2019 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Malibu years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Malibu year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 40 of its 193 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: "Shift to Park" message after parking (64 complaints, median 53,500 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 193filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 41,875miles, 58 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 29 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu most often report the car refusing to recognize that it is in Park after the shifter is moved, along with intermittent loss of power or stalling at low speed. A second recurring theme is a firm or unresponsive brake pedal that sometimes accompanies engine and warning-light problems. Many complaints fall in the 15,000-70,000 mile range, and several describe repeated dealer visits without a confirmed cause.
- Engine
Reduced engine power and stalling while driving
- 53 complaints (27%)
- median 30,500 mi at 2.1 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe the car suddenly cutting power, hesitating on acceleration, or stalling at lights and on the highway, often with a "reduced engine power" message and check engine, traction control or ESC lights. Owners report dealers replacing the throttle body, fuel injectors, spark plugs, camshaft actuator or turbo intake, and in some cases the engine itself, with the problem returning afterward. Several say the cause could not be found or the car restarted normally after being shut off. Spread across the range, from under 5,000 miles to over 100,000, with many reports between 15,000 and 60,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records on throttle body, injector and software work, and take a test drive that includes a highway merge and a stop-and-go stretch to watch for hesitation or warning lights.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“With under 10k miles on this car, we drove an hour to a baseball game, then found when we started it back up, it was on reduced power. Turned out to be the throttle body that had to be replaced. Today, with under 17k miles, my wife was picking the children up from school, and it lost power and said reduced engine power again. If this would have happened on the highway, it could have caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11307765, filed 2020-02, 17,000 miles“I was driving home from work on the highway going 63 MPH. I started to feel my car shaking as though it was going to stall out. My car has a little over 17k miles on it. On my display saying service ESC with a cresent wrench on the side, my traction control light was on (car with the swervy road) and my transmission light flashing. I started to pull over on the side of the road the the lights and display went back to normal. I called my dealership and spoke to service manager. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388408, filed 2021-01, 17,472 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
"Shift to Park" message after parking
- 64 complaints (33%)
- median 53,500 mi at 4.6 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe a "Shift to Park" message on the instrument panel even though the shifter is in Park; the vehicle may refuse to shut off completely, may not let the doors lock, and in some accounts can still roll. Several say they must wiggle or re-shift the lever repeatedly before the car recognizes Park, and some were told the gear selector or a related switch and harness need replacement. A number report the repairs were quoted as out of pocket and that no recall covered their vehicle. Reported from about 6,000 to over 100,000 miles, with many accounts in the 25,000-90,000 mile range.
What to check: Park the car, shut it off, and confirm the dash does not ask you to shift to park and that the doors lock; ask whether the shifter or gear selector has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I can’t get car to go into park, I continuously get a “shift to park” error..This seems dangerous and from what I read online this is a chronic problem with this year malibu”
NHTSA complaint #11473823, filed 2022-07“After car is turned off and in park, the dash light states to put in park even though the car is in park, the light won't go away until the shifter is wiggled back and forth, and sideways way too many times, I am afraid the battery will run down if left like that, with the light still being on.”
NHTSA complaint #11361293, filed 2020-09, 42,000 miles - Brakes
Firm or unresponsive brake pedal
- 16 complaints (8%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and finding it hard or firm, with the car not slowing as expected; a few report having to use the parking brake or shift to a lower gear to stop. Complaints link the symptom to the brake vacuum or booster pump, and some note that a check engine light, reduced power message or stalling came first. Several accounts say the vehicle was towed or diagnosed but not repaired. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, often during ordinary driving at moderate speeds.
What to check: During the test drive, brake firmly from moderate speed and note whether the pedal feels hard or the car pulls; ask whether the brake vacuum pump or booster has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was stationary at a red light on highway 49 with my foot on the breaks, and when the light turned green I let my foot up off the breaks and the car just shut off. I tried to turn the car back on, but still nothing. I waited a few seconds and the car started back up, so I put it in drive and started driving, but when I tried to slow down the breaks were very tight. For an hour and a half, I sat there and tried to figure out what was wrong with the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11327026, filed 2020-06, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the “Engine Power Reduced” message was displayed. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was firm and hard to depress, causing the vehicle not to stop as needed. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and lost motive power and stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #11501136, filed 2023-01, 87,370 miles - Other or unknown
Auto start/stop hesitation, surge and no-restart
- 31 complaints (16%)
- median 46,100 mi at 3.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe the engine stop/start feature hesitating or lurching when pulling away from a light, sometimes surging forward, and in other cases the engine failing to restart promptly or the car not moving after the brake is released. Some owners say restarting required shifting to Park and cycling the ignition, and a few were told the battery or battery terminal was at fault. Others report the car not shutting off when the start/stop button was pressed. Largely under 50,000 miles, with several reports in the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Test the car in traffic with the start/stop system active and confirm it restarts smoothly; ask about battery condition and whether any software updates were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the vehicle is stopped at a light, then you begin to ouch on the gas as the light turns green, the car will slow accelerate when pushing on the gas. The crazy part is when I tell Chevrolet about this no one knows what I'm talking about, which is frustrating because it's happening more frequently and it's freaking me out! Also no indications on the dashboard come on either”
NHTSA complaint #11402965, filed 2021-03, 46,100 miles“When I stop at a stop sign or red light, it seems like my car cuts off and then back on when I hit the gas. I can hear it. There is also a sound in my brakes when this happens, that sounds air.”
