2021 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“A screen popped up saying “reduced engine power” I was already Omw to the shop to get one thing fixed. When they tried to pull my car in they say they he car wouldn’t drive and it was hard to accelerate and they had to put it in Neutral to get it in the shop. They said they fixed the problem but…”
filed Jul 11, 2026
“I was driving and car suddenly reduced speed,engine light came on and message came across dash “engine power reduced” and a text was sent to tell me I have a transmission issue. Now car won’t drive past 25-30mph dealership indicated this is a faulty gas pedal which cost over $600 to repair. Did my…”
filed Apr 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 3 | 9% |
| 2023 Malibu | 11 | 19% |
| 2022 Malibu | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 Malibu | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 Malibu | 61 | 32% |
| 2018 Malibu | 277 | 40% |
| 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 2021 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.