2019 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 35%of 193 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, 35% of the 193 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“The spring steel c-clip holding the CVT fluid cooling line in place at the radiator fell off while the vehicle was in motion on interstate 5. The transmission fluid drained out onto the roadway resulting in complete loss of power to the wheels. The engine light came on but the engine ran fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11220720, filed 2019-06, 3,201 miles“The engine auto stop feature can have enough of a delay to allow the accelerator to be pressed as the engine starts causing it to lurch forward rather than accelerate smoothly. It also can cause a delay when pulling out into heavy traffic. There is currently no way to temporarily or permanently defeat the system on this GM model according to GM service department. Though I am sure it is operating as designed for certain owner driving styles and traffic conditions this can be a serious hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11181344, filed 2019-02, 1,000 miles“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 2023-07Related 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.
- 11016943Mar 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of start/stop inoperative, MIL illuminated w/DTC P2797.
- 11014630Feb 25, 2025This Preliminary information communicates information on what dealer technicians should due if they encounter a broken chain on a CVT transmission
- 11013399Jan 29, 2025This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011864Dec 11, 2024This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
- 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…
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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
65 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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