2018 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Report
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (669) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 26 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu with 62 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Malibu Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Malibu years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Malibu | 182 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Malibu | 711 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 180 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | 848 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 62 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Malibu | 264 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
73 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
69 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
56 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
30 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyVehicle Speed Control
30 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability Score
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Issues Engine power reduction and unintended deceleration were reported, affecting vehicle stability and control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission recalls due to shift to park errors and failure to detect park position. |
Medium | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Electrical System Software issues and rear camera problems were reported, impacting visibility and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Fuel pump and delivery issues were reported, leading to reduced engine power and potential fuel leaks. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu:
Engine power reduction and unintended deceleration were reported.
Shift to park errors and failure to detect park position were reported.
Software issues and rear camera problems were reported.
Fuel pump and delivery issues were reported.
Recall Details for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this r...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Consequence: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 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 18279.
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her son was driving down the road at 35 MPH, he switched lanes into a blind spot and was t-boned by another vehicle traveling at the same speed. The contact stated the impact occurred on the driver's side, left front, and passenger doors, which caused the vehicle to spin out. The contact stated the passenger side then struck ...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the brake was inoperable, and the contact was unable to properly stop the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the mileage requireme...
Shift to park indicator comes on after shifting parking gear to park. Car fails to detect that it is in park even when it is.
The rear camera comes “loose” and does not register all the time. It seems to be a simple electric issue; possibly an electrical short. I believe it can be easily “fixed” (temporarily) by opening the trunk and running fingers over the camera, it should not happen. I purchased my Malibu new and seldomly drive, approximately 25k miles. I maintain proper maintenance and ensure cleanliness to avoid du...
In 2020, I received multiple red recall notices in the mail regarding a safety issue. I scheduled an appointment with a Chevrolet dealership in Los Angeles and have a voicemail confirming the appointment. At the time, I did not follow through with ensuring the repair was fully completed, which I take responsibility for. However, the vehicle has continued to experience the same dangerous symptoms. ...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a failure near the fuse box. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The ECM and PCM were diagnosed, and DTC: P0689 was retrieved. Th...
Shift to park error message appears on dash after turning off the vehicle. I have to turn back on the vehicle and take it out of park and shift it back and forth from park to drive then back to park to get the vehicle to turn off. This first January 2020. It was fixed in February 2020. This issue has started again in November 2025. The same error code and same results as the car won't cut off un...
I was driving on the freeway with my kids in the car at 60 mph and without warning I get an engine power reduced message and then my car losing power and starts dropping speeds down to 35 mph within seconds. I have cars speeding up behind me and I can't go any faster than 35 mph on the freeway so I am forced to quickly pull to the side of the freeway before I get hit. This was one of the post scar...
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier with approximately 50,000 miles displayed a persistent “Shift to Park” message. The vehicle would not consistently recognize that it was in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off properly and creating a safety concern. Dealer diagnosed a faulty transmission shifter assembly that was not sending a strong signal to the body control module (BCM). The shifter asse...
Hard braking, reduced engine power
I was driving and the reduced engine power came on. I almost crashed because I couldn't control the steering
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 ...
I've taken my car in now 4 times to Chevy dealers just to be told there was nothing wrong. Turnes out that my torque converter (transmission) is going bad. And I can't get a Chevy dealer to honor my almost expired warranty.
I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.
The vehicle shut off in the middle of the street. I had to get it jumped to start again. There was a fuel leak. Car is still smelling like fuel after getting it repaired. The vehicle doesn't alert if your close to a car or anything
Engine power reduced car shuts off and will not start
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brake pedal suddenly became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was required to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while stopping the vehicle. The contact then stated that after pulling into a park...
Antilock Braking System
Shift knob found grounding inside shifter..had to PAY OUT OF POCKET. $1087 TO HAVE SHIFTER REPLACED!
The brake booster unit, vacuum pump , brake light switch failed and malfunctioned and it is available. My safety and others on the road was at risk due to brakes being stiff and hard as a brick. Possibly nearly hit an other vehicles on the road. No warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure.
Showing 20 of 669 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Has the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
The 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 669 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 22 involved crashes. 17 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU involve engine (73 complaints), unknown or other (69 complaints), power train (56 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, vehicle speed control, power train,electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
There are 22 crash reports associated with the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU out of 669 total complaints (3.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU out of 669 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
17 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU is proceed with caution. It has 669 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU are: 1. ENGINE (73 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (69 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (56 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30 complaints), 5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (30 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 73 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected problems. The 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 669 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 669 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 26 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Issues and Automatic Transmission.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU include: Engine Issues, Automatic Transmission, Electrical System, Fuel System. These are based on patterns found across 669 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Engine and transmission issues are the most common, including unintended deceleration and shift to park errors.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, recalls have been issued for engine, transmission, electrical system, and fuel system issues.
What should I do if I experience reduced engine power while driving?
Pull over safely, check for any warning lights, and contact a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The data includes 669 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 22 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 17 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14