What 89 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Component: Air Conditioning – A/C Hose Assembly / Refrigerant Discharge Line The air conditioning refrigerant discharge line (A/C hose assembly) appears to have been improperly designed and/or installed during manufacturing. The rubber A/C hose was routed in a manner that caused it to rest against or press against the side of the engine. Over time, the engine heat and constant contact burned a hole through the hose, causing a rapid loss of refrigerant (Freon). As a result of the refrigerant leak, the air conditioning system stopped blowing cold air, and the HVAC system no longer functioned properly. This failure was not caused by normal wear and tear, but by the improper routing and placement of the A/C hose against the engine. The issue was confirmed by Meineke Service Center through a diagnostic inspection and UV dye leak test, which identified the damaged refrigerant discharge line as the source of the leak. A significant safety concern is that simply replacing the hose does not permanently correct the problem if the replacement hose is routed in the same location. Without a manufacturer-provided redesign or long-term repair solution that prevents the hose from contacting the engine, the replacement part is at risk of failing in the same manner. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications before the failure occurred. The air conditioning stopped blowing cold air after the refrigerant escaped through the damaged hose. I believe this is a manufacturing and/or design defect that could affect other vehicles with the same hose routing configuration. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ODI 11750741

I was told the bcm on my vehicle is bad. It cause my car to go all out of wack. Multiple warning lights come on (ESC, ABS, power steering, check engine), the gauge controls flutter, my gear shift clicks on and off, the car has even shut down on me in the middle of traffic, wouldn’t start, wouldn’t shift, basically wouldn’t move at all even when it did start. How would a bcm shut down my whole vehicle?

NHTSA ODI 11750482

My 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT repeatedly and unpredictably enters a "Reduced Engine Power" state, causing sudden, dangerous drops in speed while driving in traffic. This intermittent loss of power happens constantly on and off, creating an ongoing and severe safety hazard. A diagnostic scan reveals codes P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost), P1101, and P2227. General Motors has an active Special Coverage Program (N252508360) covering this exact turbocharger failure for 2022 Malibus with the 1.5L engine. However, GM and the local dealership refuse to cover the repair, claiming my specific VIN is excluded from their automated list. I have already replaced the MAF and MAP sensors to eliminate electrical faults, had all hoses examined for leaks, and I've replaced the air filter under the hood and in the cabin twice, proving this is a chronic mechanical failure of the turbocharger system. GM is using arbitrary VIN boundaries to avoid repairing a known, widespread manufacturing defect that continually compromises vehicle safety.

NHTSA ODI 11750044

Transmission misfiring.

NHTSA ODI 11749174

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY. OFTEN SLOW TO TAKE OFF AT A STOP LIGHT. SAFETY CONCERNS OF BEING REAR END DUE TO SLOW TAKE OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER FOR REVIEW AND THEY INDICATED AND SHOW A PICTURE OF THE TURBO BOOSTER BEING BROKEN. PER DEALER THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. DEALER STATED I WAS 5k MILES OVER WARRANTY AND EXISTING SERVICE SPECIAL COVERAGE NOTICE N252508360 FOR 2022 MALIBU DID NOT COVER MY VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11747026

I have a problem with parking, the warning comes on,”Shift Into Park” knowing that I’m in park, so it’s not registering. Have to move the shifter a couple of times before it comes off. My check engine light stays on and then comes off a week or two later and then comes back on and no code comes up, so I’ll clear it or let it clear itself.

NHTSA ODI 11746599

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that during inclement weather, the rear glass was leaking, causing stains on the ceiling of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746219

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and entered reduced power mode. The Check Engine and the reduced power mode warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine seized later. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway, which was frightening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: P00C6, P0137, P0171, P0299, P089, and P2097. The contact was informed that the codes were associated with the fuel system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742702

I have a shift to park warning that comes up almost every time I park. It usually does not go away until I turn off the car completely then restart it, and I still have to attempt to “park” it.

NHTSA ODI 11742473

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the front driver's side tire was replaced several times due to air loss. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced an unknown filter. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the unknown filter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the unknown filter and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11741485

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740153

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the reduced power mode message was displayed. The contact linked the failure to TSB 22-NA-224. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738611

Turned ignition off car computer read car not in park. All lights were on yellow ignition light on and door chime kept ringing. Started car moved car forward then backed up. Shut car off car still not working properly in park same problem. Moved shifter to park and bumped it a few times. Message went off. Tires make a grinder noise.

