What 717 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

I was driving back home and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I started driving, but my car was jerking a little too much. I pulled over and turned my car off. When I cut my car back on my brake became very hard to the point I had to push down extra hard to stop my car. I started back driving home once I realized my car needs to be turned completely off and sit. While I'm driving I see a message on my dashboard saying "Engine power reduced." Luckily I made it home safely with no wrecks, but when I had to brake my car was still moving jerking while in place. Also when I made it home and turned my car off I heard a fan like noise that eventually stopped.

NHTSA ODI 11748133

the trottle body position sensor just started acting up. took it to mechanic. they stated they can try to fix it but it may only work for a month then go back out. may end up paying over 6k and the car isn't worth it

NHTSA ODI 11746422

Shift to park error on dash. GM is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and Chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix this. If it's a known, repetitive issue on several models, it should be a recall. This causes owners to try to fix this issue themselves, which can cause more damage and more money.

NHTSA ODI 11742521

MY BACK-UP CAMERA HAS NOT WORKED IN ABOUT 3-4 YEARS. THE SCREEN IS COMPLETLY BLANK. MY MECHANIC WILL NOT TOUCH IT AND I'M AFRAID TO GO TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE COST. I DID NOTICE THERE IS A RECALL ON NEWER MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11737804

The SHIFT TO PARK warning light comes on when shifting to park and WILL NOT allow you to shut the vehicle off. This is a WIDELY KNOWN DEFECT in multiple GM vehicles and yet there’s still no recall! WHY?! It causes the vehicle to not completely shut down, killing the battery and could potentially cause the car to roll. It’s been WIDELY REPORTED and it’s absolutely a defect with a part inside the shifter! It’s an expensive repair that consumers SHOULD NOT have to pay when it’s a DEFECT on GM!!! PLEASE RECALL!!!!!! After researching this issue, there’s MULTITUDES OF COMPLAINTS and even a class action lawsuit (of which I wasn’t aware of) but it shouldn’t have to turn into a lawsuit when the NHSTA has the ability to force GM to MAKE THIS RIGHT by REPAIRING IT!

NHTSA ODI 11737410

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the issue, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the contact was forced to pull over and turn off the vehicle. The contact waited approximately 30-40 minutes before restarting the vehicle and resuming normal driving. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer; however, no codes were found. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be caused by the floormat being under the accelerator pedal. The contact had the floormat removed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure, and another appointment was scheduled to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11731087

When car is in park. Shift to park is on dashboard. Car won't fully turn off. It's been doing it for years. Was worked on at dealership. It's still doing it.

NHTSA ODI 11721652

In the last 6 months I’ve had to put 3 Brake Boosters on my 2017 Chevy Malibu and it’s NOT cheap…. I don’t know what else to do.

NHTSA ODI 11718196

The Reduce Power to Engine keeps happening. It shuts my car down and lights up the traction control light, check engine light and its a serious hazard because I travel highway to and from work and its very dangerous when you loose power to your vehicle at high rates of speed. Also my emissions is bad due to a supposed fixed recall for the catalytic converter.

NHTSA ODI 11716053

I was driving my car on the highway and the car begin to feel like it was about to shut off. Shortly after, the car check engine light turned on with a warning sign on dashboard stating “engine reduce.” the check engine is still on and my mechanic states my turbo needs to be replaced. I have an appointment for second consult with chevy dealer to verify.

NHTSA ODI 11715400

The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This situation poses a potential safety concern, as drivers might mistakenly assume their cars are securely parked and powered off while walking away. The issue has been prevalent enough for the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on June 7, 2021. The TSB specifically targets the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, while also mentioning the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and other 2016-2019 Chevrolet models. The bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing the “Shift to Park” problems, although it does not present a definitive solution to the underlying issue. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX IT

NHTSA ODI 11713855

I have had experience with the "SHIFT TO PARK" error and I have had the "reduced engine power" error message resulting in an UNEEDED $2200 dollar repair only for it to break down 2 months later, same message this time with fuel spraying under the hood. I NEARLY BLEW MYSELF UP TRYING TO START MY CAR! How is it that I cant find this DANGEROUS defect on the recall list when I easily found the RECURRENT problem online? HELP

NHTSA ODI 11707988

While driving at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of engine power and reduced acceleration. The traction control light and engine light illuminated, and a “Reduced Engine Power” message appeared. The vehicle would not respond to the accelerator, creating a serious safety hazard. This occurred shortly after authorized dealer service involving the PCV system and related components. The vehicle did not have this issue prior to dealer service. I returned the vehicle to the dealer, and they stated they could not replicate the issue. The sudden loss of power could have resulted in a serious accident. I believe this may be related to improper dealer service, disturbed electrical connectors, or throttle body/engine management components. I am reporting this as a safety concern. I also would like to mention this safety issue has occurred now multiple times with my car on multiple separate occasions with the last prior occurrence being 12/20/2025.

