What 717 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

When parking car we place the shifter in park, and psh the button to turn off car it states to “Put shifter in Park” after wiggling the shifter that is clearly in park the car will shut off. Also the breaks will pulsate at slower speeds like the ABS is kicking in, but is not the case. Along with the pulsating there are loud thumping noises. Car today when driving did same thing the said “reducing engine power” almost made it home then completely died on me in middle of road. Was told it could be because of bad vacuum pump, brake booster sensor, and brake booster by my mechanic. He said in newer cars this would prevent the car from starting.

NHTSA ODI 11503516

Driving down highway slowed down brake assist kicked in for no reason I was stuck in traffic not moving but maybe 2 mph brakes locked up got super hard codes read brake booster and vacuum pump. Screen went black “parking assist off” came on dashboard earlier that morning but nothing seemed to be wrong with the car. Thank God I wasn’t going faster I could have died!

NHTSA ODI 11502685

While driving on 12/28/2022, my brakes suddenly became very difficult to apply pressure- almost causing a cramp in my calf because I had to press down so hard. Took the car to a repair shop, only for them to tell me my brake pads are fine. It turns out the problem is with the vacuum pump associated with that part of the car. Looked online to see if this was a common problem and as it turns out, there's a class action lawsuit in litigation about this very issue.

NHTSA ODI 11499237

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while pulling into a gas station the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that she was informed to top off the fuel and the vehicle was able to restart and drive with no further issues. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart several hours later. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic test or repair. The contact stated that recently while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brakes locked up as the brake pedal was depressed and an abnormal noise was heard. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped as the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic that diagnosed the failure as a defective brake vacuum pump that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11498721

My vehicle has become harder to bake almost to the point that the brake doesn’t work took my car to have it accessed and was told my brake booster is damaged and causing my car to barely brake it is extremely dangerous can cause harm to myself or my family

NHTSA ODI 11490087

Small trip to Georgia granddaughter’s birthday. Vehicle just went in limp mode. Lost power brakes. My brothers code reader showed P0 014, P0 017, P1101, P0016. I’m pulling up and showing on NHTSH for open recalls and one complaint. I’m trying to make a complaint. The car we turn off. Wouldn’t crank back. Sometime when you wiggle the wire by the throttle it would crank. No power breaking. No engine pole to go up hills. No speed. On Google and YouTube I have found recalls of powertrain automatic transmission six recalls on the website. CHEVY MALIBU vacuum pump recalls. I’m having a vacuum leak you can hear it when the car does turn off the engine fan runs for ever. I’m showing problems with CHEVY MALIBU vacuum Val cover gasket recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU brake vacuum pump recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU 2013 through 2022 booster vacuum pump recall the defect. Problem showing GM 1.5 L POO14 Dash P0017 exhaust camshaft timing. Somethings gone major wrong and I’m showing recalls and I am looking for GM to fix this car I have a A lot of money in it and still owe a lot of money on it.!

NHTSA ODI 11481844

Vacuum pump has stopped working properly causing it very difficult to brake. Autostop feature has stopped working properly due to this problem. This is the second time I have had issues with the vacuum pump.

NHTSA ODI 11475737

First incident, vehicle in motion moving about 45 MPH approached red light vehicle started making loud tick noise when to start to slow down and break pedal was solid not able to slow the vehicle down. Panicked, 3 children in my car in fear for their safety. Was able to put both feet and press as hard as I could to attempt to stop the car. Car thankfully came to a stop and was able to pull over exit the car and have towed to dealership. Dealership inspected vehicle and decided that the vacuum pump had locked up and the case and gear had broken apart. Replaced part and everything was working. Second incident, noticed fluid on driveway, took car to dealership and they stated the vacuum pump was leaking, changed gasket. Third incident, driving car down the highway, vehicle lost speed (jumped) and check engine light came on. Exited highway and car shut off and breaks were again solid had to again use two feet to press as hard as I could in order to not blow through an intersection. Was able to get off road call tow truck and tow to closest shop. They inspected vehicle and found the vacuum pump locked up again and broken pieces where sent into the engine and destroyed the cam shaft.

NHTSA ODI 11472909

As I was driving in a 45 MPH two-lane road, the car in front of me wanted to turn left and when I stepped on the brake pedal, it was stiff. The car wouldn't slow down. So, I quickly stepped on the parking brake which helped and possibly saved my life and the life/lives of those I could have hit. One can only imagine the fear I had. The check engine light came on right after. When tested it reported P0556 - Brake Pressure Sensor; something that has to do with the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump. When I talked to a mechanic, he recommended I report this issue here because this should not happen.

