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BrakesPart report

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
6%of 72 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 72 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“October 7, 2026 this vehicle hydroplaned and I lost control of the vehicle. To the best of my knowledge, the steering wheel locked and when attempted to step on the brakes, no braking occurred. The vehicle slid into grass which then hit the guard railing on the interstate. After being inspected by collision shop techs, they have reason to believe the airbag sensor defected or was not installed to signal the airbags to deploy. The driver side door panel airbag did attempt to deploy but was unsuccessful.”

NHTSA complaint #11772773, filed 2026-10

“I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace their vacuum pumps multiple times, while others have described serious safety incidents involving brake problems. I am concerned that these reports may indicate a recurring safety defect that could put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. …”

NHTSA complaint #11770998, filed 2026-10

“The brake pedal on my vehicle intermittently becomes stuck in the fully raised position and will not depress when I attempt to apply the brakes. When this occurs, I am unable to slow down or stop the vehicle, creating an immediate and serious safety hazard. The problem happens without warning and has occurred multiple times while driving at various speeds. When the defect occurs, the pedal feels locked or jammed, and I have to use extreme force or pump the pedal repeatedly before it finally releases. This delay in brake response puts me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk of a crash. …”

NHTSA complaint #11737708, filed 2026-05

“Brake system failure lost brakes twice, went and got a diagnosis reading and it said brake system module failure. That it lost communication with the module”

NHTSA complaint #11689794, filed 2025-09

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
202449%
202346%
202266%
202122%
20205025%
20192714%
20186910%
20177310%
201610412%
2015166%
20144513%
2013466%
2012748%
2011445%
201019915%
200915310%
2008899%
2007515%
2006706%
2005707%
2004646%
20036311%
20025510%
20018912%
200025027%
199930839%
199837639%
199711125%

Other parts of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Back-over prevention (rear camera)
16 complaints
Other or unknown
14 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Electrical system
12 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Lane departure
4 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2023 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