2018 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 92owner reports
- 54,500median miles
- $400median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
431 of the 698 complaints on this car are about the engine. 92 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 92 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 (14 reports) and the injectors (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
All 6 recalls on the 2018 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 2018 model year.
What owners paid
6 of the 92 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $100 to $808.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 35,000 and 77,000 miles, from the 52 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 34 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 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
30 more on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu page.
What owners wrote
“Was driving to work when suddenly my check engine light comes on and I get a warning reading âreduce power to engineâ could feel the power literally reduce. Car wonât go pass 30MPH could hear the engine trying to accelerate but struggling too. This is the second time it happens, have noticed other complain about this on going issue with 2016-2018 models”
Filed Dec 13, 2022
“I was driving app. 41 miles per hour in heavy Friday traffic on 10/7/2022 and the check engine light lit up and the car dropped to about 20 miles per hour and would not pick up speed. The rpm was staying on about 3000. I pulled over and called my husband. We set for awhile and restarted the car and the light went off and it drove as normal”
Filed Oct 10, 2022
“I was driving 35 mph when the message "reduced engine power" and it noticably slowed down. The check engine light is still on. I researched recalls/problems with the 2018 Chevy Malibu and this is one major one I found.”
Filed Aug 28, 2022
“Son was driving my 2018 Malibu with 90,000 miles. Check engine light came on and car reduced speed from 75mph to 40mph on interstate! Autozone reading says replace Variable Camshaft Timing Solenoid. Very dangerous situation. Chevy should have to fix this.”
Filed Jun 26, 2022 · 90,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 92 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
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 123 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 122 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 69 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 53 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 30 reports