Home · 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Eco · Complaints

What 687 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 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 (687)Crash / fire / injury (20)Engine (242)Electrical system (163)Transmission & drivetrain (137)Speed control (131)Brakes (62)Fuel system (55)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (54)Steering (45)Body & structure (21)Lights (21)

163 of 687 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 7

Jul 16, 2025EngineElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message to depress the brake pedal and shift to park(P) was displayed. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while driving at speeds below 40 MPH. The vehicle was returned to the same mechanic, and it was determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the PCV valve and the valve cover were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that the oxygen sensor was not OEM and replaced the Oxygen sensor with an OEM part. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and reprogramed the hybrid engine control module. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673917

Jun 5, 2025Electrical system

The shift to park sensor will become stuck and not register that the car is in park causing the battery to drain.

NHTSA ODI 11665172

May 20, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ODI 11662208

Mar 2, 2025Electrical system

About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system wouldn't shut off. I don't think it's right being sold a car with known issues then being told there did nothing that can be done about it, please help!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11645787

Feb 23, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Every time I shift the car into park, I receive a "shift to park" warning on the informational display. I am unable to turn car off until the car recognizes it. Can sometimes take 10 minutes before I can get car to recognize. This was fixed once before while under warranty and fix lasted 3 years. They cleaned the park switch contacts and installed an online shifter jumper harness but will not cover the fix now that it is happening out of warranty. It's a known issue that mechanics say is so common a recall should be issued.

NHTSA ODI 11644370

Jan 24, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the electrical system was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638374

Jan 6, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Since buying this car a year and a half ago, I have had to have the pedal position sensor replaced 5 times, my car has been broken down since April due to an oil leak issue and the pedal position sensor.

NHTSA ODI 11634469

Dec 31, 2024Electrical system

We own a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu plagued with the "Shift to Park" issue. I have read numerous articles regarding this issue and they reference a recall on this problem. However, I have been unsuccessful locating this document. Was a recall actually ever created for this issue; and, if so, where could I find it?

NHTSA ODI 11633394

Oct 21, 2024Electrical systemTransmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that the message "Please Shift to Park" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective gear shifter wiring harness, and a battery current sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11621104

Sep 27, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my Chevy Malibu, specifically related to the Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak light intermittently flickers on and off while driving, which raises significant safety concerns. This malfunction has been ongoing, and despite efforts to diagnose the problem, my local auto mechanic has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. Services Performed: Initial diagnostic checks were conducted to identify any fault codes related to the Stabilitrak system. The mechanic found no definitive issues but noted that the warning light's behavior indicated a potential underlying problem. Each visit has led to additional uncertainty, with suggestions from the mechanic to proceed through the GM flow chart for further diagnosis. However, this approach may lead to extensive labor costs with no guaranteed resolution. Financial Burden: The recommendation to follow the GM flow chart for diagnosis is concerning, as it may result in significant and unnecessary expenses without a clear outcome. As a consumer, I believe that a properly functioning diagnostic system should provide clarity on such issues without incurring exorbitant costs. The erratic behavior of the Stabilitrak system poses a serious safety risk while driving. This system is critical for maintaining vehicle stability, particularly in adverse conditions, and its failure could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. I have been made aware of other drivers experiencing similar issues with their Chevy Malibu vehicles. It raises the question of whether there is a known defect in the Stabilitrak system that warrants a recall. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further, as it seems that GM has not taken the necessary steps to address these concerns

NHTSA ODI 11616780

Sep 23, 2024Electrical systemLightsBody & structure

Rear high mount brake light is loose allowing water to leak I. And around the electrical connections, rear speakers in vehicle have moisture around them, potentially causingin a short and fire hazard

NHTSA ODI 11615919

Aug 8, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that the "Please Shift to Park" message was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the gear shifter wiring harness and battery current sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11607313

Jun 28, 2024Electrical system

Vehicle shut down completely while at intersection with no warning including no dash board warnings, recently had vehicle repaired at dealership computer was replaced, injectors cleaned, fuel system flushed. This car is unpredictable at times and not safe if turning off with no warning, if I did get a warning it's after the vehicle shut down then started back up with "Stabil break" code and reduced steering. I have kept up with the maintence on this vehicle since purchase had no wrecks and it's money gone down the drain. I'm not understanding why there hasn't been a recall on this cars electrical component's there seems to be some time of communication issue between the computer & parts causing the car to completely shut down.

