2018 Chevrolet Malibu Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 114about this part
- Share
- 16%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,670miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 114 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 16% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,670 miles. 3 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.
“When driving my 2018 chevy Malibu it stalls out while I'm driving reducing my speed to 20 MPH when I'am on the freeway. As I continue to drive home I seen a notification that said power reduce system it happens very often and as a result of the stalling I was rear ended from the rear and it is very dangerous for me to continue driving this car.”
NHTSA complaint #11408517, filed 2021-04, 84,500 miles“I was driving the vehicle and all of a sudden the check engine light came on and the display read engine power reduced. I wasn't sure what that meant so I pulled over. I tried to pull off and I had no brakes. Apparently something in the braking system broke and my engine was destroyed. I talked with GM and they told me that it has happened before with this model car.”
NHTSA complaint #11353134, filed 2020-09, 77,000 miles“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 car reduced its engine power and slowed down from 60 miles down to 20 miles while driving on the high way with a tank truck behind me. I have never been so scared in my life. The engine reduced its power three times now! I was told there was a recall on this and the issue was fixed but clearly it wasn't! I have children and I am terrified to drive my car now because of this!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11319284, filed 2020-03, 52,000 miles“When I drive I'm losing engine power where my speed is reduced significantly. This is very dangerous. I've looked up this issue and there is a recall on Malibu's 2016-2018. I haven't got a recall on my car yet but this defect in these cars are ridiculous. Someone needs to get in touch with me asap about this defect. This is very serious and dangerous on the roads. My speed is reduced while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11390897, filed 2021-01, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014171Jan 31, 2025This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 114 | 16% |
| 2017 | 135 | 19% |
| 2016 | 152 | 18% |
| 2015 | 28 | 10% |
| 2014 | 17 | 5% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 52 | 6% |
| 2011 | 87 | 9% |
| 2010 | 116 | 9% |
| 2009 | 73 | 5% |
| 2008 | 42 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 3% |
| 2006 | 35 | 3% |
| 2005 | 27 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 2% |
| 2003 | 85 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% |
| 2001 | 25 | 3% |
| 2000 | 21 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 22 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
281 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
171 complaintsOther or unknown
153 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 Nov 1, 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