2023 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & Owner Complaints

Back Over Prevention 12

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the rear-view camera became inoperable, and the camera image was blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available and there was no estimated timeframe for parts to be available. The failure mileage was approximately 70,233.”
NHTSA complaint #11752647, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Protection); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11752390, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. Additionally, the system vision failure warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair wa unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,510.”
NHTSA complaint #11751502, 2026

Electrical System 12 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to spin approximately 180 degrees and strike a concrete median sideways, generating high lateral G-forces. FAILURE 1: AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT. Despite the severity of the impact and the violent spin into a curb (rollover trip point), the side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side impact airbags f…”
NHTSA complaint #11707356, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY THEY WONT DO A RECALL ON ALL THE MALIBUS UNLESS ALOT OF PEOPLE REPORT AND NHTSA MAKES GMC REALL ALL CHEVY MALIBUS TURBOCHARGER ( GM launched a special coverage program for 2022-2023 models with 1.5L eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11717268, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“Since purchase been having issues with the vehicle. From shutting off while driving, all dash shutting off while subbing but car still running, car says key fob not in vehicle out key fob on vehicle when trying to lock, radio go crazy. Has been looked at numerous times with different electrical/programming codes. Radio has been replaced over and was scheduled for second radio to be installed Sm but sent out of state to work. Have ask paper trail with Chevrolet since April 8th within 2 weeks after purchase. Car caught on fire while driving last Sunday in Florida there are other reports Chevrole…”
NHTSA complaint #11557392, 2023 · fire

Engine 11 1 injury

“MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY THEY WONT DO A RECALL ON ALL THE MALIBUS UNLESS ALOT OF PEOPLE REPORT AND NHTSA MAKES GMC REALL ALL CHEVY MALIBUS TURBOCHARGER ( GM launched a special coverage program for 2022-2023 models with 1.5L eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11717268, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“Unable to accelerate, dangerous when getting on highway or driving up hills”
NHTSA complaint #11751339, 2026

“The issue appears to involve the engine and turbocharger system. The vehicle has shown symptoms consistent with a turbo underboost condition, including loss of power and reduced acceleration. A mechanic indicated that the symptoms may be consistent with diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue affects safe operation because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while driving, which creates a risk when merging into traffic, accelerating, or maintaining speed in normal traffic conditions. The loss of power is inconsistent and can…”
NHTSA complaint #11733160, 2026

Unknown Or Other 10

“my back up camera stopped working it’s just a black screen now”
NHTSA complaint #11749900, 2026

“Most of the time, the car will not unlock when the unlock button is pressed on the key fobs. Most of the time, when the key fob is on the console and the start button is depressed, the car will not start. It can take multiple minutes and attempts before the car will finally start. Changing the batteries in the key fob did not resolve this issue. When we took it to the dealership, they say that the Body Control Module is the cause of the issue. When we google that, we see that there is an existing GM-issued service bulletin for certain units of the same year, make and model of our car. We…”
NHTSA complaint #11749194, 2026

“The rearview camera started acting funny around March 2026 and completely stopped working in April 2026. When I put the car in reverse it says “service vision system” I have been frequently checking the recall website and it says they are aware of the recall but do not have a fix. I have even called my local Chevy dealer and they had the same info. Not having a rearview camera is a big safety hazard- I live in a neighborhood with numerous children and in a small town where parking is tight and often inconvenient. I would like to have a functioning rear view camera again please!”
NHTSA complaint #11747247, 2026

Power Train 7 1 injury

“MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY THEY WONT DO A RECALL ON ALL THE MALIBUS UNLESS ALOT OF PEOPLE REPORT AND NHTSA MAKES GMC REALL ALL CHEVY MALIBUS TURBOCHARGER ( GM launched a special coverage program for 2022-2023 models with 1.5L eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11717268, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“The issue appears to involve the engine and turbocharger system. The vehicle has shown symptoms consistent with a turbo underboost condition, including loss of power and reduced acceleration. A mechanic indicated that the symptoms may be consistent with diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue affects safe operation because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while driving, which creates a risk when merging into traffic, accelerating, or maintaining speed in normal traffic conditions. The loss of power is inconsistent and can…”
NHTSA complaint #11733160, 2026

“We decided to take a road trip 2023 chev Malibu with 142000 miles and transmission goes bad”
NHTSA complaint #11729746, 2026

