2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 69 3 fire

“At 2:30AM car was sitting in driveway and the engine caught on fire burning the engine, front left tire etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11495104, 2022 · fire

“Vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment while parked and unoccupied.”
NHTSA complaint #11480513, 2022 · fire

“CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS AT ALL ON THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11222866, 2019 · fire

Electrical System 66 2 crash 7 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE WHEELS BEGAN TO LOSE TRACTION BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LOWER BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER HAD NOT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO COVID-19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE OFFICER WAS DRIVING BEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11325954, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE REMAINED ON AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT WAS DRAGGED BY THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES ALONG WITH ABRASIONS TO THE LEFT ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11115386, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS AT ALL ON THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11222866, 2019 · fire

Air Bags 49 8 crash 1 fire 7 injury 1 death

“AIRBAG LIGHT IS KEEP COMING ON. I HAVE POWER SEATS AND PAYED TO GET THE PANEL FIXED AND THE PANEL IS HANGING AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11203659, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“"TAKATA RECALL" DURING A SIDE IMPACT COLLISON AT 45MPH , THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY (NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED) AND THE STABILITRAK WAS DISABLED . AN ERROR MESSAGE OF SERVICE STABILITRAK APPEARED DURING THE ACCIDENT”
NHTSA complaint #10908609, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 I WAS DRIVING WAS DRIVING NORTH (23 MPH) AND WAS T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO TOOK A 2 WAY STOP SIGN. I DID NOT HAVE A STOP SIGN. I WAS PUSHED ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A GRASSY FIELD. I WAS SLAMMED INTO IN BETWEEN THE PASSENGER DRIVERS SEAT AND THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AS WAS MY DAUGHTER WHOM WAS SITTING MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR THAT THAT HIT ME ALL THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS THE DRIVER AND MY DAUGHTER WAS A PASSENGER IN THE BACK . I BROKE MY NECK AND HAD DISPLACED FLUID IN MY KNEE. SHE HAD MINOR BRUISING IN HER CAR SEAT. I T…”
NHTSA complaint #11096504, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 34 2 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 02/09/16, 1 1/2 HOURS AFTER DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT APPROPRIATELY 57 MPH AND MY MOON ROOF GLASS EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO CARS CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF ME. THE GLASS APPEARS TO BE BOWING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, NOT INTO THE VEHICLE, AS YOU WOULD EXPECT IF A ROCK HAD HIT IT. SEE THE ATTACHED PICTURE. THERE WAS NO SOUND OF ANYTHING HITTING THE ROOF, IT SIMPLY SOUNDED LIKE A BOMB EXPLODING IN MY VEHICLE AND GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE GLASS HIT HER FACE. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10825453, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS AT ALL ON THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11222866, 2019 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN SMOKE STARTED AND FIRE BROKE OUT BURNING VEHICLE TO GROUND.”
NHTSA complaint #11042956, 2017 · fire

Power Train 31 3 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE WHEELS BEGAN TO LOSE TRACTION BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LOWER BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER HAD NOT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO COVID-19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE OFFICER WAS DRIVING BEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11325954, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE REMAINED ON AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT WAS DRAGGED BY THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES ALONG WITH ABRASIONS TO THE LEFT ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11115386, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INJURING OPERATOR AFTER IT WAS PLACED IN PARK. OPERATOR MOVED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER FROM DRIVE INTO PARK. THE DOORS UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY. KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION. VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. OPERATOR EXITED THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE SLIGHT >3% DRIVEWAY. GMC HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DONE A DOWNLOAD OF THE ECM. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT EITHER DOES NOT FULLY ENGAGE IN PARK BUT RELEASES THE DOOR LOCKS OR IT SPONTANEOUSLY COMES OUT OF PARK OR SOME OTHER FAILURE MECHANISM.”
NHTSA complaint #10872164, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 28 4 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD MADE AN UNEXPECTED STOP. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT; AFTER THE IMPACT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CONTACT THEN FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY COASTED TO A STOP AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO A GRASS FILLED AREA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRAIN BLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11241743, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP; THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY ONCE HIS FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD BROKE AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO THE AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO KEYES CHEVROLET (5949 VAN NUY…”
NHTSA complaint #11329771, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. EACH TIME, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. WHILE APPROACHING A LIGHT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROM A LOW TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER (MALOUF CHEVROLET, 1975 US-1, NORTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08902, (732) 821-1100) AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11089041, 2018 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 18

“Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED”
NHTSA complaint #11732005, 2026

“My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the c…”
NHTSA complaint #11667586, 2024

“There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost stalls the vehicle completely. If that were to happen while driving in the middle of the road then that could easily cause a wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11515402, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 16 1 crash 2 injury

“"TAKATA RECALL" DURING A SIDE IMPACT COLLISON AT 45MPH , THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY (NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED) AND THE STABILITRAK WAS DISABLED . AN ERROR MESSAGE OF SERVICE STABILITRAK APPEARED DURING THE ACCIDENT”
NHTSA complaint #10908609, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“MODEL: 2015 CHEVY MALIBU/ 80000 MILES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR (IN HIGHWAY) IT STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN. IF I STOP AT A RED LIGHT THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND THEN I HAVE TO PUT IT ON PARKING/NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE CAR AGAIN. MY CONCERN IS IF IT SUDDENLY STOPS WHILE I AM DRIVING IT, I MAY GET HIT FROM BEHIND AND GET SERIOUSLY INJURED (ALMOST GOT HIT THE OTHER DAY). WHILE I WAS HAVING THE ISSUES, "SERVICE STABILITRAK" SIGN APPEARS ON THE DASH.”
NHTSA complaint #11366260, 2020

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11361017, 2020

Service Brakes 15 3 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP; THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY ONCE HIS FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF HIM WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD BROKE AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO THE AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO KEYES CHEVROLET (5949 VAN NUY…”
NHTSA complaint #11329771, 2018 · crash

“CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE CAUSING A COLLISION BEFORE THAT AUTO STOP AND PROBLEMS WITH BOTH BATTERIES”
NHTSA complaint #11144549, 2018 · crash

“I WAS BACKING UP AND CHANGED MY GEARS INTO DRIVE, TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, CAR JUST JERKED AND TOOK OFF AND I ENDED UP HITTING SOMEBODY'S VAN. WHEN I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE ALL THE CAR DID WAS SPED UP SO RIGHT BEFORE I WENT OUT IN THE DRIVEWAY UNCONTROLLABLY, I HAD TO PULL UP THE PARK BRAKE JUST TO STOP”
NHTSA complaint #11124425, 2018 · crash

Structure 13 3 crash

“ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON ABOUT POWER STEERING, AT THAT POINT STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE RESULT MY DAUGHTERS CAR STRUCK GUARD RAIL ON BRIDGE CAUSING EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END. THIS OCCURRED AS VEHICLE WAS GOING THROUGH CURVE ONTO BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. LOCATION WAS ON LA HWY 163 SOUTH OF DOYLINE, LA AT LAKE BISTINEAU”
NHTSA complaint #11161997, 2018 · crash

“I WAS BACKING UP AND CHANGED MY GEARS INTO DRIVE, TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, CAR JUST JERKED AND TOOK OFF AND I ENDED UP HITTING SOMEBODY'S VAN. WHEN I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE ALL THE CAR DID WAS SPED UP SO RIGHT BEFORE I WENT OUT IN THE DRIVEWAY UNCONTROLLABLY, I HAD TO PULL UP THE PARK BRAKE JUST TO STOP”
NHTSA complaint #11124425, 2018 · crash

“BLIND SIDE..NOT EASY TO LOCATE VEHICLES ON EITHER SIDE.AND IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE CHILD IN REAR WITH REAR VIEW CAMERA.”
NHTSA complaint #11124199, 2017 · crash

Seats 10 1 crash 1 death

“AIRBAG LIGHT IS KEEP COMING ON. I HAVE POWER SEATS AND PAYED TO GET THE PANEL FIXED AND THE PANEL IS HANGING AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11203659, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“Air bag light is on dashboard and my driver seat won’t recline back up to a normal driving position. Brought it to the mechanic to have it checked and was told I am in need of a new driver seat do to a faulty airbag. The car is not even 10 years old yet and I can’t use the seat properly to drive safely.”
NHTSA complaint #11549010, 2023

“THE PLASTIC TRIM ON DRIVERS SEAT WHICH HAS THE CONTROLS ON IT TO OPERATE AND HOLD THE SEAT UP ON THE SIDE CRACKED AND CONTROLS WERE NOT ACCESSIBLE AND PART WAS NO LONGER HOLDING UP THE SEAT. PURCHASED CAR MARCH 28,2015. ON OCTOBER 26,2017 I PAID FOR THE PART AND LABOR SINCE I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. IT'S NOW APRIL 9TH, 2019 AND THE PART IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE SEAT AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY FOR THE LAST REPAIR EXPIRED ON OCTOBER 26, 2018. MY OPTION WAS TO PAY FOR THE PART AND REPAIR AGAIN. THE PLASTIC TRIM SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DEFECTIVE SINCE IT HOLDS THE SEAT UP AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11195044, 2019

