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2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

397 reports with mileage · 305 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 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

702 reports
56,735 miles · Aug 4, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainService Brakes

DRIVING AND MY CAR WOULDN'T STOP BECAUSE MY STABLITRAK AND ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AND NOW THE DEALER IS SAYING I NEED A VACUUM PUMP AND THROTTLE CHANGE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUES IN THE GM CARS JUST SEEN ON GOOGLE THAT A GLOBAL LETTER WAS SENT OUT AUG OF 2019 ABOUT THIS ISSUES BUT I NEVER RECEIVED IT. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED …

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DRIVING AND MY CAR WOULDN'T STOP BECAUSE MY STABLITRAK AND ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AND NOW THE DEALER IS SAYING I NEED A VACUUM PUMP AND THROTTLE CHANGE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUES IN THE GM CARS JUST SEEN ON GOOGLE THAT A GLOBAL LETTER WAS SENT OUT AUG OF 2019 ABOUT THIS ISSUES BUT I NEVER RECEIVED IT. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND WE SHOULD BE GIVEN OUR MONEY BACK. I HAVE 2017 CHEVY MALIBU AND I FEEL THIS PREMEDITATED MURDER BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT'S A ISSUE AND I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE JULY 30 2020 AT 959PM

NHTSA ODI #11343119

45,000 miles · Aug 1, 2020
Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other

THE NUTS USED TO FASTEN 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ARE NOT LOCKING NUTS THEREFOR LOOSEN CAUSING THE 3RD BREAK LIGHT TO FILTER TO LOOSEN AND BREAK. THIS ALSO CAUSES FLOODING IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD 2 INCHES OF WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT ALONG WITH A SOAKED TRUNK WHICH CAUSED A TERRIBLE SMELL. YOU WILL SEE IN THE PICTUR…

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THE NUTS USED TO FASTEN 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ARE NOT LOCKING NUTS THEREFOR LOOSEN CAUSING THE 3RD BREAK LIGHT TO FILTER TO LOOSEN AND BREAK. THIS ALSO CAUSES FLOODING IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD 2 INCHES OF WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT ALONG WITH A SOAKED TRUNK WHICH CAUSED A TERRIBLE SMELL. YOU WILL SEE IN THE PICTURES I HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR THE BROKEN PLASTIC ON THE BREAK LIGHT WITH AN EPOXY MIX. REPLACEMENT WOULD BE BETTER. I THINK BREAKAGE IS CAUSED BECAUSE THE NUTS LOOSEN.

NHTSA ODI #11342734

40,000 miles · Jul 30, 2020
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES OR MORE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIVE STAR …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES OR MORE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIVE STAR CHEVROLET (2199 DAVID H MCLEOD BLVD, FLORENCE, SC 29501, (843) 605-0183) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONSTAR DIAGNOSTIC TOOL SHOWED A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11342310

60,000 miles · Jul 26, 2020
Electrical System

THE 2017 MALIBU GIVES A MESSAGE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN "PARK," WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY IN PARK. THE DISPLAY SCREEN STAYS LIT UP TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. YOU CANNOT LOCK THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS WENT ON FOR 15 ABOUT MINUTES. AFTER MOVING THE GEAR SHIFTER BACK & FORTH, THE ERROR MESSAGE FINALLY GOES OFF. ITS OBVIOUSLY A S…

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THE 2017 MALIBU GIVES A MESSAGE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN "PARK," WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY IN PARK. THE DISPLAY SCREEN STAYS LIT UP TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. YOU CANNOT LOCK THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS WENT ON FOR 15 ABOUT MINUTES. AFTER MOVING THE GEAR SHIFTER BACK & FORTH, THE ERROR MESSAGE FINALLY GOES OFF. ITS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE, IF YOU CANT LOCK & SECURE THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11341545

100,000 miles · Jul 15, 2020
SteeringCrash

TL* CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO TURN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL AND SPUN AROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED INJURIES OR POLICE REPORT FILED. THE AIR BAGS D…

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TL* CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO TURN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL AND SPUN AROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED INJURIES OR POLICE REPORT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AUTO CENTER CARS (727 N. ROYAL AVE. FRONT ROYAL, VA 22630 (540) 622-2667) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11339563

56,780 miles · Jul 15, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

WHEN I GET TO A STOP LIGHT THE AUTO STOP ACTIVATES. WHEN THE CAR GOES TO TURN BACK ON IT TRIPS UP AND DIES COMPLETELY. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE CAR WON'T TURN BACK ON. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES UNTIL THE CAR WILL TURN ON AGAIN. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM AT A RED LIGHT FOR LONGER…

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WHEN I GET TO A STOP LIGHT THE AUTO STOP ACTIVATES. WHEN THE CAR GOES TO TURN BACK ON IT TRIPS UP AND DIES COMPLETELY. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE CAR WON'T TURN BACK ON. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES UNTIL THE CAR WILL TURN ON AGAIN. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM AT A RED LIGHT FOR LONGER THAN 30 SECONDS.

NHTSA ODI #11339500

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2020
Structure

I'VE NOTICED THAT WHEN IT RAINS THE RAIN COMES INSIDE THE CAR AND THE TRUNK .

NHTSA ODI #11339268

43,300 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Power Train

THE CHEVY MALIBU HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTER. WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL SAY ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION PANEL TO SHIFT TO PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY AND THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL TO SENS…

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THE CHEVY MALIBU HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTER. WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL SAY ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION PANEL TO SHIFT TO PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY AND THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL TO SENSOR IS TOLD TO PUT IT IN PARK.

NHTSA ODI #11339220

47,000 miles · Jul 10, 2020
Service Brakes

COMING HOME FROM FLORIDA TO ATHENS ALABAMA WE STOPPED AT A REST STOP AND I NOTICED MY BRAKES WAS REALLY HARD TO PUSH AND MADE A AWFUL NOISE. WE LOOKED AT THE BRAKES AND THOUGHT THE PADS WAS BAD. I MANAGED TO GET IT HOME LUCKILY ON MAJOR TRAFFIC JAMS ON INTERSTATE 65. MY HUSBAND PUT A CODE READER AND IT SAID BRAKE BOOSTER SENSOR …

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COMING HOME FROM FLORIDA TO ATHENS ALABAMA WE STOPPED AT A REST STOP AND I NOTICED MY BRAKES WAS REALLY HARD TO PUSH AND MADE A AWFUL NOISE. WE LOOKED AT THE BRAKES AND THOUGHT THE PADS WAS BAD. I MANAGED TO GET IT HOME LUCKILY ON MAJOR TRAFFIC JAMS ON INTERSTATE 65. MY HUSBAND PUT A CODE READER AND IT SAID BRAKE BOOSTER SENSOR BUT MY HUSBAND PULLED THE LINE FROM THE VACUUM PUMP AND THE VACUUM PUMP WASN'T PULLING.THANK GOD WE MADE IT HOME. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON THIS WEBSITE A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE. CAR IS NOW PARKED IN GARAGE WHAT TIL CHEVY DEALERSHIP OPENS ON MONDAY!!!

NHTSA ODI #11338710

32,000 miles · Jul 9, 2020
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN PARK HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SHORTLINE BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 1301 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80012, (303) 751-3400. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN PARK HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SHORTLINE BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 1301 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80012, (303) 751-3400. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.

NHTSA ODI #11338474

Official recalls

4

21V649000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners; Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

Aug 20, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

18V400000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jun 14, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 31, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

16V870000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 2, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

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.