NHTSA ODI 11471869

This vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the vacuum pump brakes to be replaced by the dealership. This is the 3rd time that the time the car will be taken to the dealership for the car to have the vacuum pump replaced, due to almost being in a major accident the 2nd time in the middle of a 4 way intersection because the brakes went out and the vehicle had to be towed. The brakes continues to lock up and is a danger to our safety. This car has been reported to General Motors to made as a recall. This car is consider a LEMON at this point and I would like for someone to contact me at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11471031

Component: Vacuum pump, booster which caused engine damage (cam shaft) Safety: Unable to stop which could cause a collision Confirmation: Chevrolet dealer confirmed the booster caused the vacuum pump to fail which also caused engine damage Inspection: GEICO is sending an inspector and Chevrolet also confirmed damage Warning Lights: No warning lights,

NHTSA ODI 11468218

Vehicle check engine light came on. Then a warning saying reduced engine power came on. I then lost most of my accelerator and slowed me down from 65 mph to about 30 right in the middle of the highway. As I was pulling off to the emergency shoulder my brakes became very stiff and started pulsating rapidly. I could hardly press the pedal enough to make the vehicle come to a stop safely.

NHTSA ODI 11467111

Breaks suddenly failed I have researched this problem and it is a ongoing problem with the vacuum pump and Chevy knows this

NHTSA ODI 11462847

Start and stop function at a stop failed car turns off but when releasing the brakes car doesn't turn back on everything is intermittent and can't reproduce check engine code when car goes in to fix the problem when I put it on L gear so the start and stop function won't try to engage but it doesn't sense its on L gear also back up camera not longer work as well as a.c blower or heater doesn't kick on a lot of electrical problems like if the brain is slowly dropping everything it knows and forgetting how to function also engine reduce and abs light as well as a lot of oil cusumption with no leaks a lot of complaints on these cars and you tube videos why hasn't this been recalled please investigate in an honest investigation please.

NHTSA ODI 11446437

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but felt rigid, causing the contact to almost stand up and forcefully depress the pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal responded. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle at a slower speed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11434237

While pulling into a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to push down, making me to have to exert force on the brake pedal to stop the car. I had been hearing a "grinding" sound but thought it was from the brake pads needing to be replaced and this was incident was from the calipers being over extended. After replacing the brake pads with the new ones (the old ones were only half the size of the new ones and did not need replacing) the brake pedal still did not push easily. I took the vehicle to the repair shop I always use and they affirmed there was a problem and gave the price for the parts (908.37 for the brake vacuum pump and 107.98 for the Brake Fluid Exchange with ABS). There is visible damage to the end of the camshaft from the pump freezing and being torn apart by the camshaft as a result. The total cost of the repairs was $3409.96, which was unexpected. I was quoted $1134 and change originally for parts and labor at the beginning of the problem being addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11433496

While pulling out of my driveway in my 2017 Chevy Malibu, my brake pedal pulsed a few times and the pedal would not fully compress. Granted, I was barely moving but the issue made be very nervous. By the time I reached my stop sign, approximately 100ft, the brakes worked normally. This same issue has happened at least a dozen times and, thank fully, never while I was driving at posted speed limits. My OnStar has sent me email notifications acknowledging an ABS issue was detected. After the 3rd time this incident occurred, I did some research and found quite a few owners experiencing this exact issue and some whose brakes failed while driving at speed causing accidents! I have complained to GM, but they are sticking to not knowing anything about this problem and not covering any portion of the repairs. I got the standard canned response that GM will notify owners if and/or when a recall is issued. I am hopeful additional owners will complain so GM has to do something about this.

NHTSA ODI 11430544

There needs to be a recall on the third brake light on the Chevy Malibu. Everyone that I speak with that has a Malibu has had to replace the third brake light because of it breaking and when it rains water leaks into the car.

NHTSA ODI 11429629

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed going downhill, the brakes failed to engage when the brake pedal was depressed, almost causing a collision. The vehicle struck a curb however, the driver was able to maneuver the steering wheel to go uphill and park the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact to not take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The dealer instead referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be contacted after reviewing the information that was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11424956

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, without warning as the brake pedal was depressed the vehicle accelerated forward independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal again the vehicle failed to stop causing, the vehicle to crash into the other vehicle in front. No airbag deployed. No police report was filed. The contact and the passenger sustained severe whiplash, 1 week later the contact and his wife sought medical attention and checked in a hospital. The insurance company was contacted and towed the vehicle to the collision shop where it was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the other vehicle was totaled as well. The dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11423834

Brak Vacuum pump broke when on freeway making pedal very hard to push I am 200 hundred pounds and took alot to get the car to stop warning light did not come on tell I pumped the brakes .took pump off to find something that looked like Carbon build-up in the oil Screen on the pump took pump apart to find the inside Is broken in many places and the out side gear or shaft broken too I do

