle did not want to slow down or stop properly. This created a very dangerous situation while I was driving at highway speeds. Additionally, I noticed that nearly all of the engine oil was gone, which is extremely concerning and may be related to the failure. Based on these symptoms, it appears the vacuum pump may have failed while the vehicle was in motion. This issue placed me at significant risk of an accident and could have resulted in serious injury. I am requesting an immediate investigation into this matter and assistance with repairs. I would also like to know if there are any recalls, known defects, or extended warranties related to this issue. Please advise on the next steps as soon as possible, as the vehicle is currently unsafe to drive.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/31/2025

When braking, the vehicle experiences a system failure. There is a loud impact, the dashboard shuts down, warning lights activate all gauges go to the left, and the vehicle loses power and enters a reduced speed mode before recovering. This has been ongoing and creates a dangerous driving condition. The dealership has had the vehicle over four months and has not diagnosed or repaired the issue. Please Note: I have attached the invoice sent to me on April 17, 2026, via email. The information in section 3 had been changed while I was sitting there. It originally state, engine repair needed. It said absolutely nothing about the reason I was there, which was what I am now describing. The description in section 3, has been worded incorrectly. It states I said, when coming to a stop, but it is not only when coming to a stop, but even if I am in flowing traffic and have to touch my brakes to slow down at any given time, there is a loud thump sound and a jolt, all of the dash lights come on, all the gauges go to the left, the warning lights are on and it has to sit there, not for a few seconds, but until those lights go back off and then it will move very slowly, until it decides to gain power. You have no warnings as to when it will happen or when the car will regain speed when it does happen. I gave pictures of the dash on April 17, 2026, as well and these pictures have the date December 31, 2025, on them. As I was having the issue while driving it to the dealership for repair. The invoice mentions [XXX] . I do not know her and have never met her. I only spoke with a man. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/14/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stopped at a traffic signal and after depressing the accelerator pedal when the light changed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH while accelerating. The contact stopped and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, the battery was replaced, and the system was reset; however, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.