2020 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Malibu years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
8/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× 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.
- 45 of its 199 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: "Shift to Park" warning after parking (71 complaints, median 62,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationDTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
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
- 199filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 45 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu most often report two kinds of trouble: a "Shift to Park" message that appears after the car is already in park and keeps the vehicle powered on, and episodes of reduced engine power, stalling or failure to accelerate, sometimes paired with a hard or unresponsive brake pedal. The transmission and brake reports tend to show up at higher mileage, while the shift-to-park and electrical complaints appear across the range, including fairly low mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
"Shift to Park" warning after parking
- 71 complaints (36%)
- median 62,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
After shifting into park and pressing the start/stop button, the instrument panel displays a "Shift to Park" message and the vehicle stays powered on or refuses to shut off. Owners describe shifting in and out of park several times, sometimes repeatedly over weeks, before the car responds; some report the chime and electrical systems staying active and the battery draining. Several say a dealer replaced the shifter assembly or diagnosed a shifter or electrical fault, and some were told their vehicle was not covered by a recall for earlier model years. Reported across a wide mileage range in the sample, from about 20,000 to over 110,000 miles, and often intermittent at first.
What to check: Park the car, shut it off and watch the cluster for a "Shift to Park" message; repeat a few times. Ask whether the shifter assembly or related software has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car is a rental. After driving the car, I parked it at my final destination, shifted it into park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off. The vehicle would not turn off and flashed a warning on the instrument panel instructing me to shift into park even though the car was already in park. The car would only finally turn off after several attempts at shifting in and out of park.”
NHTSA complaint #11485411, filed 2022-09“A few days ago, when I put the car in park and turned it off, there was a message on the screen saying Shift to Park. It was in park. I could not get out of the car because it was still getting power. If I tried to lock the doors, it sounded the alarm. I had to turn the car on and off multiple times to get it to go away. It would've drained the battery if I'd left it. Who knows if it was really in park either. It's been doing it ever since. I called the dealer and they want $350 to fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11473941, filed 2022-07 - Engine
Reduced engine power and stalling
- 33 complaints (17%)
- median 73,882 mi at 4.5 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the car suddenly losing power, hesitating or stalling while driving, with the check engine light and sometimes a "Reduced Engine Power" or service ESC message displayed, and acceleration limited or unavailable for a period. Complaints mention repeated dealer visits with the cause not always identified, and some repairs involving the throttle body, powertrain control module, fuel injectors, vacuum pump or, in a few cases, engine replacement. One owner said a dealer found the vehicle performed as designed. Appears from very low mileage up to roughly 120,000 miles in the sample, with many reports between 60,000 and 115,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records covering check engine light diagnosis, throttle body cleaning and any PCM or injector work, and take a test drive that includes a hard acceleration and a stop-to-go sequence.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a brand new, 2020 Chevrolet Malibu in March of 2020. The car had 90 miles on it when I purchased it. Those 90 miles were on it due to it being driven to me from Illinois because the dealership in Illinois had the exact car and color I wanted. In late 2020 I started having reduced engine power. The car would mis fire, randomly lose engine power and only allow me to drive below 40mph and the check engine light would come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11549259, filed 2023-10“Why driving on the Interstate with some congestion I made an attempt to accelerate from behind a slow moving truck and in doing so my car slows down as if it stalls in the middle of road. Engine light and traction comes on. During this I cannot apply acceleration until my car is ready. Normally I’d have to pull over but if I’m in traffic I can not. This has been reported to The dealership starting at 900 Miles. I was told it’s probably bad gas. I continue to report and was advised nothing is wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #11430191, filed 2021-08 - Brakes
Hard or unresponsive brake pedal
- 32 complaints (16%)
- median 85,547 mi at 5.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe the brake pedal becoming very firm or traveling to the floor, making stopping difficult and in some cases forcing the driver to use the parking brake. Several owners say a shop diagnosed a failed brake vacuum pump, and one reported brake fluid leaking onto the engine area. Dealers and independent shops vary in response, with some repairs attempted and the problem recurring. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 120,000 miles, with a few earlier cases.
