2020 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 30%of 200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, 30% of the 200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2025-11“Car is indicating Shift to Park after placing in park and turning off. Unable to lock vehicle. Lights remain on. Took vehicle to dealer though it's a widely known issue I will be required to pay? Transmission was replaced at 35K due to manufacturing defect. Every 20k miles I'm going to have more transmission issues? It's just not right!”
NHTSA complaint #11610676, filed 2024-08“When the car was turned off a message appeared that said shift the park the gear indicator already stated the car was in park and the car gear shift was already in park. Looked into this issue and apparently there is an open recall for the year and make of my car but it for some reason does not include my vin number”
NHTSA complaint #11648208, filed 2025-03“I put the car in park and it says a message that says shift to park but I am in park already and now my battery keeps draining and the lights on shifter blink continuously when I’m in park if I click shift button the message goes away but I don’t think it should be doing this and I’m not the only person from what I have read.”
NHTSA complaint #11509366, filed 2023-02“The shifter gear control/ shifter assembly keeps failing on and off. It’ll give me a warning shift to park. It did this while drive on a major highway then my car loss all power as I was in the second lane causing so much safety concerns. It is also alerting me when I’m in park now that I need to shift to park more frequently. Extreme issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11470017, filed 2022-06Related service bulletins
- 11024331Sep 3, 2025This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.
- 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.
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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
60 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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