What 188 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

The vehicle experienced a serious and ongoing electrical and system malfunction shortly after being returned from repairs related to a prior accident. Within a short period of driving, multiple warning messages and system errors began appearing simultaneously, indicating failures across several vehicle systems. The issues included repeated computer system faults affecting critical functions. The malfunction made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate, as the errors appeared suddenly and without warning while driving. This created a significant safety risk due to the potential loss of vehicle control and unpredictable system behavior. The problem has been persistent and has not been properly resolved. The vehicle has remained at a repair facility for an extended period, where it has not been successfully diagnosed or repaired due to lack of proper equipment or manufacturer-certified technicians capable of addressing the issue. The defect has been observed but not corrected, and the vehicle has not been restored to safe operating condition. The condition has prevented normal use of the vehicle and has caused ongoing safety concerns. Warning indicators and system messages appeared prior to full failure and continued throughout attempts to operate the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Car remain in shop over 6 months not full repair from electrical problem, head light issues and air bag defectiveness.

NHTSA ODI 11729126

I have no Brake Lights when applying the Brakes and cruise control no longer works due to Service ESC message on display. I was advised by replacing the battery this would clear the ESC but it did not. I believe the service ESC message is tied into the brake lights and cruise control not working.

NHTSA ODI 11493163

While I was getting on the highway during acceleration there was a loud popping sound which was immediately followed by the check engine light turning on the airbag system warning light turning on and a reduction in engine power. I had to pull off to the side of the highway and pop my hood in which at that point I observed the air intake hose had popped off of the throttle body. I put it back on and attempted to continue to drive but it popped off again which caused me to take it very slow ride to the closest dealership. Once I arrived I had it checked out by a service technician and was advised that my throttle body needed to be replaced and so does my airbag clock spring which controls the airbag system, it's deployment, the horn and all of the steering wheel controls. Without this being operational I cannot blow my horn and the airbags may not deploy or malfunction in the event of a crash. I looked online and found out that this was an existing problem with previous models of the Chevy Malibu specifically 2016 to 2018 models.

NHTSA ODI 11429804