Steering 9 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE WHEELS BEGAN TO LOSE TRACTION BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LOWER BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER HAD NOT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO COVID-19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE OFFICER WAS DRIVING BEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11325954, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON ABOUT POWER STEERING, AT THAT POINT STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE RESULT MY DAUGHTERS CAR STRUCK GUARD RAIL ON BRIDGE CAUSING EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END. THIS OCCURRED AS VEHICLE WAS GOING THROUGH CURVE ONTO BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. LOCATION WAS ON LA HWY 163 SOUTH OF DOYLINE, LA AT LAKE BISTINEAU”
NHTSA complaint #11161997, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(P), drive(D), and neutral(N), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter panel. The doors locked and unlocked, and the engine started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the message "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" was displayed during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road after each failure and the gear shifter was slowly shifted…”
NHTSA complaint #11744242, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 9 1 crash 1 fire

“I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON MARCH 2015 OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR OF A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. ON JUNE 18, 2016 MY CAR CAUGHT A FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND I WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. I HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE CAR WITH THE AIR BLOWING FROM THE DEFROSTER FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. I DROVE TO THE STORE AND CAME BACK HOME. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND STOOD ON THE PORCH TALKING TO MY FAMILY. WITHIN IN 10 MINUTES OF ME EXITING MY CAR, IT WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE CAR AND COULD SEE THAT THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM RIGHT ABOUT WHERE THE WINDSHIELD ENDS AND WHERE THE HOOD OF THE CAR BEGINS, RIGHT WHERE THE WINDSHIELD W…”
NHTSA complaint #10896661, 2016 · fire

“BLIND SIDE..NOT EASY TO LOCATE VEHICLES ON EITHER SIDE.AND IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE CHILD IN REAR WITH REAR VIEW CAMERA.”
NHTSA complaint #11124199, 2017 · crash

“No airflow or heat from the windshield defroster. Happened on a cold morning and the windshield fogged up and blocked vision of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11565577, 2024

Seat Belts 8 1 crash

“The slot in the B-Pillar where the seatbelt enters and exits the trim when it's extended or retracted has an unrounded and sharp edge. Under normal use, this plastic edge cuts nylon fibers on the sides of the belt, leading to a overall loss in integrity of the safety restraint. Vehicles should have rounded plastic edges or metal oblong loops to eliminate the belt rubbing against sharp surfaces. The belt is frayed on the side facing the forward part of the vehicle, which rubs the most as it's extended that direction when the driver pulls on the belt to fasten it. An independent mechanic…”
NHTSA complaint #11688570, 2025

“I WENT TO LEAVE MY OFFICE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON 4/29/10 AND MY SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RELEASE. I TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS TO GET IT TO RELEASE, NO LUCK. I HAVE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT, NOR HAS MY CAR EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO GET THE SEAT BELT TO UNLOCK. A NEW SEAT BELT WAS REQUIRED. THE PART CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT AT A DEALERSHIP. I CALLED 4 DEALERSHIPS, NONE HAD IT IN STOCK. I COULD ORDER AND THEY WOULD HAVE IT IN 1-2 DAYS. I FINALLY FOUND A DEALERSHIP THAT HAD THE PART, IT WAS 40 MILES AWAY. THE PART COST OVER 200.00 DO…”
NHTSA complaint #11322911, 2020

“I WENT TO WORK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2019. WHERE MY CAR SAT FOR TWO HOURS. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT I HAD A SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON. MY CAR IS A 2105, I'M THE SECOND OWNER. IT'S NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I HAD BOUGHT IT FROM A YEAR AGO. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY AIR BAG MODULE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY IT DIDN'T TAKE AN ACCIDENT FOR FAULTING IN SEVERE INJURY, BEFORE I HAD KNOWN WHAT WAS GOING ON. I CALLED GM HOPING TO GET SOME ANSWERS. ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP ME. FROM READING ONLINE I'VE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE. I J…”
NHTSA complaint #11266210, 2019

