About this problem
Stalling with a loss of power means the engine shuts off or drops to idle while the car is moving. Steering and brakes get heavier without engine assist, which is why it is treated as a safety issue. Common causes include failing fuel pumps, throttle bodies, sensors and wiring, and on some models a known electrical fault that a recall or software update addresses.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Malibu since 2012, 721 (13.2%) describe engine stalling and loss of power, making it the most reported problem we track on the Malibu. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2018 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 168. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 46,000 and 100,000 miles. 24 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 5 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Malibu owners report the engine stalling, losing power, or the start-stop system failing to restart the engine at a light. Complaints are heaviest on 2012 and 2013 models and come back with the 2018 model's start-stop system.
How it gets fixed
Dealers often update software and test the battery, since a weak battery can stop the start-stop system working. Check for open recalls by VIN.
Typical cost: A battery replacement is $200 to $350. Engine repairs vary.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have a 2013 Malibu lt with 52,000 miles on it. Last month on the 20th of november service power steering warning started to flash on the information system. When that happens my doors would lock and my car would stall."
2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 52,000 miles
"Vehicle was in motion at about 60 mph on a highway and the rpms dropped drastically, the anti skid indicator light came on, the vehicle lost power temporarilly. I pulled over and slowed down and the car returned to normal."
2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 96,000 miles
"During operations while turning car locked up; lost power, lost steering. With engine running the radio and AC shut off. Drifted to shoulder of road."
2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 16,467 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Dorman Products, Inc.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines.
General 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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 210 bulletins that mention this problem on the Malibu. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Customer Satisfaction Program.
N192266090 03 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
N192259800 - Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the drive motor power inverter module is susceptible to a thermal over-stress failure.
15611 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
14582 - Special Coverage.
14582A - Special Coverage (2012 model year Buick Enclave, Lacrosse, Regal; Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles have been removed).
Government investigations
Audit query AQ14001 · 2013 · opened May 2014, closed May 2016
Engineering analysis EA25005 · 2020 · opened Oct 2025
Recall query RQ13003 · 2013 · opened Jul 2013, closed Jul 2014
Before you buy a Malibu
- Drive in traffic and see whether the engine restarts cleanly at each stop.
- Scan for stored codes.
- Check the VIN for open recalls.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have engine stalling and loss of power?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2018 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 168 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 70,000 miles, and half reported it between 46,000 and 100,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A battery replacement is $200 to $350. Engine repairs vary.