NHTSA ODI 11706844

Lose power while driving

NHTSA ODI 11705000

Was driving on highway and starting to exit and my engine light came on and it alerted reduced engine power. I had to slam on my brakes but they were very hard to press and almost non existent and steering was also difficult. Managed to get car to side of road but due to very hard to non existent brakes I did graze a truck and damaged my rear drivers side fender. I am very lucky I didn’t get injured and was able to mostly miss the cars stopped in front of me. I also have the shift to park issue happen at least 4 times a week.

NHTSA ODI 11704980

Reduced engine power. Car will not accelerate over 35 mph. Almost rear ended. Will be the second time in dealer for same problem. Also, Shift to Park. Also second time at dealer for same problems. You cannot get out of car until you keep moving the shifting handle.

NHTSA ODI 11704878

Fuel is leaking and it is messing up my emissions. I had the emissions fixed for my safety inspection. But soon after 2 days later fuel keeps leaking and the smell of gas is so strong in my car. This is a safety hazard of not only becoming inflammable but also the smell is toxic to my health and my grandchildren. I have asthma and all of the following i have experienced headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems, and long-term like asthma exacerbation that is flaring up my asthma and i am afraid it will cause potential cancer.

NHTSA ODI 11704424

Engine light is on, message pops up stating "engine power is reduced" and pedal acceleration is limited. I received a message from Onstar stating there is a recall on some GMC vehicles regarding this issue, however my vin is not part of the recall, but it should be, as all the elements stated in the recall are the exact issues in my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11702313

Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. WHY is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the P1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or MAF sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The shift to park issue is so common. This is getting ridiculous. Plus the code. Please fix this ASAP.

NHTSA ODI 11702122

When I accelerate and try to stop brakes goes down to the floor. I’ve had my rotors. Brakes changed and it’s impossible to stop at times. Purchase vehicle. 2018 and the check engine light came on shortly after I purchased it. It’s been on. I’ve got diagnostics. It’s unknown why! Tire sensors has been changed, including with new tires and none of them work and the airbag light is illuminated. I am concerned about my safety in this vehicle. I reported many times and I’m unaware of any recalls. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11699188

Engine Power Reduced, My car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11697859

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the engine revved up and accelerated independently. The contact's vehicle accelerated independently in reverse(R) and clipped the tow hitch of a vehicle parked on the street, and that was where the vehicle came to a stop. No air bags deployed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while parking in reverse into the contact's assigned parking space, the engine revved up and accelerated independently. The vehicle accelerated in reverse(R) and hit a tree, where it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the back windshield was shattered, the rear bumper fell off, and smoke was emitting from under the hood.  A police report was not filed. The contact was taken to the hospital by a family member later that day. The contact sustained minor injuries; a contact had a CT scan due to hitting the steering wheel. The contact sustained minor cuts from the flying glass from the back windshield. The contact stated that the day after the accident, her daughter turned on the vehicle, and the air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was left at the residence pending an inspection from a mobile independent mechanic. The contact stated that prior to the accident, the gear shift failed to function as intended. When the contact moved the shift lever to park(P) and the contact turned off the engine, the light on park(P) would stay on. The contact then turned on the engine and turned it off the engine, and the light on the gearshift turned off. The insurance company was not contacted. However, the contact did not have coverage for the accident. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11695429

I tried to shift the car from drive to park but a message appeared saying I needed to put the car in park. The lights and radio were still on and I could not get the message to disappear even after several attempts to start/restart the car and moving through the gear shift. I will be taking the car to a dealership asap. There wasn’t any prior error or problem before this message started appearing. After numerous attempts “park” is recognized and the car shuts off completely.

NHTSA ODI 11689745

The car smells strongly of gas. And has a problem accelerating. Check engine light came on and I got a code p1101 which is a code for the MAF SENSOR. This is not the first time that this has happened. It happened less than a year ago maybe 9-10 months ago. I don’t drive the car in fear of it catching a fire. The car has stalled before in the middle of a turn. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on. I called onstar who have no idea what was wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11687504

The transmission stalls to get up and go after it has been driven for a short while causing it to slow down traffic and causing a slight risk trying to pull over to the side to allow drivers behind pass by. Once the driver stops at more than 5 stops is when the vehicle begins to hesitate to work properly.

NHTSA ODI 11687127