NHTSA complaint #11327493, filed 2020-06, 39,000 miles - Electrical system
Warning lights and gauge or electrical glitches
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report clusters of warnings such as service ESC, reduced steering assist, traction control or check engine appearing together, sometimes with gauges reading incorrectly (for example a full tank shown as empty) or interior lights and radio staying on after shutdown. A few describe the instrument panel resetting or the car jerking when the lights flash. Complaints say dealers often could not reproduce or identify the cause. Reported from roughly 10,000 to 90,000 miles, sometimes during rain or hot weather.
What to check: Start the car and watch for any warning lights that stay on, test all gauges and the radio and interior lights after shutdown, and ask for a scan-tool history of stored codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When vehicle is stopped at a red light vehicle displayed message 'steering assist reduced drive with care' this has done this multiple times. Vehicle is a 2019 brought it brand new this should not be happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11360042, filed 2020-09, 36,800 miles“SERVICE ESC flashed on my dashboard along with the car jerking when braking. Car has not been abused as this a new development. Check engine light stays on. Service ESC and LOW FUEL appear at the same time the brake jerk happens. Car has less than 50k miles despite being used everyday. Car does not perform accurately with the ESC not working.”
NHTSA complaint #11529837, filed 2023-06
Buying note. Check that the car reliably recognizes Park and shuts off, and drive it long enough to exercise the stop/start system and the brakes. Service records showing past throttle body, injector or brake vacuum pump work are useful to review before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 193 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 57% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 41,875 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 884 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Malibu model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine65 34%
- Electrical system62 32%
- Other or unknown37 19%
- Brakes27 14%
- Fuel system18 9.3%
- Vehicle speed control12 6.2%
- Air bags6 3.1%
- Exterior lighting4 2.1%
Also reported: Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “At 10,000 miles my 2019 Chevrolet Malibu started to sputter and lose power. Taking off at a green light, driving on highways, turning at intersections, or turning against traffic has all become dangerous because the car will not gather enough power to go, leaving my car stuck on roads and in the middle of intersections. We were placed in a rental 2019 Chevrolet Malibu with 11,000 miles that also had power problems and left us stuck in a running car being approached by oncoming traffic.. The dealership diagnostic came up as transmission failure, in multiple brand new 2019 Chevrolet Malibu's. …”
NHTSA complaint #11348958, filed 2020-08, 10,000 milesEngine: “Bought certified with warranty from dealer, has 13,000 miles on it. Second time we ever drove (3 blocks from house) engine died while turning into parking lot at work. Took to eagleson's dealership they put on diagnostic, chief mechanic told us I don't know what the problem could be backed it out and sent us on our way.”
NHTSA complaint #11322789, filed 2020-04, 13,000 milesElectrical system: “The vehicle has failed to shift to park. I have pulled the vehicle into a parking spot on multiple occasions and placed the shift knob into park. A message on the screen pops up after I turn the car off, that says Shift Vehicle to Park. I then have to start the car again and backup and pull forward attempting to get the car to engage into park.”
NHTSA complaint #11535428, filed 2023-07Other or unknown: “While stopped at a red light the auto start will engage. When the light turns green and you release the break the car won't move. The car needs to be placed in park turned completely off in the middle of traffic. No warning lights are on, dearler ship cant find whats wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11351287, filed 2020-08, 11,586 milesMileage when problems were reported
57% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,472 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: 5 stars overall; 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2019 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Malibu FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $3,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V649000Aug 20, 2021Seat belts › Rear/other › RetractorCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2021, Cadillac XT4 2019–2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Recall details for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 884 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11033723Jun 3, 2026Other or unknown. PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11027697Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,510 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu most often report the car refusing to recognize that it is in Park after the shifter is moved, along with intermittent loss of power or stalling at low speed. The issues reported most often: Reduced engine power and stalling while driving; "Shift to Park" message after parking; Firm or unresponsive brake pedal.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 193 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 68 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine with 65.
Has the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 29 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 41,875 miles and the middle half falls between 17,472 and 65,000 miles; 57% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.