NHTSA ODI 11421773

THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT AND POSSIBLY THE LAST, IN MY FIRST COMPLAINT I REPORTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AFTER SHOWING A STABILITY TRACK WARNING LIGHT THEN SLOWING TO A 20 MPH VELOCITY IN A SNOW STORM , THEN MY ADVENTURE WITH THE VACUUM PUMP SHATTERING , THUS NO VACUUM, NO BRAKES, ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. AFTER THAT SCARE , IT HAD A CRANK NO START PROBLEM. THAT'S WHERE I ENDED MY FIRST COMPLAINT . PART 2, I COLLECTED MY STIMULUS MONEY AND HAD MY 2017 CHEVY MALIBU LS TOWED TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE SERVICE MANAGER ASKED ME FOR THE SPARE FOB, I ASKED HIM COULD THAT BE THE PROBLEM THE BATTERIES WENT LOW AND THE FOB KEYS HAD TO BE RE-PROGRAMED. HE STATED PROBABLY, I WENT HOME HOPING IT WOULD BE SOMETHING MINOR. 3 WEEKS LATER I GET A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT HE WANTED TO GO THROUGH THE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION RESULTS WITH ME, I ASK HIM WAS IT SOMETHING MINOR, HE SAID WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO WORK ON THE CRANK, NO START PROBLEM CAUSE YOU HAVE LOW COMPRESSION ON ONE OF YOU ENGINE CYLINDERS YOU NEED A NEW ENGINE, THAT'S NOT MINOR 72,365 MILES, NEW ENGINE , ESTIMATE $8,224.80. STILL PAYING THE BANK FOR IT..THIS GENERATION MALIBU'S ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO GOOD. I OWN A 1994 CHEVROLET SILVERADO WITH 135,000 MILES BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW, RUNS GREAT, THE COST CUTTING IS BEING SACRIFICED FOR QUALITY, AND US CONSUMERS ARE GETTING THE LOW END.

NHTSA ODI 11416053

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE 2016 - 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU DUE TO REDUCED POWER FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE'S POWER WAS REDUCED TO 20 - 25 MPH. THE "KEY NOT DETECTED" LIGHT ILLUMINATED, HOWEVER THE KEY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE APPLIED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REAR-ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INFORMED PARKS CHEVROLET RICHMOND ( 4502 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23230) OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11403873

II BOUGHT MY 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS IN AUGUST OF 2017, IN JANUARY OF 2018 MY FIRST ENGINE LIGHT WARNING CAME ON WITH MESSAGE "SHIFT TO PARK" CAME ON WHEN THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN PARK. I MOVED TO DENVER, CO IN JUNE OF 2018 , DURING MY LONG WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE ROCKIES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SHOWING "STABILITY TRACK ISSUES. IN NOVEMBER 2018 WHILE MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING HOME IN A SNOW STORM YET ANOTHER ENGINE LIGHT SHOWING "ENGINE POWEWR REDUCED" THE CAR WENT FROM A 45 MPH DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE OF HEAVY SNOW TO ALMOST 20 MPH TOO SLOW FOR FREEWAY SPEEDS EVEN IN SNOW. I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS A DIRTY SPEED SENSOR. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH I WAS REACHING THE END OF THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, I REACTED BY HITTING MY BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL WAS HARD AS A ROCK, I LOOKED UP AND I WAS FASTLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION SO I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE GOT ON THE RIIGHT DIRT SHOULDER, AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW IT DOWN TO ABOUT 35 MPH BEFORE REACHING THE INTERSECTION WHERE I TOOK A SHARP RIGHT TURN TO AVOID HITIING CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND SPUN OUT. THE CAR ISHOWED A MESSAGE "NO REMOTE DETECTED: IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START . BEING THAT THE CAR WARRENTY WAS ALREADY EXPIRED I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANICS SHOP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A CODE READING "BRAKE BOOSTER SENSOR" THEY DISCOVERED A SHATTERED VACUUM PUMP. I GOT IT REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AS WELL AS THE BRAKE SENSOR. I STILL HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO START IT. BECAUSE OF COVID-19 AND MY FINANCIAL SITUATION I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP. I AM SAVING TO HAVE IT TOWED THERE AND HOPEFULLY REPAIRING IT BUT I'M SURE IT'S NOT GOING TO BE WALLET FRIENDLY. WE WERE EXCITED WHEN WE BOUGHT OUR FIRST NEW CAR IT DIDN'T LAST LONG. NOW HOPEFULLY A RECALL AND SOME JUSTICE FOR US HARD WORKING PEOPLE THAT WANT ONLY A RELIABLE CAR WITH NO HIDDEN REPAIR SURPRISES.

NHTSA ODI 11390833

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING ASSISTANCE REDUCED WARNING MESSAGE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD INITIALLY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM CHEVROLET AUGUSTA (2031 GORDON HWY, AUGUSTA, GA 30909) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE HAD A DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TIE ROD AND HAD THE TIE ROD REPLACED. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL SCRAPING NOISE WOULD EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE UPON DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JOHNSON MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (490 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, GRANITEVILLE, SC 29829) WHERE THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE FOR A DEFECTIVE PCV HOSE. AN HOUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT, THE SAME FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE FAILURES AND SEVERAL CASES WERE FILED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,757.

NHTSA ODI 11384743