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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,916 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #44

Jan 312022

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

During the automatic start/stop function, the car stalls out after it stops itself. For example, I exited an interstate and came to a red stoplight. The car engaged the fuel saving system and shut down the engine. However, after I tried to press the gas to get the car to reengage, the car completely shut down requiring me to put the car in park on an exit ramp and re crank the car to get it to start again. Batteries were tested and no one can figure out what the problem is.

- Desoto, MO, USA

problem #43

Nov 112021

Malibu

  • miles
On 11-11-21 my check engine light came on and message came up reducing engine power and also my speed was reduced. Stability track light came on. Took to shop they repaired but a week later same exact problems occurred. Took back to shop. So far hasn-€™t happened again. My husband Chevy equinox all of a sudden car does the same exact thing. The check engine light went off so he-€™s watching

- Chicago , IL, USA

problem #42

Nov 102021

Malibu

  • 82,496 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,496.

- Crest Hill, IL, USA

problem #41

Oct 222021

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

P16cf dtc and check engine light after some engine noise and an incident where I was trying to accelerate around an obstacle but was unable to. The car bottomed out and would not accelerate until I took my foot off the gas and tried again more slowly. It's an issue with the intake solenoid rocker arm (oil control valve). The issue with this particular part was noted on earlier Malibu models but not mine. I have not taken it to the dealer yet as I am out of the power train warranty.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #40

Jun 152021

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
This 2015 Chevy Malibu has been serviced over 10 ten times for a stalling/check engine issue(s). Sometimes the check engine light will activate after stalling and other times it will not. This vehicle has only had 1 owner since the initial purchase with on-star showing all the times/dates that a problem was detected and reported via email (on star). The dealership has had ample attempts to fix the issues with the vehicle, as well as private ASE certified mechanic/shop after the issues continued with this problem vehicle. This vehicle is a lemon, it is not dependable, and the stalling issues seem to be an on-going issue with GM Chevy Malibu. On 05/15/2021 while in Natick Massachusetts, I was almost rear-ended after my vehicle stalled in traffic and I could not get to the BDL. As quickly as the vehicle stopped working, I was able to restart the vehicle and move it out of the road. This problem can not be ignored or downplayed, someone will eventual get hurt or killed because their vehicle stalls without reason or warning. I need a dependable vehicle and do not have the luxury to run to the dealership multiple times for an on-going problem.

- Millville, MA, USA

problem #39

May 062021

Malibu

  • miles
2015 Chevy Malibu with 2.5L engine with rocker arm oil control valve malfunctioning. Check engine came on Thursday May 6, 2021 and had it diagnosed Monday May 10, 2021. 2014's have a recall, but 2015S do not and my mechanic can't even find a GM part to fix this.

- Guttenberg, IA, USA

problem #38

Mar 022021

Malibu

  • 142,770 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When turning left from a stop my car all at once said engine power reduced to 25mph, service airbag, service stabilitrac, and service brake assist.

- Albion, IN, USA

problem #37

Sep 192020

Malibu

  • 85,000 miles
The car stalls out while in traffic and/or immediately reduce speed flashing-engine reduce code on the dash, mines in particular has flashed service traction and reduce engine power on the dash, diagnostic testing is not giving any codes for a specific reason for this issue, seem to be something up with the sensors and electrical system on this car- causing multiple issues to happen all at one time. Chevy dealer not very help- suggesting to fix random parts and the issue continues. Decided not to drive on the highway, but did drive on a busy street in baltimore county.

- Halethorpe, MD, USA

problem #36

Apr 152020

Malibu

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while at a stop light. The contact raised the hood and jiggled some unknown wires and the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that when the failure occurred the first time, it was taken to an independent mechanic where an unknown sensor, alternator, the battery, and the battery cables were replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #35

Mar 152020

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
GM part number 12633613 vvt rear oil control solenoid is faulty causing engine jerking. GM does not have this part available or any aftermarket part, and appears to have stopped producing it.

- Blacklick, OH, USA

problem #34

Jan 152020

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On January 15th. At 08:26am while driving to work my check engine light came on. On January 19th. The car was dropped for service at westgate Chevrolet in edmonton, ab. After two weeks of testing and multiple part changes the dealer established that my car has a faulty "intake oil control valve". this is a well known failure of the GM ecotec 2.5 lkw engine. GM has been trying to redesign the part since September of 2019. As of today May 20th, 2020 the replacement part has still not been made available and my car has been sitting at the dealer for 4 months now. Multiple owners of 2014 and 15 Malibu's and Impala's are suffering the same faith. Lately GM corporate has not even returned E-mails from my dealer as to when the new part will me made available. This is an absolutely unacceptable behavior on part of GM.

