Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The steering wheel was uncontrollable and became inoperable. Additionally, there was an engine oil leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who completed unknown repairs. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 15V064000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 86,300. The VIN was not available.
When I start my car my steering wheel dances vibrates. When I'm driving 30 mph it will pull me to the right side of the road and be hard to steer. It does this a lot it scares me I'm disabled and have a hard time driving.
Vehicles cruise control was engaged when reaching and hill the cruise control sped up and as soon as it did I lost engine power completely it was not until I was able to safety make it to the side of the interstate coasting that I realized the engine had cut off. I then parked the vehicle turned off all electrical components and turned the ignition to the off position; and attempted to restart to engine switch resulted in nothing but the engine light coming on and the lights of the vehicle coming on but no firing of the engine or even a click from the starter at this point I was glad a had all my blankets and thing in the vehicle because in north dakota and montana its cold. …
Steering: (2014-2015) the power steering goes out unexpectedly while driving. A power steering notice appears on the radio. Had a mechanic check power steering fluid and found no need, fluid level was fine. Power steering outages continue to happen intermittently and without notice until finally going out completely in March 2015. Power steering is on at start-up of vehicle then goes out in first minute or two of driving. Chevrolet dealer replaced power steering torque sensor @ $470. There is a recall for this same issue in the previous model year but was told my car is not covered. The car only has 55,000 miles. Engine: (2014) engine block cracked after 5 minute drive to work with only 35,000 miles on the car. Mechanic said they had never seen anything like it. All fluid levels were fine and there was no apparent reason for this to happen. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to move from a completed stop, the vehicle would stall and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted after the initial attempt. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was misfiring; however, further diagnostic testing would need to be performed to find a resolution to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and required more effort to safely operate the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering pump malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not assist because the VIN was not associated with any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 91,867.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts; however, the failure recurred on two other occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,954.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving approximately 20 MPH and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the master air flow sensor and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The engine and power steering warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil from the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing. The contact stated the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 977 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.