2017 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 139about this part
- Share
- 20%of 705 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,875miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 139 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of the 705 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,875 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“When I put the transmission in park, the indicator screen on the dash notifies me to put gear in park. I'm able to shut down the engine but not turn off the electrical system which ends up draining the battery. The gear is in park, but a switch in the steering column isn't operating properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11389513, filed 2021-01, 64,300 miles“Car will indicate 'engine power reduced' and will abruptly reduce speed. This is a major safety concern not only to myself but other drivers on the road as well. Why is there no recall for this problem? I see it is a major problem with these models of chevy Malibu. Happens everyday, most of the time more than once. My commute to work is about 25min and it did it 3 times today.”
NHTSA complaint #11282402, filed 2019-11, 39,000 miles“I placed my car in park and turned off the vehicle. However, the vehicle's dash stated 'shift to park.' although the engine turned off none of the electrical shut down and the vehicle sent notification that the keys were left in the car when they were not. This happened several time. An internet search indicated that this is a problem in my make/model of car. This is a 2017 chevy Malibu.”
NHTSA complaint #11245874, filed 2019-08, 37,375 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.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 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.
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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
253 complaintsElectrical system
161 complaintsOther or unknown
148 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 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