Air Bags 6 3 crash 2 injury

“On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to spin approximately 180 degrees and strike a concrete median sideways, generating high lateral G-forces. FAILURE 1: AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT. Despite the severity of the impact and the violent spin into a curb (rollover trip point), the side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side impact airbags f…”
NHTSA complaint #11707356, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving, the driver side tires (2) went flat and four (4) airbags deployed, this happened with no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11522313, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“When I was in a car accident I was hit on the rear passenger side of my vehicle, right near where my side air bags are supposed to be located. I was hit at 50 mph and the airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11707590, 2025 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“This all started when i had my car serviced for an oil change and began to hear some clicking sounds when I would start my vehicle. The fuel sealant is defective, the fuel caps were corroded, leaks oil, and causes the turbo on the engine to lag. I found this out as I was driving and tried to make a turn. When pressing the accelerator the vehicle lagged almost causing me to be involved in an accident on more than one occassion. When conducting on-line research I am not the only owner that has experienced this issue. It would appear that Chevrolet is aware that this is happening in its turbo mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11741105, 2026

“At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated P023F fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed same fuel pump error code. Confirmed no recall. Car is currently being repaired by dealership at my expense as dealership & GM says fuel pump is not covered by powertrain warranty. Cost is over $1500! Fuel pump should last longer than 40,000 miles! Please research this faulty fuel pump!”
NHTSA complaint #11672718, 2025

“The fuel line to the engine is leaking an 2 gallons leaked onto my driveway. Also, the vehicle cabin was consumed with fuel fumes which was a hazard and dangerous. The was danger of the vehicle exploding or catching fire. No warning lights appeared. The incident occurred on [XXX]. The fleet vehicle has been taken to Belle Tire for repair; however, not inspected by the manufacturer. My husband and my safety were put at risk because car could have exploded when ignition was turned on. Please contact me at [XXX] by 2/28/25...thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI…”
NHTSA complaint #11645005, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated after starting the vehicle, and while accelerating on several occasions from a stoplight. The failure occasionally occurred while driving on the freeway, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qua…”
NHTSA complaint #11747750, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently entered LIMP mode. The message "Turn off to Reduce Power Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cause of the failure was unidentifiable. The independent mechanic cleared the diagnostic trouble code; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharge…”
NHTSA complaint #11743699, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occured intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo charger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11740544, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 4

“I am writing to log an official safety complaint regarding my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. This vehicle is included under active NHTSA Campaign Number 26V212000 (GM Internal Recall Number N262551720) for a defective rearview camera housing that allows moisture intrusion, causing the backup display to go blank.My vehicle has experienced a complete, permanent failure of the rearview camera screen. The backup display is entirely black/blank when the vehicle is placed in reverse, eliminating all rear visibility. This creates an immediate, active safety hazard during everyday backing maneuvers and non-co…”
NHTSA complaint #11752219, 2026

“To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that is affected by the ongoing backup camera safety recall. I am submitting this complaint because this defect is not a minor inconvenience—it is a serious safety issue that places me, my family, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk every time the vehicle is operatesThe rearview camera system is a federally required safety feature designed to help drivers detect people, vehicles, and obstacles behind the vehicle. When the camera fails, freezes, goes blank, displays a distorted image, or does not activate properly when the v…”
NHTSA complaint #11745186, 2026

“Subject: Safety Complaint and Request for Assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Backup Camera Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this occurs, I am unable to clearly see objects, vehicles, or people behind my vehicle as intended by the safety system. This significantly increases the risk…”
NHTSA complaint #11745160, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“My car randomly shuts off when but still says it’s on at a stop light which causes a lot of problems because I have to push the start button to turn off and turn on again. Something is wrong with the wiring, in order for me to turn my car off I have to unplug my battery otherwise my car safety alarm will activate and hazard lights will go off and trunk will open. Which also cause my horn to go out. Everytime I turn my car on it says service ESC which I have no clue what that means and have asked multiple people . My air bag service light is on and it has no reason to be on as my car has not ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11596171, 2024

“on 2 occasions my dash had a waring come on that my crash avoidance system was inoperable and on 3 occasions my waring system with the red lights in front of the steering wheel has come on with no cars around. also on oct 28th the low pressure waring for right rear tire came on 21psi and this wasn't the case and i did get a warning from onstar this time. gm has sent this vehicle to another gm dealership for the surging problem and this has still not been corrected”
NHTSA complaint #11553026, 2023

