Home · 2015 Chevrolet Malibu Eco · Complaints

What 268 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (268)Crash / fire / injury (28)Engine (69)Electrical system (66)Airbags (49)Transmission & drivetrain (31)Speed control (28)Fuel system (18)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (16)Brakes (15)Visibility & wipers (14)Body & structure (13)

Newest first · 268 complaints · page 3 of 11

Oct 28, 2022Speed controlEngine

I was on my way to work and my car dashboard said Engine Power is Reduced. I was in road construction and only going about 5 mph. I turned off my car and waited for about a minute as I just happened to be stopped waiting for the sign to turn for me to go and turned it back on, but it still said Engine Power is Reduced. I turned it back off and waited for another few seconds and turned it back on and it was ok again. This happens so frequently it's appalling.

NHTSA ODI 11491297

Oct 17, 2022Speed controlEngine

My vehicle dashboard says Engine Power is reduced. This has happened to me before and I know that it starts slowing down quickly and then just stops. I turned off my car and waited for three minutes, and turned my car back on - it still showed Engine Power is Reduced, so I turned it back off for about 5 minutes and turned it back on and then it was back to normal. I've reported this before. This is extremely dangerous on a regular road and it could be catastrophic if it would happen on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11489512

Oct 17, 2022Speed controlEngine

I had almost gotten to the exit from the highway to get to my job, I was driving at approximately 56 mph. And my car dashboard started saying Engine Power is Reduced and then it started to flash slowing to 52 mph, slowing to 48 mph, etc. Fortunately I was able to safely make my exit and pull into a parking lot where I turned my car off and waited for 5 minutes and turned it back on it still said Engine Power is Reduced, so I repeated that procedure of turning off and turning on and was finally able to go to work. This is insane and needs to be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11489515

Oct 13, 2022Speed controlEngine

My vehicle dashboard says Engine Power Reduced then proceeds to slowing to 35 then counts down quickly. This morning I was in an area that I couldn't pull off to the side for about 1/2 mile. It slows down to the point that it's frightening then it goes to zero and will not move! Fortunately I was in an area where I could finally pull off to the side of the road when it got to that point. This has happened numerous times in this vehicle. A quick search on Google shows that this is a HUGE problem with this make, model and year. This is extremely dangerous. I have to turn my car off for about 5 minutes before my car is back to working condition.

NHTSA ODI 11489079

Oct 13, 2022Speed controlEngine

I was going out for breakfast and my car dashboard said Engine Power is Reduced. I pulled off to the side of the road and turned off my car. I waited for about 5 minutes and turned it back on, but it still said Engine Power is Reduced. I turned it back off and waited for another 5 minutes and turned it back on and it was ok again.

NHTSA ODI 11489091

Oct 3, 2022Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

Air bag sensor has been malfunctioning, misreading that there is a passenger in my car when there is not anybody present and the seat is clear. Check airbag light on dash is lit. The the screen display shows a blank green screen when put in reverse and has to be put in park to correct green screen. The auto shut off for the engine when the brake pedal is engaged turns the car completely off; including head lights, interior lights, and all capacities of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11487771

Sep 15, 2022Speed controlEngine

My vehicle dashboard says Engine Power reduced - slowing to 35. This has happened to me before and I know that it starts slowing down quickly and then just stops, so I pulled of to the side of the road and put on my flashers, turned off my car and waited for several minutes and then it was back to normal. I've reported this before. This is extremely dangerous on a regular road and it could be catastrophic if it would happen on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11484565

Aug 29, 2022Airbags

I own a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu LS. August 19, 2022 when I cranked the car a message popped up on the screen saying service airbag. Looked up recalls but my specific car doesn’t have any thus far. Called the dealership for them to look at it and they said the same thing. The recall for the airbag was October 2015. This is the first time I’m dealing with an airbag issue and I’m not fully secure or feel safe knowing it could possibly pop out or not work at all and I have two sons that ride in the back seat. If you need pictures I can send at request. Thank you and have a good day.

NHTSA ODI 11481904

Aug 22, 2022EngineFire

Vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment while parked and unoccupied.

NHTSA ODI 11480513

Aug 3, 2022Airbags

Air bag warning service notification appeared. Contacted dealership and they stated no recall on my vehicle only trucks and SUV's.

