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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

35 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 · Jul 20, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I was driving on the interstate and the engine power reduced light came on twice. It was driveable but I got off the interstate to state roads so I could drive slower. It acts like it wants to stop. I have been afraid to drive it again.

NHTSA ODI #11674877

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2025
Unknown Or Other

The engine power reduced light came on twice. I have been feeling a slight hesitation when driving for a couple of months but this is the first time that light came on. It happened on i65n about 140 miles from Montgomery. I got off the interstate at Montgomery so I could drive slower and made it home to Centre, AL. But now I'm a…

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The engine power reduced light came on twice. I have been feeling a slight hesitation when driving for a couple of months but this is the first time that light came on. It happened on i65n about 140 miles from Montgomery. I got off the interstate at Montgomery so I could drive slower and made it home to Centre, AL. But now I'm afraid to drive it far.

NHTSA ODI #11669427

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2025
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or OtherCrash

Unknown

NHTSA ODI #11656637

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

have a 2015 Chevy Malibu that is randomly trying to start itself. The key fob is the original when I bought it. It has the auto start on the fob but is the kind that requires the key in the ignition to drive.car completely off (not in aux) but the key is in ignition, could be for 2 minutes or hours, and randomly it will try and …

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have a 2015 Chevy Malibu that is randomly trying to start itself. The key fob is the original when I bought it. It has the auto start on the fob but is the kind that requires the key in the ignition to drive.car completely off (not in aux) but the key is in ignition, could be for 2 minutes or hours, and randomly it will try and start, but not fully turn the engine and actually start, just that little half second of a start and then go right back off. Today it did it 3 times in a row. Obviously I won’t be leaving my key in the ignition any longer as it does seem to require that,

NHTSA ODI #11579640

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2023
Unknown Or Other

When I come to a stop my auto stop engages and when i accelerate to continue driving my car won’t turn back on and stays dead for up to 20 minutes. I have almost been rear ended numerous times. It does this every single time. So now when I’m coming to a stop I put it in neutral before being at a complete stop.

NHTSA ODI #11511656

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2023
Unknown Or Other

When it rains the driver side fills up inside with water causing a puddle behind the driver in the rear of the car. This causes mold inside the car and also creates condensation while driving. I googled it and many blogs have been discussing the problem. I brought it to 2 different shops and the air vents were blown out to no…

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When it rains the driver side fills up inside with water causing a puddle behind the driver in the rear of the car. This causes mold inside the car and also creates condensation while driving. I googled it and many blogs have been discussing the problem. I brought it to 2 different shops and the air vents were blown out to no avail. I also called the dealer and they were not aware of any problems. I have allergies and this makes my car trigger attacks.

NHTSA ODI #11511597

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2023
Unknown Or Other

On multiple occasions since July of 2022 my vehicle has had a reduced engine power warning and caused dangerous situation where the speed limit was 70 and I couldn’t go over 25 and I was miles from an exit. Took it in had throttle body replaced, and it happened again. Took it in again replaced the gas pedal position sensor. Happ…

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On multiple occasions since July of 2022 my vehicle has had a reduced engine power warning and caused dangerous situation where the speed limit was 70 and I couldn’t go over 25 and I was miles from an exit. Took it in had throttle body replaced, and it happened again. Took it in again replaced the gas pedal position sensor. Happened again replaced the throttle body again and this time we broke down in Nashville on our way to Florida. Then 10 miles away from Nashville same issue. I took it to the nearest dealer and here I wait, thousands of dollars into it and not knowing how to proceed.

NHTSA ODI #11499754

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 · Nov 12, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I bought my 2015 Chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but …

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I bought my 2015 Chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but no one else could smell or experience it. I just kept getting sick. 2) I thought “MY” first 30k miles or so was rolling too fast and 3-5 months in, the ENGINE light popped on. Immediately took it to Chevy who said my engine light was on due to an “airbag” but wouldn’t tell me which unless I paid 70$. 3) Still, driving was not affected so I kept taking it to the Chevy dealer every 3-6 months for the proper maintenance. About 2 years in I go for an oil change at CHEVY: one guy pours RADIATOR fluid in my OIL compartment during the oil change. Just before he realizes it’s the wrong thing and looks to see if I saw, I alert the manager who immediately drains the oil and says it won’t be affected.. and assures me everything is fine. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 4) 4 years ownership, the service stability track message started appearing and the ENGINE POWER REDUCED SPEED LIMITED TO 25 MPH starts popping up on the screen and simultaneously the car DANGEROUSLY goes from highway speed to 25mph. ONLY Jesus mercy! That’s a death trap in itself. Still no recalls and no help. Temp fix (get to safety, turn off vehicle, wait 30 sec-1 min and restart) 5) At 150k miles, I returned to get transmission flush.change.check whatever the best procedure was. Chevy says, I wouldn’t because it doesn’t have to be serviced on these vehicle. yet they send me coupons for trans services. 6)JUST put on new tires, oil, oil cabin, and engine filters changed. Car riding smoothly then 4 days later I start it and up pops a message about SERVICE POWER STEERING: drive with care! No Gearshift lights. And it’s an EPS system! Something is WRONG with these cars. 7) Paint defects along pass. side

NHTSA ODI #11493257

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.