Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, without warning as the brake pedal was depressed the vehicle accelerated forward independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal again the vehicle failed to stop causing, the vehicle to crash into the other vehicle in front. No airbag deployed. No police report was filed. The contact and the passenger sustained severe whiplash, 1 week later the contact and his wife sought medical attention and checked in a hospital. The insurance company was contacted and towed the vehicle to the collision shop where it was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the other vehicle was totaled as well. The dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument panel displayed the message "Reduce Engine Power" with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle immediately decelerated independently. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 - 40 MPH before decelerating again. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and waited for approximately 15 minutes before continuing to drive; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS, Power Train, and Throttle Sensor all had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the mechanic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed going downhill, the brakes failed to engage when the brake pedal was depressed, almost causing a collision. The vehicle struck a curb however, the driver was able to maneuver the steering wheel to go uphill and park the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact to not take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The dealer instead referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be contacted after reviewing the information that was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact was able to get to the side of the road but ended up in a ditch which stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brakes had failed and that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, due to the manufacturing of the braking system, the damages was extensive, and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that additional parts were needed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
Was driving on highway and starting to exit and my engine light came on and it alerted reduced engine power. I had to slam on my brakes but they were very hard to press and almost non existent and steering was also difficult. Managed to get car to side of road but due to very hard to non existent brakes I did graze a truck and damaged my rear drivers side fender. I am very lucky I didn't get injured and was able to mostly miss the cars stopped in front of me. I also have the shift to park issue happen at least 4 times a week.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but felt rigid, causing the contact to almost stand up and forcefully depress the pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal responded. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle at a slower speed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Component: Vacuum pump, booster which caused engine damage (cam shaft) Safety: Unable to stop which could cause a collision Confirmation: Chevrolet dealer confirmed the booster caused the vacuum pump to fail which also caused engine damage Inspection: GEICO is sending an inspector and Chevrolet also confirmed damage Warning Lights: No warning lights,
On Thursday, [redacted] my [redacted] son was driving my chevy malibu coming down the hill to get home when the brakes went out. He could not stop the vehicle and had to pass our neighborhood and let the vehicle slow itself down. He was able to get stopped and turned around and made it home. Saturday, [redacted] we decided maybe it needed new brakes and took it for new brakes. New brakes and rotors all the way around did NOT fix the problem. The brake was like hitting a brick and would not stop the vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop and they found that the vacuum system for the brakes went out. He also noticed that cam shaft was cracked. Upon research through the internet I found that this problem is common and a class action suit has been filed against GM for the same problem. …
First incident, vehicle in motion moving about 45 MPH approached red light vehicle started making loud tick noise when to start to slow down and break pedal was solid not able to slow the vehicle down. Panicked, 3 children in my car in fear for their safety. Was able to put both feet and press as hard as I could to attempt to stop the car. Car thankfully came to a stop and was able to pull over exit the car and have towed to dealership. Dealership inspected vehicle and decided that the vacuum pump had locked up and the case and gear had broken apart. Replaced part and everything was working. Second incident, noticed fluid on driveway, took car to dealership and they stated the vacuum pump was leaking, changed gasket. Third incident, driving car down the highway, vehicle lost speed (jumped) and check engine light came on. …
Small trip to Georgia granddaughter's birthday. Vehicle just went in limp mode. Lost power brakes. My brothers code reader showed P0 014, P0 017, P1101, P0016. I'm pulling up and showing on NHTSH for open recalls and one complaint. I'm trying to make a complaint. The car we turn off. Wouldn't crank back. Sometime when you wiggle the wire by the throttle it would crank. No power breaking. No engine pole to go up hills. No speed. On Google and YouTube I have found recalls of powertrain automatic transmission six recalls on the website. CHEVY MALIBU vacuum pump recalls. I'm having a vacuum leak you can hear it when the car does turn off the engine fan runs for ever. I'm showing problems with CHEVY MALIBU vacuum Val cover gasket recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU brake vacuum pump recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU 2013 through 2022 booster vacuum pump recall the defect. …
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 10% of the model year's 703 complaints. The component named most often is power assist › vacuum (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 4 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.