Visibility 5

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle a broken white plastic gear part was found on the front driver’s side floorboard. The contact later discovered the air condition selector switch was inoperable and the defroster could not be used to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the air conditioner mode switch actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 132,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11492537, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE SUN ROOF WAS OPEN, THE CONTACT CLOSED THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND THE SUN ROOF CLOSED WITHOUT WARNING. ROGER DEAN CHEVROLET (101 SW PINE ISLAND RD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33991, (239) 574-3326) WAS CONTACTED AND REQUESTED THAT THE CONTACT BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V164000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILU…”
NHTSA complaint #11288731, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WOULD NOT PROPERLY CLOSE AND REMAINED OPENED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HOWARD GMC CHEVROLET, 364 W. GRAND AVENUE, ELMHURST, IL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11173870, 2019

Exterior Lighting 4

“Headlight lowbeams going bad every 4 or so months. Always divers side first. My electrical auto guy said he couldn't locate a problem with the bulb being burnt out.”
NHTSA complaint #11580166, 2024

“I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO NUMEROUS SHOPS TO GET THE MATTER FIXED BUT NO CODE SHOWS UP WHEN BEING TESTED FOR AND BLOWN FUSES. THE COMPLETE RIGHT TURN SING ALL AND HEAD LAMPS GOUTS OUT WHEN I USE IT TO TURN RIGHT. EVERYTHING GOES COMPLETELY BLACK AS I AM DRIVING THE CAR. REALLY AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT COULD BE WRONG?”
NHTSA complaint #11280663, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE PARKED AND EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY DISENGAGED, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING AND RADIO REMAINED ON. ALSO, WHEN THE KEY WAS ENGAGED IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START. THE CONTACT WOULD SOMETIMES HAVE TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. ..UPDATED 06/08/17 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10967761, 2016

Suspension 3

“Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED”
NHTSA complaint #11732005, 2026

“BOLTS SECURING REAR SUSPENSION MAY BE LOOSE ONE OR MORE BOLTS SECURING THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. LOOSE SUSPENSION BOLTS CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS.”
NHTSA complaint #10954299, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.”
NHTSA complaint #10809537, 2015

Wheels 3

“Qdeana auto sales in Winchester ky took out my fog lights , 6by 9 speakers and replaced my wheels and tires with 3 18 inch tires that were all different brands and heights and widths and added my 4th tire that was completely a different sized. A size 17. Gave me a key fob that was broken and only that one. Made me have to buy a new one, also stole my 6 by 9s right out my car. Paid for a car straight out to them and they scammed me. They should be shut down ! And pay me my money !”
NHTSA complaint #11735428, 2026

“Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED”
NHTSA complaint #11732005, 2026

“I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2015 MALIBU LTZ FROM A CHEVROLET DEALER IN JANUARY 2017 WITH BRAND NEW GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A TIRES INCLUDED. TODAY, AUG 16, 2017 (AND WITH JUST UNDER 10,000 DRIVEN ON THEM), I NOTICED A BULGE COMING FROM THE OUTER WALL ON ONE OF THEM. THE TIRE SPECS ARE: P235/50R18, 97W. THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PICTURES ATTACHED.”
NHTSA complaint #11015838, 2017

Equipment 2

“AT 8:00 P.M. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM UP. IT WAS 27 DEGREES OUT AND WHEN I TURNED MY HEAT ON, NO AIR WOULD BLOW OUT. THE CAR WAS IN PARK. AFTER I LET IT WARM UP FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I NOTICED THE AIR WOULD STILL NOT BLOW OUT. I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE AIR STILL WOULD NOT BLOW OUT. THE LIGHT ON THE KNOB INDICATING IT WAS ON, WAS NOT LIT UP. ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE WORKING FINE IN MY VEHICLE. ONCE I STARTED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIR KICKED ON AND STARTED BLOWING OUT. AND FUNCTIONED FINE FOR THE REST OF THE DRIVE. MY CAR HAS 20K MILES…”
NHTSA complaint #10934007, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND MAKING A STOP, THE RADIO SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10846048, 2015

Tires 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tire, Tire Line: Contipro Contact, Tire Size: 215/60R/16. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the passenger’s side front tire experienced a blowout. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. The Vin was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11422813, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES ASSURANCE TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10818949, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate properly while driving to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rocker arm oil flow control valve was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The local dealer replaced the part and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11433613, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Drive in rain, went to follow a curve, lost steering and brakes. Ran right off the road. Was going 50 in a 55. Did not hyrdoplane just no response from the car”
NHTSA complaint #11461969, 2022