2017 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 90owner reports
- 52,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Apr 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
389 of the 702 complaints on this car are about the engine. 90 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 90 reports
Misfire on other Malibu years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (23 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Malibu
Erratic fuel gauge. Closed dec 30, 2003.
Engine stall due to fuel starvation. Closed nov 3, 2003.
Engine coolant boils over. Closed sep 24, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 32,000 and 75,000 miles, from the 58 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 45 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu that deal with this problem. 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.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
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
41 more on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu page.
What owners wrote
“The Reduce Power to Engine keeps happening. It shuts my car down and lights up the traction control light, check engine light and its a serious hazard because I travel highway to and from work and its very dangerous when you loose power to your vehicle at high rates of speed. Also my emissions is bad due to a supposed fixed recall for the catalytic converter.”
Filed Feb 5, 2026
“I was driving my car on the highway and the car begin to feel like it was about to shut off. Shortly after, the car check engine light turned on with a warning sign on dashboard stating âengine reduce.â the check engine is still on and my mechanic states my turbo needs to be replaced. I have an appointment for second consult with chevy dealer to verify.”
Filed Feb 3, 2026
“âEngine power reduceâ error on dash as well as check engine light. Driving on highway at fast speeds when this message displayed and my cars mph dropped to 30mph. Iâve had this issue fixed once already with the dealership and it turned out to be the sensor throttle or something with the pedal. Yet, 5 months later, I am having the SAME problem. This is very unsafe”
Filed Feb 5, 2023
“Vehicle check engine light came on. Then a warning saying reduced engine power came on. I then lost most of my accelerator and slowed me down from 65 mph to about 30 right in the middle of the highway. As I was pulling off to the emergency shoulder my brakes became very stiff and started pulsating rapidly. I could hardly press the pedal enough to make the vehicle come to a stop safely.”
Filed Jun 2, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 90 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 124 reports
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 98 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 71 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 53 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 46 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 31 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 29 reports