2018 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 675 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 675 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 675
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported problems and request service records.
- Check for electrical system issues, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported problems and request service records.
- Check for electrical system issues, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Test drive for unintended acceleration or brake system anomalies.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 675 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, issues appear concentrated in the engine, electrical, and transmission systems. A recurring theme is unintended acceleration, with 108 complaints. However, the low confidence level suggests these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 275.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 182 complaints.
- Transmission/Drivetrain problems total 164 complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration is noted in 108 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission/Drivetrain
All 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 275 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 182 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 164 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 147 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 108 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 83 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 67 | 7 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 38 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 9 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving and stopped at a traffic light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that five minutes afte…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive dr…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the rearview camera intermittently f…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving very slowly into a parking space, the brake pedal was pressed to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and suddenly accelerated forward at a very high rate of speed and…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service Stabili-trak" were displayed. Occasionally, the automatic emergency braking activ…
I had a tire installed by a repair shop approximately one month ago. I recently discovered that the tire installed on my vehicle is the incorrect size. My vehicle requires size 225/55R17, but the shop installed size 245/45R17. This creates a safety concern due to improper fitmen…
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her son was driving down the road at 35 MPH, he switched lanes into a blind spot and was t-boned by another vehicle traveling at the same speed. The contact stated the impact occurred on the driver's side, l…
Shift to park indicator comes on after shifting parking gear to park. Car fails to detect that it is in park even when it is.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the brake was inoperable, and the contact was unable to properly stop the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted…
The rear camera comes “loose” and does not register all the time. It seems to be a simple electric issue; possibly an electrical short. I believe it can be easily “fixed” (temporarily) by opening the trunk and running fingers over the camera, it should not happen. I purchased my …
In 2020, I received multiple red recall notices in the mail regarding a safety issue. I scheduled an appointment with a Chevrolet dealership in Los Angeles and have a voicemail confirming the appointment. At the time, I did not follow through with ensuring the repair was fully co…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a failure near the fuse box. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the eng…
Shift to park error message appears on dash after turning off the vehicle. I have to turn back on the vehicle and take it out of park and shift it back and forth from park to drive then back to park to get the vehicle to turn off. This first January 2020. It was fixed in Februar…
I was driving on the freeway with my kids in the car at 60 mph and without warning I get an engine power reduced message and then my car losing power and starts dropping speeds down to 35 mph within seconds. I have cars speeding up behind me and I can't go any faster than 35 mph …
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier with approximately 50,000 miles displayed a persistent “Shift to Park” message. The vehicle would not consistently recognize that it was in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off properly and creating a safety concern. Dealer diagnosed a faul…
Hard braking, reduced engine power
I was driving and the reduced engine power came on. I almost crashed because I couldn't control the steering
The Vacuum pump continues to go out causes code P1101. I have replaced it 4 times and people just in my town are fighting this code for dear life like me! It causes our brakes to barely work and make it completely unsafe to drive as the check engine light goes in and out for MAF …
I've taken my car in now 4 times to Chevy dealers just to be told there was nothing wrong. Turnes out that my torque converter (transmission) is going bad. And I can't get a Chevy dealer to honor my almost expired warranty.
I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 675 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Engine Problems (275 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (182 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (164 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 675 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.