- Edmonton, MT, USA

problem #33

Apr 232020

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
I own a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu ltz and I can be driving down the highway and the 'service stabilitrack' light will come on, then it will say 'reduced engine power'. I will have to pull over, turn car off, and let it sit for a minute or two, then crank back up and those lights will go off, but the service engine light will come on. Sometimes I have to do this every 5-10 miles, depending on the distance of my destination, which poses a safety issue for me, especially if I'm traveling at night. This mostly happens when I'm driving on the highway.

- Jonestown, MS, USA

problem #32

Dec 072019

Malibu

  • miles
My check engine light came on towards the beginning of Dec 2019. I took it to a Chevy dealership who stated it was due to the rocker arm oil control valve and that they needed to order the part. I waited until Feb 2020 with no update on when the part would arrive so I took my Malibu to another dealership who stated it need the same part and that it should be there within a week. As of May 2020 my car is still at that dealership without an estimated date in when the part will be available. I called GM and the only thing they can do is offer $2500 towards a new car.

- Chester, VA, USA

problem #31

Oct 012019

Malibu

  • 122,000 miles
I own a 2015 Malibu lt 2.5L, I have not been able to pass the state required inspection due to a faulty oil control solenoid. (GM part #12633613 or GM part # 19419980) I have incurred over $1000 in diagnostic fees and taken the car to three (3) different independent mechanics and two (2) GM certified parts dealers trying to get this part replaced. GM is no longer manufacturing and referring customers to aftermarket parts.(aftermarket part recommended is the dorman 916-806) in doing research trying to find this part it seems this same part has malfunctioned on every 2014-2015 year model Malibu and Impala and GM is still not issuing a recall. I have filed customer service inquiries/complaints with multiple dealerships and GM directly. This is an egregious example of a manufacturing defect and they are offering no alternative other than buying a new car. The car is showing a code error P2646 (rocker arm malfunction in bank 1 stuck in off position). I have been attempting to rectify this problem since October 2019, and filed the official complaint with GM April,2020. Case # with GM 9-592-2813084

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #30

Mar 042020

Malibu

  • 125,000 miles
The car reduced speed while my wife and grands where in traffic almost causing an accident reduced to 25 mph on highway

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #29

Sep 302019

Malibu

  • miles
Received a notification on the dash, engine light. Took it to get checked & it's the rocker arm control valve. I've been waiting on this part since last year. I'm not able to use my remote starter as a result, & I'm not able to get a plate sticker bcz the car won't pass emissions. I feel this will start to mess up the engine, & GM is saying they don't know when the part will be available. I'm reading a lot of complaints about this same issue, & feel there needs to be a recall!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #28

Sep 122019

Malibu

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. An independent mechanic was contacted and the contact was informed that the engine variable timing control valve needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not be driven until repaired. The part was ordered but was still on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer offered $2,500 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The contact declined the offer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Hermitage, TN, USA

problem #27

Feb 292020

Malibu

  • 27,789 miles
My auto stop came on while at a stop sign and when I released the brake my car shut off and won't start I tried jumping car it still won't work. The tow company that towed my car has told me about a recall on auto stop

- Chester, PA, USA

problem #26

Feb 042020

Malibu

  • 151,000 miles
My car was driving perfectly fine. It had just passed the admissions test, and everything was fine. I started driving my car in the city limits, and while at a stop light I smelled smoke. I thought it was the car behind me. As I pulled into a parking lot I realized that it was my car that was smoking. Upon lifting my hood I seen oil everywhere and my engine was smoking. An alert came across my screen urging me to decrease speed and add oil. After investigating it was told to me that it is my engine variable timing oil control valve, and GM is currently not making anymore and this part is sold out everywhere. I need this part in order for my car to run!!!!!

- Smyrna, GA, USA

problem #25

Feb 222020

Malibu

  • 77,000 miles
My car was driving fine then all of a sudden the service stabili track light flashed on my screen and my check engine light started flashing but went off after about 1 minute. The next day while accelerating the car stuttered and felt almost like I was driving down a road with little rivets. Its stopped and again all the lights dissapeared. This morning as soon as I started my car the check engine light is on and every time I accelerate it stutters and feels as if I'm driving down a riveted road.

- Centreville, VA, USA

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