2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

130owner reports
85,000median miles
$10,000median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

399 of the 1,029 complaints on this car are about the engine. 130 of those describe engine failure.

Tick what matches of 130 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (127 reports) and the timing chain (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2019 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Malibu Hybrid

EA25-007opened Oct 23, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2019

Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE25-001opened Jan 16, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2019

Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.

NHTSA summary

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI

What owners paid

28 of the 130 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,441 to $12,172.

$4,441$10,000$12,172

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 65,000 and 106,634 miles, from the 55 reports that gave a mileage.

119

121

322

423

924

6825

4426

What owners wrote

“At 70,000 miles the engine failed. Dealership said it was due to the current issues with the 6.2 motors but mine was not included in the recall but was being evaluated to be part of the recall so I did have to buy a new engine.”
Filed Aug 4, 2026 · 70,000 miles

“The lifters failed at 106634 miles. This caused the motor to lose power while driving. The dealer confirmed and said a new engine was needed. There were no warnings just immediate failure of a part Chevrolet knows very well is an issue but won't do anything about.”
Filed May 30, 2026 · 106,634 miles

“On August 1, 2024 I had a knocking in engine Drove 3 miles to Dealer and was told engine needed rebuilt. 88643 miles cost estimate $ 7000. I refused came back GM would pay half I paid 3937.49 On 8/13/2024 I had no choice, I needed it fixed! They should have told me about engine problems and sold me insurance when GM Warranty was expiring I want reimbursed!!”
Filed Dec 17, 2025 · 88,643 miles

“The transmission failed at 100,000 miles and the engine failed at 130,000 miles. Available for inspection. Yes the dealer confirmed both failures. No warnings. Immediate failure with engine light. Barely made it home with the transmission and the engine just stopped out of nowhere due to the dynamic fuel management system and oil consumption starvation.”
Filed Oct 17, 2025 · 100,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 130 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.