2018 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 171about this part
- Share
- 24%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,150miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 171 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,150 miles. 3 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.
“My car randomly displayed a message on the dashboard that said engine power reduced traction light and check engine light appeared and it brought my speed limit to around 20 while I was on a busy street. I turned the car off and got the power back but has done it 3 more time in 2 days. Very scary with 2 babies in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11385665, filed 2020-12, 70,200 miles“My 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has a problem when shifting from drive into park. The message on my dash says shift to park even though it is in park. And you can not shut off the engine. You can try shifting it back into drive or low and then go back to park but we get the same message shift to park and again even though it is in park, you can not shut off the engine. Isn't this a dangerous situation ?”
NHTSA complaint #11354251, filed 2020-09, 46,000 miles“My transmission has had multiple repairs since I've gotten my vehicle. The vehicle had to go in for several months while they fixed the transmission but once I got it back it instantly had another transmission issue. It has also had the shifter replaced, which is another transmission issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11320143, filed 2020-04, 36,000 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“While operating my vehicle at approximately 50 MPH on a busy highway I received a check engine light, traction control light and a warning that the engine power has been reduced. After all of those warnings my vehicle immediately slowed to 20 MPH and would not speed up.”
NHTSA complaint #11413530, filed 2021-04, 51,340 milesRelated recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2018, Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
Related 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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
281 complaintsElectrical system
192 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 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