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2015 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

160 reports with mileage · 110 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports9 fire reports10 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

19 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Fuel sensors failing, codes obd are not fixing issue, auto stop, shuts radio off when brake is applied, resets all electric components in car. Every time braking at a stop or signal.

NHTSA ODI #11759241

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemSuspensionWheels

Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A coupl…

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Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED

NHTSA ODI #11732005

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2025
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then w…

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My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the computer and he has had several of the same car come in with the exact problem.

NHTSA ODI #11667586

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2023
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost …

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There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost stalls the vehicle completely. If that were to happen while driving in the middle of the road then that could easily cause a wreck.

NHTSA ODI #11515402

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My car keeps cutting out while I'm driving I've taken it to the Chevy dealership and they did a diagnostic test and it comes up with air intake system cat is running to lean

NHTSA ODI #11502533

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

2015 malibu which is equipped with auto stop will shudder and die anytime you stop. Car has been taken to multiple shops to try and get it fixed but nothing done has fixed the problem. Car has become a danger to drive. Both batteries have been replaced but did not help.

NHTSA ODI #11493309

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

My 2015 Malibu continues to have problems. I have a constant P Code (P2635) that refers to the fuel pump (Low Performance). The Malibu has the auto stop but at times the vehicle wants to lunge forward. It also at a stop not only goes to the auto stop (engine ) but cut off all the way . Which this result in having to place the ca…

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My 2015 Malibu continues to have problems. I have a constant P Code (P2635) that refers to the fuel pump (Low Performance). The Malibu has the auto stop but at times the vehicle wants to lunge forward. It also at a stop not only goes to the auto stop (engine ) but cut off all the way . Which this result in having to place the car back in park to re-start. I have seen a youtube video of a hotspot (wear) on the wiring harness that is located in the right rear fender well that this blue and white wire was worn and broken possible causing this problem. Other that this issue the vehicle is good and still gets around 35mpg.

NHTSA ODI #11434625

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

This 2015 Chevy Malibu has been serviced over 10 ten times for a stalling/check engine issue(s). Sometimes the check engine light will activate after stalling and other times it will not. This vehicle has only had 1 owner since the initial purchase with on-star showing all the times/dates that a problem was detected and reported…

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This 2015 Chevy Malibu has been serviced over 10 ten times for a stalling/check engine issue(s). Sometimes the check engine light will activate after stalling and other times it will not. This vehicle has only had 1 owner since the initial purchase with on-star showing all the times/dates that a problem was detected and reported via email (on star). The dealership has had ample attempts to fix the issues with the vehicle, as well as private ASE certified mechanic/shop after the issues continued with this problem vehicle. This vehicle is a lemon, it is not dependable, and the stalling issues seem to be an on-going issue with GM Chevy Malibu. On 05/15/2021 while in Natick Massachusetts, I was almost rear-ended after my vehicle stalled in traffic and I could not get to the BDL. As quickly as the vehicle stopped working, I was able to restart the vehicle and move it out of the road. This problem can not be ignored or downplayed, someone will eventual get hurt or killed because their vehicle stalls without reason or warning. I need a dependable vehicle and do not have the luxury to run to the dealership multiple times for an on-going problem.

NHTSA ODI #11421085

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

2015 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 2.5L ENGINE WITH ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL VALVE MALFUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE CAME ON THURSDAY MAY 6, 2021 AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED MONDAY MAY 10, 2021. 2014'S HAVE A RECALL, BUT 2015S DO NOT AND MY MECHANIC CAN'T EVEN FIND A GM PART TO FIX THIS.

NHTSA ODI #11416066

80,000 miles · Apr 13, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

IN AUGUST 2019, MY 2015 CHEVY MALIBU STARTED HAVING WITH THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVT) SOLENOID -PART # 12633613 (ABT. 80K MILES). WHEN ACCELERATING INTO PASSING GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD STEP OUT OF GEAR AND THE RPM'S WOULD REV VERY HIGH WHILE THE CAR SLOWED. I WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF PEDAL UNTIL RPM'S LOWERED, THEN ACCELERATE S…

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IN AUGUST 2019, MY 2015 CHEVY MALIBU STARTED HAVING WITH THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVT) SOLENOID -PART # 12633613 (ABT. 80K MILES). WHEN ACCELERATING INTO PASSING GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD STEP OUT OF GEAR AND THE RPM'S WOULD REV VERY HIGH WHILE THE CAR SLOWED. I WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF PEDAL UNTIL RPM'S LOWERED, THEN ACCELERATE SLOWLY. MY LOCAL GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE BAD PART AND BEGAN SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMENT. THEY DISCOVERED THAT (1)-GM IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MAKES THE PART, (2)-THAT GM DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND (3)-GM IS NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY MORE. THEY DISCOVERED THAT MANY GM DEALERSHIPS HAVE HUNDREDS ON BACK ORDER ALSO. IN DECEMBER I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE; CASE # 9-5698216592 AND CONVERSED WITH VAHMARTA PH.#(866)-790-5600 AND FIELD REP; LOGAN EXT:5916533. THEIR FINAL ANSWER: (1) GM IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MAKES THE PART, (2) GM DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE PARTS AND (3) GM ISN'T GOING TO MAKE ANY MORE PARTS. THEIR FINAL SOLUTIN: THEY OFFERED ME A $2,500 VOUCHER TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE. GM IS QUITE AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM BUT IS NOT OFFERING A PART TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THOSE AROUND ME ON THE ROAD. THE CAR DOESN'T ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE PROPERLY. WHAT IS A PROPER SOLUTION? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11320935

Official recalls

3

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

15V666000 · Air Bags:side/window

Oct 16, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

15V164000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Mar 23, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.