2015 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 26%of 270 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, 26% of the 270 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the vvt solenoid malfunctioned and all the oil spilled out of the car rendering the non operable. This part can not be found anywhere. I was told be the several dealships that this part has been so back order since june 2019 leaving me without a car and with a car note. Gm should offer a credit back to their customers!!”
NHTSA complaint #11288146, filed 2019-12, 30 miles“My 2015 chevy Malibu ltz eco, just suddenly loss power while at a stop light. The auto stop had engaged once I came to a complete stop. Upon giving the car gas to take off, the auto stop had been disengage. Foot on the gas to go and the vehicle just sat there for a few seconds then it just came alive and took off. At first I was thinking it was the transmission acting up. Then the complete loss of power happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11232604, filed 2019-07, 135,047 miles“My auto stop came on while at a stop sign and when I released the brake my car shut off and won't start I tried jumping car it still won't work. The tow company that towed my car has told me about a recall on auto stop”
NHTSA complaint #11312286, filed 2020-02, 27,789 miles“After four months of ownership my engine started knocking. I took it in, they said it was a balancer shaft assembly with timing chain and sprocket. The sound is still there but the dealership started the work is done and refuses to touch it. The noise is extremely annoying but does not affect running. I am of course worried the engine may die, but with the refusal to do anything I don't want to void the rest of the warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10852598, filed 2016-03, 4,104 miles“My car was driving fine then all of a sudden the service stabili track light flashed on my screen and my check engine light started flashing but went off after about 1 minute . The next day while accelerating the car stuttered and felt almost like I was driving down a road with little rivets . Its stopped and again all the lights dissapeared. This morning as soon as I started my car the check engine light is on and every time I accelerate it stutters and feels as if I'm driving down a riveted road .”
NHTSA complaint #11310683, filed 2020-02, 77,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
68 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology