2018 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving in a neighborhood about 15 MPH. My car began to shake, the engine light was blinking, stability track light was on, and an icon came up saying that the 'service stablitrek.' I had little control over the steering and I felt no traction while trying to pull over. I also have a problem where the car prompts a shift to park, even though my car is in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11364304, filed 2020-10, 50,000 miles“While driving down the street I got an alert on the dash indicating 'engine power reduced' check engine light and what I believe is the traction control light came on. Can't accelerate. Can't go more than 30 MPH. No open recalls in my vehicle, but seems a lot of people having same issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11325303, filed 2020-05, 32,000 miles“When my car cut off at the light and when it try to start back up it stale for a second and says stabilize then start up. When I start the car up it says the same thing. It erase all my favorite on the radio and reset everything. Been doing this for about two weeks now”
NHTSA complaint #11343971, filed 2020-08, 59,610 miles“The first time the vehicle shut off was cruising out of a parking lot, it did so for a split second. The next time was at my house, I needed to go run to the store. I tried starting it. It said shift to park but I was in park. Then it said service stabilitrack system , and then something along the lines of power steering service required . I waited and tried for hours and then eventually called for a tow truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11119999, filed 2018-08, 1,700 miles“I was recently getting on the highway in my 2018 Malibu and had absolutely noooo engine power for acceleration! Luckily I was able to get onto the median before I was rear ended by the fast moving cars! Simultaneously the 'engine power reduced', 'service traction control', and 'the 'transmission' service lights came on! Then as I was getting off the highway at the next exit, I went to stop at the light and I had noooo brakes! Luckily I pushed as hard as possible and got my car to stop without a second to spare! …”
NHTSA complaint #11195969, filed 2019-04, 15,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 53 | 8% |
| 2016 | 76 | 9% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 9% |
| 2013 | 72 | 9% |
| 2012 | 129 | 14% |
| 2011 | 174 | 18% |
| 2010 | 227 | 17% |
| 2009 | 255 | 17% |
| 2008 | 68 | 7% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 29 | 3% |
| 2005 | 30 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
281 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
171 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
114 complaintsFuel system
101 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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