“When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.”
NHTSA complaint #11541949, 2023

Lane Departure 3

“To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that is affected by the ongoing backup camera safety recall. I am submitting this complaint because this defect is not a minor inconvenience—it is a serious safety issue that places me, my family, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk every time the vehicle is operatesThe rearview camera system is a federally required safety feature designed to help drivers detect people, vehicles, and obstacles behind the vehicle. When the camera fails, freezes, goes blank, displays a distorted image, or does not activate properly when the v…”
NHTSA complaint #11745186, 2026

“Nearly had a collision while trying to back up in parking garage.”
NHTSA complaint #11734898, 2026

“I was on a freeway going 75. A guy came across three lanes and cut in front of me going 60. I got the brakes hard and then went around him accelerating sharply and swerved hard in front of him. At that point the car steered itself back and forth for our five times. I was finally able to regain control once it slowed down enough, and continued on my drive. I’m guessing that some accident-avoidance system kicked in when I swerved left in front of the other car, and the car swerved itself back to the right. But then it over-corrected back to the left. And back and forth several times all while t…”
NHTSA complaint #11529398, 2023

Steering 3

“The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "ESC" and "Fuel Low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (P). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the manufacturer's engineer determined that there was a short circuit in the steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11735824, 2026

“When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.”
NHTSA complaint #11541949, 2023

“I was on a freeway going 75. A guy came across three lanes and cut in front of me going 60. I got the brakes hard and then went around him accelerating sharply and swerved hard in front of him. At that point the car steered itself back and forth for our five times. I was finally able to regain control once it slowed down enough, and continued on my drive. I’m guessing that some accident-avoidance system kicked in when I swerved left in front of the other car, and the car swerved itself back to the right. But then it over-corrected back to the left. And back and forth several times all while t…”
NHTSA complaint #11529398, 2023

Fuel System 2

“The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "ESC" and "Fuel Low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (P). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the manufacturer's engineer determined that there was a short circuit in the steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11735824, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11752132, 2025

Service Brakes 2

“The brake pedal on my vehicle intermittently becomes stuck in the fully raised position and will not depress when I attempt to apply the brakes. When this occurs, I am unable to slow down or stop the vehicle, creating an immediate and serious safety hazard. The problem happens without warning and has occurred multiple times while driving at various speeds. When the defect occurs, the pedal feels locked or jammed, and I have to use extreme force or pump the pedal repeatedly before it finally releases. This delay in brake response puts me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk of a crash. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11737708, 2026

“Brake system failure lost brakes twice, went and got a diagnosis reading and it said brake system module failure. That it lost communication with the module”
NHTSA complaint #11689794, 2025

Structure 2 1 crash 1 injury

“On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to spin approximately 180 degrees and strike a concrete median sideways, generating high lateral G-forces. FAILURE 1: AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT. Despite the severity of the impact and the violent spin into a curb (rollover trip point), the side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side impact airbags f…”
NHTSA complaint #11707356, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.”
NHTSA complaint #11541949, 2023

Tires 2

“Tread started separation on driver front tire”
NHTSA complaint #11717063, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR27. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, there was a blowout of the front driver's side tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire was replaced. The contact stated that later while inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had developed a sidewall blister. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer w…”
NHTSA complaint #11611653, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“This all started when i had my car serviced for an oil change and began to hear some clicking sounds when I would start my vehicle. The fuel sealant is defective, the fuel caps were corroded, leaks oil, and causes the turbo on the engine to lag. I found this out as I was driving and tried to make a turn. When pressing the accelerator the vehicle lagged almost causing me to be involved in an accident on more than one occassion. When conducting on-line research I am not the only owner that has experienced this issue. It would appear that Chevrolet is aware that this is happening in its turbo mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11741105, 2026

“The contact rented a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The rental agency was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact returned the vehicle on the next business day, and the failure was reported. The failure mileage was approximately 38,706. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11611192, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "ESC" and "Fuel Low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (P). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the manufacturer's engineer determined that there was a short circuit in the steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11735824, 2026

Exterior Lighting 1

“Subject: Safety Complaint and Request for Assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Backup Camera Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this occurs, I am unable to clearly see objects, vehicles, or people behind my vehicle as intended by the safety system. This significantly increases the risk…”
NHTSA complaint #11745160, 2026

Wheels 1 1 injury

“While driving, the driver side tires (2) went flat and four (4) airbags deployed, this happened with no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11522313, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)