2020 Chevy Malibu

Engine, Transmission and Brake Problems with the Chevrolet Malibu

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is the only midsize family sedan made by a traditional domestic auto manufacturer. The Chevy Malibu is now 7 years old, and Chevy has no plans to replace it in the future. Chevrolet claims “you can have it all” with the  2020 Chevy Malibu, however the only thing owners have, are non stop repairs to the engine, brakes and transmission .  Learn all about the common problems with the 2020 Chevy Malibu and how you can use the lemon law to get help.

See more lemon law problems for Chevrolet Malibu model years: 2019

Engine Problems with the Chevy Malibu

“Was traveling at about 58 mph down the highway when all my warning gauges starting going off. My digital dash went blank and the car started accelerating on its own. I kept hitting the brakes trying to make it slow down and I could hear the abs function and feel it thru the brake while trying to slow down. After about a 1/2 mile of fighting the car the dash turned back on the check engine light stayed on and the car stopped trying to accelerate but wouldn’t change gears and was stuck at 3500 rpms when I limped it off the road and had a tow truck come get it.”

“my 2020 Black Cherry Malibu SE December 17, 2019 fresh off the showroom floor with only 6 miles on it. As of today, August 02, 2021, my check engine light has been on over 8 times, I have done all maintenance on time. Today the car locked down, I received numerous error codes on the dash(Teen Driver warning, Power Steering, Traction and many more), my brake system went out and I could barely stop to pull into a gas station. I am now waiting for a tow truck to take my car and plop it at the dealership until it can be looked at. There must be a sensor issue that isn’t being recalled because this is insane. The touchscreen doesn’t come on or they don’t react to touch most of the time either, something is up with this car”

Chevrolet is aware of the 2020 Chevy Malibu engine problems and has issued Service Bulletin 16-NA-383.  According to the Chevy Malibu Service Bulletin, owners may experience the following engine problems:  Crank no start, Extended crank or Engine misfire.  The Malibu Engine problems may be caused by major carbon build-up on the intake and/or exhaust valves due to fuel contamination or incomplete burning of the fuel, resulting in the engine failure.

Transmission Problems with 2020 Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu has a continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The CVT transmission is used to increase fuel mileage, however many Malibu drivers are experiencing problems of hesitation or banging into gear.   Read this Chevy Malibu complaint on NHTSA

“Vehicle slowed down alot by itself upon driving and when pushing the gas pedal the vehicle would not go any faster. I had to pull over in someones driveway to get out of the way of multiple cars behind me! Car is available for inspection. My safety was very much in danger cause what happened to the car could have caused cars to hit me from behind! The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealership. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages.”

The Malibu transmission complaints continue on the Chevy Malibu Forum , “Well this is the first time I’ve ever bought a new car and within a year the entire transmission has to be replaced…I just went to drive it one day and it would not shift, apparently the transmission went out and Chevrolet is having to send a new one to the dealership and of course it’s under warranty, but now I’m scared to keep the car. Unbelievable. I have not been thrilled with this car so far.”

Brake Problems

Like many other vehicles, the 2020 Chevy Malibu is equipped with emergency braking system.  Using sensors, this system detects impending accidents. Without the driver’s assistance, the emergency braking system stops the car in an emergency situation. Nevertheless, many Malibu owners report problems with the brake system, which requires them to visit Chevy dealers for repairs.

Just read this dangerous Chevy Malibu brake problem on NHTSA

“In the middle of driving on freeways, highways, or regular roads, the car will quickly slow down to a very low speed, around 5 mph causing other drivers to have to quickly swerve out of the way before wrecking into me. The power steering will also intermittently fail, as it becomes difficult to turn the wheel during these times. The car will also not accelerate at my will like it should at this time. Check engine lights will show up, as well as other warning notifications on the dash board. Some of the warnings include “Service Power Steering. Drive with Care”, “Fuel Level Low”, and “Service ESC”. The car will also intermittently show all gauges in the zero/off/empty position. The car will also say “Shift to Park” when trying to turn it on, even though it is already in shift. I have sent the car back to the dealer 5 times to date”

Chevy has recognized the Malibu brake problems and has issued a service bulletin # 20-NA-013.  The Chevy Malibu brake bulletin states “Some technicians may experience failure of the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) reprogramming. The cause of the Chevy Malibu brake condition may require an update and reprogram of the EBCM.

What Is the Next Step?

If you are having engine, brake or transmission problems with your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, it is time to take action. Like some vehicle owners, you may be dealing with frequent failures that are impacting your life. The best course of action is to contact a lemon law lawyer for assistance.