NHTSA ODI 11477296

Jul 28, 2022Electrical systemEngine

I have a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. I was driving in traffic and stopped. The auto stop engaged. When I put my foot on the gas peddle to continue on in traffic, the engine would not start. I had to set there for 5 minutes before the car would restart.

NHTSA ODI 11476369

Jul 18, 2022Engine

The car is stalling upon acceleration, which causes a jerking sensation. It has been diagnosed as an Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve (oil). I have researched and notice that this has been a recall on previous models such as the 2014 Chevy Malibu. I don't understand why the 2015 Malibu would not be included in this recall. I am preparing to have this item fixed at the dealership, fearing that if I don't I could have an accident. The dealership is not inexpensive and times are hard. This is a hardship for me trying to pay for these repairs. I feel that Chevrolet/GMC needs to do something about this situation. Obviously, the problem is still not fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11474618

Apr 24, 2022SteeringBrakesDriver assistance

Drive in rain, went to follow a curve, lost steering and brakes. Ran right off the road. Was going 50 in a 55. Did not hyrdoplane just no response from the car

NHTSA ODI 11461969

Apr 21, 2022Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and the message "dual battery" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel saving battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced however, the failure persisted. The mechanic then diagnosed that the fuse block was faulty. The fuse block was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ODI 11461599

Apr 16, 2022Airbags

Service airbag light on

NHTSA ODI 11461009

Feb 28, 2022Engine

Several times my vehicle has said Engine Power is Reduced (I have a photograph) then it says reducing speed to 35 etc. It reduces speed very quickly and continues to do so. It's a safety hazard and I've had to pull off the side of the road so that I don't cause an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11454425

Feb 2, 2022Electrical system

The trunk will not open and if you force it open it will not close back. This has happened several times now and I’m not able to get into my trunk.

NHTSA ODI 11450005

Jan 31, 2022Electrical systemEngine

During the automatic start/stop function, the car stalls out after it stops itself. For example, I exited an interstate and came to a red stoplight. The car engaged the fuel saving system and shut down the engine. However, after I tried to press the gas to get the car to reengage, the car completely shut down requiring me to put the car in park on an exit ramp and re crank the car to get it to start again. Batteries were tested and no one can figure out what the problem is.

NHTSA ODI 11449639

Nov 30, 2021Speed controlEngine

On 11-11-21 my check engine light came on and message came up reducing engine power and also my speed was reduced. Stability track light came on. Took to shop they repaired but a week later same exact problems occurred. Took back to shop. So far hasn’t happened again. My husband Chevy equinox all of a sudden car does the same exact thing. The check engine light went off so he’s watching it

NHTSA ODI 11442121

Nov 10, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,496.

NHTSA ODI 11440064

Oct 31, 2021Speed controlEngine

P16cf dtc and check engine light after some engine noise and an incident where I was trying to accelerate around an obstacle but was unable to. The car bottomed out and would not accelerate until I took my foot off the gas and tried again more slowly. It's an issue with the intake solenoid rocker arm (oil control valve). The issue with this particular part was noted on earlier Malibu models but not mine. I have not taken it to the dealer yet as I am out of the power train warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11438789

Sep 28, 2021Fuel system

My 2015 Malibu continues to have problems. I have a constant P Code (P2635) that refers to the fuel pump (Low Performance). The Malibu has the auto stop but at times the vehicle wants to lunge forward. It also at a stop not only goes to the auto stop (engine ) but cut off all the way . Which this result in having to place the car back in park to re-start. I have seen a youtube video of a hotspot (wear) on the wiring harness that is located in the right rear fender well that this blue and white wire was worn and broken possible causing this problem. Other that this issue the vehicle is good and still gets around 35mpg.

NHTSA ODI 11434625

Sep 20, 2021Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate properly while driving to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rocker arm oil flow control valve was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The local dealer replaced the part and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,500.

NHTSA ODI 11433613

Jun 29, 2021Tires

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tire, Tire Line: Contipro Contact, Tire Size: 215/60R/16. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the passenger’s side front tire experienced a blowout. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. The Vin was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11422813

Jun 28, 2021Electrical systemBrakes

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his wife was approaching an intersection and depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver shifted the vehicle to park, restarted the vehicle, and drove to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,700.

NHTSA ODI 11422640

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 268 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Chevrolet Malibu Eco verdict →