NHTSA ODI 11737049

My cars check engine light keeps coming on and the first time it came on with an engine under boost failure and I took it to a 3rd party shop to get fixed and they had to replace the turbo charger. I paid $2500.00 for that. 2 weeks later the same light came on and they had to replace it again. Well now the light came on again after a month for the same thing and I am taking it back into the shop again. That will be 3 times.

NHTSA ODI 11737070

failing turbo charger - GM website issued special coverage bulletin

NHTSA ODI 11734921

I am submitting this statement to report a recurring safety and reliability issue with the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle intermittently displays a “Shift to Park” message when the car is turned off, even though the gear selector is already in the Park position. Due to this malfunction, the vehicle’s system does not fully shut down as intended. As a result, electrical components remain active, leading to repeated battery drain and, in some cases, a completely dead battery. This creates an unreliable operating condition and leaves the vehicle unable to start without external assistance. This issue presents both a safety and usability concern. The vehicle may become inoperable without warning due to battery depletion, Drivers may be stranded in unsafe or inconvenient locations, The system’s failure to correctly detect the Park position raises concerns about the reliability of the transmission interlock and shutdown systems. The problem appears to stem from a fault in the gear position detection or related electronic components, rather than user error. The condition persists despite ensuring the vehicle is properly shifted into Park. Given the potential for widespread occurrence and the risk of unexpected vehicle disablement, I respectfully request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect and considered for a recall or service campaign.

NHTSA ODI 11734226

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle was driving sluggishly, with the check engine warning light illuminated and the message “Engine Power Reduced” displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,506.

NHTSA ODI 11733586

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and lost automotive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the mechanic lacked confidence in performing the required repair. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. Several dealers were contacted and informed that the vehicle was not under warranty or recall coverage. The contact stated that the turbocharger was previously replaced by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731848

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The contact continued driving until being able to safely stop. Once the vehicle was stopped, it was turned off and restarted after a while. The failure occurred while the contact was attempting to accelerate and had become more persistent. The check engine warning light was illuminated with the message “Reduce Engine Power” displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there was a failure with the turbocharger. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall for the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731296

Component/System Failure: The turbocharger system failed, specifically the wastegate arm, resulting in loss of boost and reduced engine performance. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of engine power while driving, placing me and others at risk, especially in traffic situations where acceleration is required (such as merging, crossing intersections, or maintaining speed). This created a hazardous driving condition. Confirmation of Issue: The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership. The diagnosis stated: “turbocharger wastegate arm damaged causing loss of boost and DTC,” which matches known issues described in GM’s Special Coverage. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. It has not yet been inspected directly by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Yes. The vehicle displayed a check engine light and reduced engine power message prior to the failure. These symptoms began shortly before the vehicle experienced noticeable loss of acceleration and performance. Additional Information: This failure is consistent with a known issue acknowledged by General Motors under Special Coverage for similar vehicles experiencing turbocharger-related defects. Despite having the same failure and symptoms, my vehicle was excluded based on lot number, not condition or diagnosis.

NHTSA ODI 11727076

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was under recall. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the vehicle was serviced, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the charger air cooler had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was picked up and then taken to Auto Zone for a diagnostic test. The diagnostic test retrieved DTC: P0234 (Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Over Boost Condition (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,157.

NHTSA ODI 11725932

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, where they turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was called and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P023F (Fuel Pump - Secondary Circuit Failure). The vehicle was towed by a family member to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11722889

When shifting my car into park the vehicle did not recognize that the gear was indeed in park. I would get a message saying “Shift to Park” and I could not fully turn my car off. This problem made me feel unsafe as I didn’t know what to do when it wouldn’t turn off. My battery could have run down and I would be stranded. In researching this problem GM was sued for the very same problem in earlier models so I am incredulous that they have not fixed this issue or initiated a product recall. I had to have an internal switch replaced at a GM dealer service center at my expense and the car only had 15263 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11720820

Two months after purchasing my used Chevy 2022 Malibu my engine light came on and also a notification stating Engine Power Reduced and the car was not performing well. I went to advanced auto to get a diagnostic and the results that were generated was the code P0299 along with several other codes. I have been dealing with this same issue over 6 months even after taking it to Chevrolet and them fixing everything but the actual problem. Now my light is on, blinking, along with the engine shaking roughly and also making a ticking sound. Dates: Purchased April 2025 Engine Light Appearance June 2025- Present

NHTSA ODI 11718860

The car will cut off while driving and across the dashboard it’ll say “press brake to start engine”.

NHTSA ODI 11717468