2015 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 11%of 270 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 270 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have taken my car to 2 different mechanic shops to try and find the issue that I am having with acceleration. The car is not accelerating and no one knows what the problem is. It is currently with beck chevy and I am now at the $700 mark and my car has yet to be fixed. When driving the car will just stop accelerating and I have been stuck in the middle of a busy highway twice.”
NHTSA complaint #11365910, filed 2020-10, 130,000 miles“Started car and reduced power engine warning came on for the second time. I had it fixed once already and it just came on. I am very disappointed with chevy. I was driving it the first time my light came on. The second time I just started my car. I was on a city street first time and city street second time. Both times my car wouldn't accelerate passed 12 miles per hour so I was a roll hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11096492, filed 2018-05, 30,000 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“I was pulling out of parking lot when my car gears started to jerk then a service power steering icon flashed on the dashboard. My engine light read a p305f code which only told me it was a problem with the dual battery control module (dbcm) I then took the vehicle back to my local dealership and there diagnostics just said to replace the main battery. However I replaced both batteries and car still had the same problem. I did my personal research and I ended up replacing the battery module yet car still had same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408334, filed 2021-04, 123,000 miles“On january 15th. At 08:26am while driving to work my check engine light came on. On january 19th. The car was dropped for service at westgate Chevrolet in edmonton, ab. After two weeks of testing and multiple part changes the dealer established that my car has a faulty intake oil control valve . This is a well known failure of the GM ecotec 2.5 lkw engine. Gm has been trying to redesign the part since september of 2019. As of today may 20th, 2020 the replacement part has still not been made available and my car has been sitting at the dealer for 4 months now. …”
NHTSA complaint #11325347, filed 2020-05, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
70 complaintsElectrical system
68 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsOther or unknown
35 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 31, 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