2018 Chevrolet Malibu

I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump was replaced. Approximately one week after the vacuum pump replacement, the warranty replacement engine suffered catastrophic failure. The repair facility diagnosed cylinder #3 scoring and informed me that the engine required replacement. I was told that the engine failure was related to the vacuum pump failure. Because the warranty replacement engine was no longer covered under warranty, General Motors initially declined to cover the repair. Initially, neither General Motors nor the Chevrolet dealership was willing to accept responsibility for the issue. After continued discussions, General Motors ultimately agreed to provide partial financial assistance as a goodwill adjustment. However, I was still left responsible for paying a substantial amount out of pocket to purchase and install a third engine. The cost has created a significant financial burden that I have struggled to afford, especially because the repair involved a component that I was informed has a known history of failure. I was also informed that vacuum pump failures are a known issue with these vehicles and that General Motors is aware of the problem, although no recall has been issued. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple vacuum pump failures, two catastrophic engine failures, and have now required three engines in the same vehicle. This has resulted in significant financial hardship, loss of use of my vehicle, and serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle.

While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I was told that the vacuum pump failed and exploded the parts into the camshaft. After 2 days of repairs I was finally able to get my car back to working order. This could have been a fatal car accident coming down a mountain pass. I was able to get stopped safely because I know the road. I had just driven 700 miles over Eisenhower Pass, Vail Pass, Glenwood Canyon, and then the final pass being McClure pass where it failed. I bought this car brand new and I probably won't buy another Chevy after this. This was a terrifying experience that I will have lasting trauma from.

The Vacuum pump continues to go out causes code P1101. I have replaced it 4 times and people just in my town are fighting this code for dear life like me! It causes our brakes to barely work and make it completely unsafe to drive as the check engine light goes in and out for MAF sensor. It’s not safe. It needs to be recalled. It doesn’t matter if i buy the most cheapest part or expensive part. It has happened on multiple occasions where i replace it and within 2 months, its back on and does reduced power in the middle of me driving on busy roads. i’ve been almost hit and almost caused multiple accidents because I have to pull over.

After diagnostic troubleshooting from DTCs on a check engine light, it was discovered that the brake vacuum pump connected to the engine was completely nonfunctional. Previous symptoms included stiff brake, loss of brake power at random brake periods which could have cause and accident with other drivers, and finally malfunctioning sensors attributed to the exhaust system. This also led the vehicle to be unable to pass state regulated Emissions testing because of the inability to maintain proper emissions levels. Brake Vacuum pump that was removed from vehicle to inspect and diagnose is still available for inspection. Recent findings show that Chevrolet/GM is aware of the issue in their vehicles but refuses to address or replace faulty brake vacuum pumps. It is a common problem amongst 2013-2022 Chevrolet Malibus. Vehicle that is in question was inspected by a certified mechanic shop with failed emissions test. Solid check engine light appeared once the brake had become harder to push and stop the car. OBD scans show DTC codes that were pertaining to MAF and MAP malfunctions in readouts and communications to the ECM. After further inspection, the ABS module had been acting as "backup" for hydrolic brakes system that had zero vacuum to power the brake booster, this could have caused the engine to stall, longer than normal stopping distances (stronger risk of rear ending other drivers), and multiple components and sensors to fail, requiring them to also be replaced.

The vacuum pump for the brake assist is made from bad metal which can break and screw up the camshaft, chevy knows of this problem they have a recall for the 2017 model but not the 2018 which they both have the same exact problem, they need to take care of this it is a major safety issue, I have no brakes and it could potentially ruin my engine.

The rear knuckles on these cars are constantly going bad and the parts are expensive and so is the labor. So we have to pay a fortune to fix a common issue that GM should be recalling and fixing for the people who buy these vehicles. It's crazy how common this issue is and it's still not recalled. If you hear a clunking/rattling noise coming from the back of your car then it's almost certainly a knuckle problem.