Reduced power and shift-to-park problems
The 2018 Malibu has the highest complaint rate of any recent Malibu. The 1.5L turbo often drops into reduced power mode, and a worn shifter switch can stop the car from registering Park, leaving it unable to shut off.
Updated November 2026 · based on 711 owner complaints and 6 recalls
492 1.7x the Malibu average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Malibu year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Malibu
Top problems and what they cost
Engine power reduced
The engine goes into reduced power mode or fails to start.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200; sensors or throttle body $200 to $600.
Engine
'Shift to park' message
The car does not recognize Park, so it will not turn off and the battery can drain.
Fix: Shifter switch repair $150 to $400.
Transmission
Fuel pump and brake recalls
Recalls cover the fuel pump (18V358) and front brake calipers (18V576).
Fix: Free under recall.
Fuel system
Recalls
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a...
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, including the fuel pump, brake caliper and transmission (20V668) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Malibu has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Put it in Park and turn it off several times; watch for a 'shift to park' message.This checks the shifter and parking lock. On some models a faulty switch shows "Shift to Park" or the car can roll if Park does not fully engage.Owners filed 166 complaints about "shift to park" message on the 2018 Malibu, one of the worst years for it.
- Accelerate onto a highway and watch for reduced power warnings.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.284 of the 711 owner complaints about the 2018 Malibu involve the engine (40%).
Questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Reduced power and shift-to-park problems. The 2018 Malibu has the highest complaint rate of any recent Malibu. The 1.5L turbo often drops into reduced power mode, and a worn shifter switch can stop the car from registering Park, leaving it unable to shut off.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Engine power reduced; 'Shift to park' message; Fuel pump and brake recalls.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.