2017 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 253about this part
- Share
- 36%of 704 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,114miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 253 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 36% of the 704 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,114 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving at highway speeds car suddenly slowed down and reduced engine power popped up on the screen. The car wouldn't accelerate more than 20 MPH. Luckily I was near the shoulder, but if I wasn't I could've easily gotten into an accident. This has happened to many other vehicles and needs to be looked into. It's extremely dangerous and could get someone killed.”
NHTSA complaint #11398035, filed 2021-02, 82,000 miles“I was driving on a road at 47 miles an hour. Out of no where, the car slowed all the way down to 15 miles an hour. On the dash board a notice flash stating engine power reduced I was barely able to navigate out of traffic without being hit. Then it happened again several hours later when I was on my way home, I had to constantly keep pulling over.”
NHTSA complaint #11377726, filed 2020-12, 83,000 miles“I was on the highway trying to pass another car, but while I stepped on the accelerator pedal the engine power reduce with engine light came on and my car started loosing it's speed. I restarted the car and the engine light stayed on and now my remote start(fob) will not start. It attemps to start but the engine willnot turn over.”
NHTSA complaint #11397057, filed 2021-02, 48,000 miles“Drove 30 miles since the last time it was in the shop for this issue. Started my vehicle in the driveway and the reduced engine power light came on. So frustrating and a waste of time!! I immediately drove back to dealership for repair. A bunch of codes came up. They removed and replaced the ECM. Road tested for 45 miles before returning vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11331505, filed 2020-06, 76,513 miles“My chevy Malibu has stopped several times on the highway more often durning traffic time it always stops when it enters auto stop then it cuts all the way off and I have to restart it I called in about this last year . Also it makes it really tough to push my breaks when I start the car up it does make the sound like it wants to start then it dies out”
NHTSA complaint #11308588, filed 2020-02, 85,000 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…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017876Apr 10, 2025This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
- 11017443Apr 2, 2025This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
- 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…
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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
161 complaintsOther or unknown
148 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
139 complaintsVehicle speed control
135 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsElectronic stability control
53 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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