2018 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 700 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
700 complaints 6 recalls, 2 fire risk 9th worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine problems
285 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the engine control module (ECU / ECM) and gas recirculation valve (EGR VALVE).
Electrical problems
192 complaints (27%) name the electrical system, most often the fuel gauge and speedometer / odometer.
Transmission problems
171 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the floor shift and gear position indication (PRNDL).
Acceleration problems
114 complaints (16%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (298 of 700). The amber line is the middle value, about 46,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Rear seat belt retractors may be loose
Injury riskThe rear seat belt retractors may be held in place with loose or missing fasteners. In a crash, a retractor that is not secured properly may not work as it should, which raises the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the rear seat belt retractors and tighten them as needed, free of charge.
Recall 21V649000 · Aug 2021Automatic transmission
Fire riskThe start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge.
Recall 20V668000 · Oct 2020Software error can disable engine fuel injectors
Crash riskA software error in the engine control module can cause the fuel injectors to shut off. The engine may then fail to start or stall while driving, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the engine control module software at no cost to you.
Recall 19V642000 · Sep 2019Rear brake pistons may reduce braking power
Crash riskThe rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient protective coating, which can let gas pockets form in the brake system. This can reduce rear brake performance and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will bleed the vehicle's brake system to remove the gas pockets, free of charge.
Recall 18V576000 · Aug 2018Occupant classification
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. In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge.
Recall 18V400000 · Jun 2018Fuel pump
Fire riskThe high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line. A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge.
Recall 18V358000 · May 2018Get an email when your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Malibu years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 700 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and acceleration and speed control. 285 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the engine control module (ECU / ECM) and gas recirculation valve (EGR VALVE).
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 29,000–62,000 miles, with a middle value near 50,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have?
6. Rear seat belt retractors may be loose (21V649000); Automatic transmission (20V668000); Software error can disable engine fuel injectors (19V642000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2021 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.