What to check: With the engine running, press the brake pedal and confirm it feels normal and does not sink; ask whether the vacuum pump has been replaced and check for fluid leaks near the engine.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. The contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that a Lexus engineer retrieved the EDR; however, there was no failure found with the braking system. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11762742, filed 2026-09, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the oil change service light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the vacuum pump and engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11493934, filed 2022-11, 90,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, hard shifts and no engagement
- 8 complaints (4%)
- median 77,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe jerking, hard or delayed shifts, elevated RPM before the transmission slams into gear, and situations where the car will not move when put in gear or loses power while driving. Some complaints say a dealer found metal debris inside the transmission and recommended replacement, while others say no fault could be duplicated or were told the behavior was normal. Typically reported from around 25,000 to over 110,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Drive at low speed and uphill, watching for shudder or delayed engagement, and ask for transmission service history or any fluid leak repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Problems with my transmission for over two years, I’ve searched the website and have taken it to a dealership since. The vehicle has had a hard shift and problems to accelerate. The issue continues to get worse and my car has stopped while in drive, only allowing me to go backwards. It was within warranty and low miles. I was told that that’s what new cars do. Transmission fluid has always been full and topped off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11701372, filed 2025-11“I was driving down the road and the car started slowing down and even when I would give it gas wouldn’t accelerate. After pullling over and allowing the cars behind me to pass I tried to pull back out into traffic and the car would not engage into gear. When giving the car gas it didn’t move. I shifted the transmission into park and tried shifting into every gear including reverse and the car wouldn’t go anywhere I had to sit in the road for about 20 minutes then the car shift very hard into drive and began accelerating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11610353, filed 2024-08
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a test of the shifter and park recognition, a brake pedal feel check and a scan for stored codes is worthwhile on this model year, and service records showing how earlier electrical and engine warnings were handled will tell you more than the mileage alone.
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 199 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. 45 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 771 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 8 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.
- Engine59 30%
- Electrical system57 29%
- Brakes49 25%
- Other or unknown46 23%
- Fuel system18 9.0%
- Vehicle speed control18 9.0%
- Steering16 8.0%
- Air bags4 2.0%
- Engine cooling3 1.5%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Body and structure (2), Suspension (2), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Car lost power when passing a truck on the highway, hard start,immediately contacted dealership. They have had the vehicle for going on three weeks tomorrow. They haven't been able to diagnose the problem. I have contacted GM and the service representative at the resolution center said the dealership was not answering e-mails and he could not give us any information. The service manager at the dealership said he and the master tech had both driven the car and both said that they detected a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11339607, filed 2020-07, 550 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle displays a shift to park message on the dashboard, even when the gear selector is in the park position. This prevents the car from being shut off, and in sometimes, the doors may not be able to be locked. Not understanding the issue initially has thus caused me to have to replace my car battery numerous times for battery drainage.”
NHTSA complaint #11701454, filed 2025-11Electrical system: “My car had only 600 miles and is brand new. After sitting on the drive overnight the car wouldn't start. There was a lot of clicking noises, but the engine wouldn't turn. That was three weeks ago. I brought it to the dealership and they said that there were error codes on the battery, and that they recharged it. Today, the car clicks and won't turn over again. The car now has 1000 miles. The dealership told me that cars driving by their lot at night will cause random parked new vehicles with no key in it to flash lights, and use other electrical components randomly and it kills the batteries. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316269, filed 2020-03, 640 milesBrakes: “Brake vacuum pump locked up causing camshaft to twist and reluctant wheel to turn which damaged the engine. I'm being quoted $10,000 to fix which was actually $1,000 more to fix but they accidentally under quoted me and have to honor the original estimate. I don't have that kind of money and still owe almost $14,000 on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11568789, filed 2024-01Mileage when problems were reported
24% of the 45 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,198 and 88,400 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 2020 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 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: 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 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA25005DTN Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen · Oct 21, 2025
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. 771 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
- 11027701Jan 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu most often report two kinds of trouble: a "Shift to Park" message that appears after the car is already in park and keeps the vehicle powered on, and episodes of reduced engine power, stalling or failure to accelerate, sometimes paired with a hard or unresponsive brake pedal. The issues reported most often: "Shift to Park" warning after parking; Reduced engine power and stalling; Hard or unresponsive brake pedal.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 199 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 59 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 58.
Has the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 45 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,198 and 88,400 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.