2018 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 101about this part
- Share
- 14%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 101 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 14% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Taking off from a stop sign trying to accelerate into traffic at which point the car shifted through a couple of years with no acceleration or power behind it I was maybe going 12mph as it shifted through to 3rd gear about a 8-10 second delay. I had plenty of time to make it if I would've been in any other vehicle. I was almost t-boned. I just bought this car 2 days ago”
NHTSA complaint #11256302, filed 2019-09, 7,992 miles“The vehicle loses power after warming up. Vehicle sputters during acceleration and sometimes will not accelerate at all. This almost caused me to get into an accident as I pulled out and pressed the accelerator and the car would not move. There are no lights or codes present. According to online forums there is a TSB for this (19-na-32); it needs to be a safety recall...this is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11208830, filed 2019-05, 7,500 miles“My 2018 Malibu has a feature that when the car stops the engine will shut down when you apply the brakes and engine will start back when you release the brake my car has shut completely down when I've come to a stop all power shuts down the heat the radio everything”
NHTSA complaint #11391115, filed 2021-02, 76,000 miles“The check engine has come on three times already since I have bought this vehicle... Everytime the code is for emissions system. We have replaces the valve and the canister for emissions and the engine light still comes on.. Also the shift to park issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11374358, filed 2020-11, 6,900 milesRelated recalls
- 18V358000May 31, 2018General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018, GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Colorado 2016–2018 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% |
| 2016 | 54 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
| 1980 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
281 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
171 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
114 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 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 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