2018 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After turning on my heater and driving the car 10 minutes the car caught fire. I smelled something burning when I parked and got out of the vehicle, but thought it was coming from outside the vehicle. I came back to my car 2 hours later and the fire department had been out and the front end of my car was completely charred.”
NHTSA complaint #11355089, filed 2020-09, 24,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway when I was forced to go over a cardboard box that happened to be on my lane. I felt it hit the underside of my car. A few minutes later, I smelled smoke and I was also alerted by surrounding drivers to pull over. I immediately pulled over and ran out of the vehicle to about 100ft away. I could see flames in the front of the car. By the time I reached out to emergency services and they got to the location, the car was completely on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11329661, filed 2020-06, 29,000 miles“Had a car accident on september 17, 2019 my car stalled while making left turn had this problem since I purchased this car also my tires continued to go on flat”
NHTSA complaint #11281925, filed 2019-11, 40 miles“The rear camera comes “loose” and does not register all the time. It seems to be a simple electric issue; possibly an electrical short. I believe it can be easily “fixed” (temporarily) by opening the trunk and running fingers over the camera, it should not happen. I purchased my Malibu new and seldomly drive, approximately 25k miles. I maintain proper maintenance and ensure cleanliness to avoid dust or particles inside the camera or electric components. This should not happen. The wiring should not become loose nor cause the camera to turn off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11722672, filed 2026-03“The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that his daughter informed him that she had noticed moisture on the inside of the windows and the front and rear windshields. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light was not properly secured in place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third brake light needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that there was water leaking into the trunk. …”
NHTSA complaint #11498442, filed 2022-12, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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.
- 11015382Feb 20, 2025This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
- 11014171Jan 31, 2025This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11014238Jan 30, 2025This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11010493Oct 5, 2024This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11009764Sep 21, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 10250244Jan 18, 2024This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 19 | 3% |
| 2016 | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 3% |
| 2012 | 16 | 2% |
| 2011 | 19 | 2% |
| 2010 | 44 | 3% |
| 2009 | 31 | 2% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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