Ninth generation
2017 Chevrolet Malibu
The most reported problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is stalling, with 124 complaints, usually around 52,000 miles.
- 702owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 16involved a crash
- 48,750median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Malibu doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has 702 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 3.9 times the median of 178 for 2017 sedans on this site. Of the 12 Malibu model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- The 2017 sits level with the years around it, at 70 complaints for each year on the road next to 76 for the 2016 and 78 for the 2018.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, stalling, covers 124 of the 702 complaints (18%), and shift to park warning is next with 98 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 86 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 35,000 miles, and half by about 52,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 20 of the 702 complaints (3%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 16 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 14 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 8 of 16, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as stalling, shift to park warning and misfire. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 143 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 56. So far in 2026, 18 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 124 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
702 complaints is 2.6 times the median 2017 model on this site and 3.9 times the median 2017 sedan. Among the 7 Malibu model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet filed 1,332 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. 90 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 7 bulletins · 124 complaints
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
5 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides a procedure to inspect and possibly repair terminals that may be damaged to correct customer concerns of Loss of Power, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Gauges Inoperative and/or Multiple Warning Lights/Messages ...
This Preliminary information communicates that a rotational clicking noise heard after engine shut down is a design characteristic and no repairs should be attempted.
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of running poor and stalling. No trouble codes may be set referencing this condition. Fuel trims around -20% may be observed on both banks.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM and/or circuit 5985 concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine shut down when the transmission is in park or neutral when no hydraulic/mechanical transmission concerns are present.
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
"Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 6 bulletins · 98 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in Park.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in park.
4 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of message displaying shift to park when in park.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Shift to Park message on the Driver Information Center. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P1AEE, P1AEF, P1AF0, P1AF2, and P1E22.
This engineering informational bulletin ends the need for information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Shift to Park Message Displayed.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the filed on vehicles that have the condition of Shift to Park Message Displayed.
Check engine light or misfire 25 bulletins · 90 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of dtc p0299 p0234 setting due to oil/moisture cndensate freezing in Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) during cold weather driving
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
23 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides repair procedures, depending on model year, to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0172, P06DE and/or P0521 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P06DE set in the Engine Control Module.
This technical bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a condition of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTCs P0615, P0617, P305C, P305D, P305E and/or P3054 Set.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Check Engine Light Illuminated, DTC P0606 Set in Engine Control Module.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine cranking when the transmission is in park.
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the diagnosis and repair steps for a vehicle with a check engine light on with Diagnostic Trouble Code P015B or a reduced engine power message with Diagnostic Trouble Code P1101.
This Bulletin provides information to diagnose a Loss of Propulsion or No Start with the MIL ON and DTC P0A3F or P1B03 set.
This Bulletin provides information to diagnose a Loss of Propulsion or No Start with the MIL ON and DTC P0A45 or P1B04 set.
This Preliminary information communicates additional diagnostics and repair to assist in resolving a malfunction indicator lamp illumination due to any combination of diagnostic trouble codes P0068 P0101 P0106 P0171 P0131 P0137 P0324 P0326 P0331 P0506.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician related to vehicles that have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. A technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P050D set as current or history.
Plus 13 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 9 bulletins · 71 complaints
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
Rear Brake Squeak Type Noise Involved Region or Country North America and N.A. Export Regions Condition Some customers may comment on a squeak type noise heard from the rear brakes when cold.
7 more on this problem
This Technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct conditions of Service Stabilitrak Message on DIC, Rear Stop Lamps Inoperative, Traction Control Light On with DTCs C0595, C0277, U0422 Set.
This Bulletin provides information, tips and graphics regarding specific Hybrid vehicle hydraulic brake system failures, emphasizing disc brake caliper guide pin failures.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a crank but engine does not start concern.Technician will use this publication to reset the battery low state of charge concern after extended crank ...
This Technical bulletin provides information for rear brake pad replacement to correct a squeak type noise heard from the rear brakes when cold.
Rear Brake Squeak Type Noise Condition Some customers may comment on a squeak type noise heard from the rear brakes when cold. This noise will typically occur on first brake apply when the brakes are cold.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the EBCM to correct the customers concern of the brake stopping the vehicle all the way to 0 mph before being able to use the throttle again.
This informational bulletin provides mulitple starting points for concerns related to various hydraulic brake concerns and how to correct the conditions that may be associated with them.
Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 1 bulletin · 53 complaints
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 33 bulletins · 46 complaints
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of infotainment screen appearing too bright at night.
This informational bulletin provides information on Normal Radio Display Operation ? Display Does Not Remain Off at Times After Being Turned Off in Settings and no parts should be replaced due to this condition.
31 more on this problem
This Technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the radio to correct radio personalization settings on the infotainment display and a blank HVAC pop-up selecting HVAC Control settings.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in park.
This informational bulletin provides Information on Using Voice Pass-Thru to Access Voice Recognition Commands on Cell Phone and how it does not work on models equipped with IOA and IOB radios.
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with inspection and repair instructions for vehicles with Service Engine Soon lamp when locking, unlocking, going into gear, and when vehicle is running.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Navigation radio does not have a global positioning system location but OnStar is able to accurately locate the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the radio to correct a condition of Apple Carplay Will Not Launch After 1124 Key Cycles and Displays Message Advising to Connect a Supported Device via USB Even Though One is Already Connected due to ...
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
Plus 21 older ones not listed here.
Brake pedal goes hard or the booster or vacuum pump fails 2 bulletins · 38 complaints
This service bulletin informs dealers that a new Power Brake Booster Vacuum Cap will need to be replaced when installing the revised Power Brake Booster Vacuum Pipe to correct DTCs being set due to misrouting of brake booster vacuum pipe.
This Technical bulletin provides a fix to update the ECM if technicians find DTC P050F set or stored in history to correct a condition of Brake booster Weak vacuum.
Battery dies or the car will not start 7 bulletins · 31 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of a crank no start or extended crank condition due to exhaust cam reluctor being out of position.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another.
5 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct customer concerns of a Crank No Start or Extended Crank, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
This engineering information PI ends the need for information from the field regarding wire harness chafe at the battery tray. If you encounter a vehicle with this condition, refer to SI for further diagnosis.
17259 - Service Update. Some vehicles may have excessive current feedback to the DC-DC converter module through the OnStar battery backup wiring connected to the main battery.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a crank but engine does not start concern.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the OnStar module.
Complaints filed by year
143 complaints came in 2019, 2.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Stalling, with 124 of the 702 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 52,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Of the 410 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 30,000 miles and half by about 49,000.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has about as many complaints as both the 2016 and the 2018: 70 a year against 76 and 78.
How many 2017 Chevrolet Malibu complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
20 of them (3%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
No recall on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.