Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Chevrolet Malibu: recalls and problems

1 recall and 198 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

1recalls
198complaints
10crashes reported
0fires reported
7injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine59 · 30%
  • Power Train58 · 29%
  • Electrical System57 · 29%
  • Unknown Or Other44 · 22%
  • Service Brakes42 · 21%
  • Vehicle Speed Control18 · 9%
  • Steering16 · 8%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System14 · 7%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)6 · 3%
  • Fuel System (Gasoline)4 · 2%

What owners report

Power Train,Electrical System

The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter. when shifting the physical gear lever forward into the "park" position and attempting to shut off the engine, a warning message reading "action required: shift to park" appears on the driver instrument dashboard display.this exact failure previously occurred in 2022, t

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. the contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck assistance. the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. the contact stated that a lexus engineer retrieved the edr; however, there was no failure found w

Steering

The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the message "steering assist reduced - drive with care" was intermittently displayed on the instrument panel while driving. the contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. in addition, the message "service esc" was displayed, and the steering failure became more frequent. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic,

Service Brakes

I have a failed vacuum pump which caused my braking ability to be 100% reliant on my own strength to be able to “safely” stop the car. this is an ongoing and common problem with gm yet they have not recalled or given any solution. this is unsafe and should be illegal. i have now an underwater car loan and still a non-drivable car because not only do i have to repair the vacuum pump but also the camshaft exhaust as we

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Malibu. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.