2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m…”
filed Jul 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors…Campaign 19V642000 · Sep 6, 2019
Engine problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 3 | 9% |
| 2023 Malibu | 11 | 19% |
| 2022 Malibu | 28 | 31% |
| 2021 Malibu | 13 | 16% |
| 2020 Malibu | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 Malibu | 61 | 32% |
| 2017 Malibu | 252 | 36% |
| 2016 Malibu | 301 | 36% |
| 2015 Malibu | 69 | 26% |
| 2014 Malibu | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 Malibu | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 Malibu | 99 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.