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2018 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability
· 2016-2026One of the weaker Malibu years.
708 owner complaints, most about engine. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Malibu?The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 708 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure or replacement needed.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Malibu years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Malibu?
Across the 29 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 69 (2023) to 3,043 (2009). With 708 complaints, the 2018 Malibu sits below the model's median of 848.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Malibu
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 18V400000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 18V576000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 18V358000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
electrical system:software
Campaign 19V642000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Show 2 more recalls
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 20V668000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
seat belts:critical fasteners
Campaign 21V649000General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
What owners report on the 2016-2026 Malibu
Owners of the 2016-2026 Malibu generally describe it as a comfortable, quiet, fuel-efficient sedan that is often overlooked because of the declining sedan market.
- RecurrentTransmission failure or replacement needed
- RecurrentInfotainment/CarPlay/Android Auto USB connection failures
- RecurrentBluetooth connectivity dropouts
- RecurrentBattery and charging system issues, including faulty alternators
- IsolatedRadio/head unit unresponsive or needing replacement
Owner insights for the 2016-2026 Malibu. Read the full 2016-2026 owner report.
Typical used price
Used Malibu listings typically run $13,498–$19,476 across 2016 to 2025 model years.
Other Malibu model years
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Malibu against its rivals
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