Customers choose a midsize sedan to save on fuel economy while having more room for passengers or cargo than a compact vehicle. What customers want most in their vehicle is reliability. The last thing a driver needs is to bring their new car into the repair shop repeatedly.
Enter the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, a mid-sized sedan. Chevrolet equipped the 2018 Malibu with updated technology and some interior comforts. Many customers have reported extensive 2018 Chevy Malibu problems.
Drivers have encountered significant problems with the 2018 Malibu’s transmission, acceleration, electrical programs, and auto-stop technology. The 2018 Malibu may not be the reliable vehicle customers expect from Chevrolet.
Our experienced California lemon law attorneys can help you with your Malibu lemon claim. Call (877) 885-5366 or send us an online message today for a free consultation.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and Deceleration Problems
Trusting that your vehicle will accelerate when you need it to is one of the things about a car that you may take for granted. Acceleration happens when all of your vehicle’s most vital components, such as the transmission, fuel, and electrical systems, are working correctly.
However, the 2018 Chevy Malibu transmission problems slow drivers down at the wrong time. Customers have reported that out of the blue, they’re unable to accelerate in the 2018 Malibu, typically when they need acceleration most, such as merging onto the freeway. This increases the customer’s fear of causing an accident.
One customer reported 2018 Malibu problems with acceleration to Edmunds:
“Car is going to get someone killed. Car just stalls out whenever it wants. No warning lights, no nothing. You go to step on the gas and nothing happens. Happened a few times I was like maybe it’s just breaking in. The more I drive it the worse the problem gets. . . . I brought it brand new it has 22k on it now. Drives like it has 200k like [and] it’s going to die any minute.”
This driver was terrified that when they pressed on the gas pedal, instead of accelerating, their car slowed to a crawl.
The manufacturer, General Motors (GM), is aware of the issue. GM has issued two recalls for the 2018 Chevy Malibu that involve the transmission (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000) and fuel injector (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000). These recalls are meant to address the 2018 Chevy Malibu problems with deceleration and stalling.
GM also acknowledges that the car’s failed acceleration can be due to 2018 Chevy Malibu electrical problems.
GM issued Service Bulletin Number: N182188250 due to complaints about an electrical problem with several of its vehicles, including the Malibu, that causes reduced power to the engine. Customers, however, are unsatisfied with the inconsistent remedies for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu; problems with acceleration continue to persist.
2018 Chevy Malibu Auto Stop Problems
Many newer cars have an automatic stop function. The auto stop function shuts the car’s engine off when the car stops and idles for a few seconds. As soon as the driver presses down on the accelerator, the engine is supposed to come to life again.
Rather than experiencing the smooth on/off function, several customers reported that the 2018 Chevy Malibu has problems with the auto-stop function. One driver reported to Edmunds:
Nice enough car, but the . . . stop/start technology continues to suck. Even the devices to disable the feature are not being invented for this car, over the internet. Never again will I buy a new or used car with this unsafe feature. Yes it is unsafe, during left hand turns at intersections in traffic, during stops when parallel parking, at stop signs going uphill, etc. I’ve written the NHTSA about the safety aspects, but I guess that agency is in the back pocket of GM. I’m paying the price of not knowing about stop/start when I bought the . . . car.
This customer feels that the Malibu’s engine auto-stop was unsafe when making a left-hand turn or stopping on a hill. One could imagine that the engine stopping on a hill could cause the vehicle to dangerously roll backwards, perhaps causing an accident.
GM is aware of the 2018 Chevy Malibu issues regarding the auto-stop function. As mentioned above, GM issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000) involving a problem with missing start-stop accumulator bolts that can cause a loss of propulsion and even increase the risk of fire. Drivers, however, may not be satisfied with GM’s solution since the online forums contain many recent complaints about this 2018 Malibu issue.
2018 Chevy Malibu Electrical Problems
Cars contain a great deal of technology that relies on the electrical system and battery. However, one of the most reported 2018 Chevy Malibu problems is its electrical system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists numerous customer complaints about the 2018 Chevy Malibu’s failure to recognize when the vehicle is in “Park,” which means that they cannot turn the car off. One driver stated:
After parking and shutting off engine, message is displayed “Shift to Park” and car dings and lights and electronics will not turn off. Started about a week ago and was intermittent. Jiggling the transmission shift handle would always cause message to go away and electronics to turn off. Today, no amount of manipulating the transmission control handle will shut off the message. Tried to leave car in garage but lights and radio kept running. Decided to manually shut off lights and radio/info system, hoping system will time out and shut down on its own. Finally got in contact with dealership who recommended I disconnect the battery cable until I can get the car into the shop. Safety concern: Though transmission can be verified as being in park, electronics will not shut down, thereby potentially allowing the electrical system to drain battery and not allowing car to be started when needed.
As this customer stated, the car’s failure to recognize when it is in “Park” can lead to 2018 Chevy Malibu battery problems. A running car that won’t shut off will drain a battery eventually.
GM has issued a service bulletin about this issue (Service Bulletin Number: 19NA206). However, customers may not feel particularly comfortable knowing that the electrical system on the 2018 Chevy Malibu may not be up to par.
What Can You Do If Your 2018 Chevy Malibu Has Issues?
Fortunately, if your 2018 Chevy Malibu has significant problems, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Laws. Under California’s Lemon Laws, a manufacturer must repair a defective vehicle if it is under warranty.
If they cannot do so, the manufacturer can either refund you the cost of your vehicle or replace it. Manufacturers are also responsible for paying the customer’s attorney fees and costs. You should contact an experienced Lemon Law lawyer immediately if you suspect you have a lemon.
The Lemon Law Experts Can Help
2018 Chevy Malibu customers may feel overwhelmed and frustrated when their new car turns out to be a lemon. You do not have to face this problem alone. The attorneys at The Lemon Law Experts have represented numerous clients with problematic cars. For years we have fought manufacturers to ensure our clients receive just compensation.
Contact us online or call (877) 885-5366 today for a free case evaluation.