NHTSA ODI 11597498

May 31, 2024Electrical system

Shift to park replaced 2 times problem still happening. Car says not in park when in park.

NHTSA ODI 11591813

May 30, 2024Electrical system

The infotainment system cycles and will change the radio, activate the gps anything that can be controlled through the infotainment system, it also changes the instrument cluster at times; the lane detection, distance alarm all the features, even the language and MPH to KPH. This can cause a sudden shock and safety issue as you are now unaware of the vehicle speed and even cause eratic driving as this can be a shock and take you by suprise.

NHTSA ODI 11591482

May 25, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

When powering off car, shift to park message is displayed even though the car is in park. The vehicle will not power all the way down, and the battery will drain.

NHTSA ODI 11590760

Apr 12, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Unknown. Original owner.24,000 miles. When car turned off, shift to park message occurs. Required 10 on off cycles to turn car off. Dangerous since could be draining battery.

NHTSA ODI 11582591

Feb 14, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

On numerous occasions while driving on highway my dashboard will display reduced engine power and engine light comes on. My traction control light also comes on. Car loses power quickly and will not accelerate. I’ve had to pull over numerous times almost being hit by cars behind me. Took it to get repaired and had to have fuel pump replaced as wires had melted to side of pump. Three months later same problem happened. This car is scary to drive

NHTSA ODI 11571854

Jan 26, 2024Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

Ice and sludge accumulated and froze causing the CAC system to fail resulting in engine issues, performance loss this was caused from GM poor design of a shield that they are aware of. GM knows that this can happen and have now designed a new shield to prevent this from happening but it is at the owner’s expense to fix. If GM knows that this will happen they should fix the issue I am now out of pocket 3,000.00 shame on them

NHTSA ODI 11568057

Jan 2, 2024Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

Gas pedal locked up can’t accelerate

NHTSA ODI 11562964

Sep 27, 2023Electrical system

Upon turning off car, throws shift to park error driver message. Have to restart the car, then shift to various conditions - R, D, L several times then P then turnoff car again. Repeat unto message no longer appears. Sometimes I cannot restart the car because it’s not sending the ke fob. I read online several complaints. Took car to dealership - they confirm that this problem exists in both older and several new Chevy model. My costs will be around $1k by replacing the gear shifter which I find scary. What if this car had jumped out of gear. What is the life of the replacement shifter? Why isn’t GM doing anything when this condition exist in brand new vehicles?

NHTSA ODI 11546782

Sep 13, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

In 2019 I took my vehicle under warranty to the purchasing dealership to fix a "shift to park" reading after the vehicle is parked. It precludes turning off the car. Repeatedly restarting the car and shifting to park and/or jiggling the controller in park usually stopped the reading. The dealer replaced the control shifter, which fixed the problem for many years. This August, the problem started recurring and I have been attempting to make an appointment in the last week, but none of the local dealers say they can repair this for some time. Most cannot even diagnose the problem for a week or two.

NHTSA ODI 11544252

Sep 11, 2023Electrical system

The car continues to say "shift to park" when the car is already in park and its becoming a severe problem. Something is wrong with the shift stick

NHTSA ODI 11543913

Jul 28, 2023Electrical system

Intermittent Shift to Park Message Displayed While Vehicle in Park. Frequently when I shift the car into park and turn off the engine, a "Shift to Park" display appears on the driver dashboard. The "Shift to Park" display doesn't clear unless turning the car back on and turning it off again.

NHTSA ODI 11535070

Jun 20, 2023Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Shift to park warning continues to come on daily when I go to put my car in park. I have to fidget with the shifter to get the computer to recognize that my car is in park and the car will then shut off. Recently I was stopped at a red light, tried to accelerate at the green light and my car completely shut off, while I was still in drive. I could not accelerate and had to place my car in park. Then my stabilitrak sensor came on, along with a notice that my battery saver was on. I had to call a police offer to help me off the road. The car was then able to turn on and I drove it home but this is not safe.

NHTSA ODI 11527915

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Working with the data? Download all 687 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Eco verdict →