Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop, the engine auto Start/Stop system engaged, causing the engine to shut off; however, the electrical system then became inoperable. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and rolled to a stop. The stabili-trak and electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. A message advising to open and to close the windows was displayed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that there were debris in the throttle. The contact was advised to drive at high speeds on the highway to correct the failure. …
Tl* the contact called on behalf of the vehicle owner/driver her daughter. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu at approximately 50 MPH, the stabilitrak warning light suddenly illuminated as power was reduced causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into the center median causing damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported and no police report was filed. The contact stated received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V642000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline, engine). The vehicle was towed to the local body shop. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,447.
During operations while turning car locked up; lost power, lost steering. With engine running the radio and ac shut off. Drifted to shoulder of road. Illuminated dash lights: power steering drive with care, traction control, emergency brake, ABS light, temp showed cold, no gear indicator light. Operated car less than 5mph approx. 1/4 mile and shut engine off. During operations it sounded as though brakes were on (screeching/clanking). Once engine shutdown stabilitrak light illuminated intermittently with power steering. Doors would not unlock, windows would not go down (trapped in vehicle 10 min). Brake pedal locked, car would not start. 45 min later car started. All illuminated lights cleared, check engine light illuminated. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership investigated. Several fault codes were present. Each fault code pertained to vehicles communication. …
On 4/5/2020, while driving on a side street, the car lost propulsion. It read engine power is reduced and stabilitrac had activated. This has occurred several times prior. My very first encounter was on a major highway (I-270) the car has been serviced (per recall) on two separate occasions. It has done the very exact thing at least three (3) times subsequent of the recall mandate. Every time I attempted to restart the car the motor will violently shake. I have made this complaint to general motors, prior to this latest event on 4/5/2020, my complaint had been dismissed. I am being forced to operate this vehicle; knowing it poses a serious risk of accident or death to me and other motorist. Luckily, I was on a side residential street a few blocks away from my residence. However, this was not the always the case and this is a continuous event. …
Vehicle ECM fails when accelerating. Loses power/shuts down. Cannot enter freeways, pass, or perform other maneuvers requiring sudden increase power demands. ECM fails to record incident. Every time. Every day. Updated ECM software does not work. Reset check engine mode shuts down other vehicle functions. Have been too close to being run off the interstate, hit when entering from on-ramp, rear-ended in heavy traffic. NHTSA does not investigate because death and injury cannot be linked to failures because the module does not record issues/failures. There is no fix. Every day you get in your car and wonder if today is the day you die because your vehicle failed to perform at a critical moment. Now vehicle shut downs while driving on level surfaces, at constant speed, with no additional demands. …
Low fuel, engine light, service stability track, shift to park lights come on. The low fuel light comes on first. The next day the engine light comes on sometimes it stays on then goes off. This happens when I'm driving. I've had all the recalls done. ECM replaced. 2 weeks later the same thing. All dials go to zero. Slow take off after I've stopped at red light or stop sign. Is as if the transmission is going out. If I put on brakes they will throw me in the dash like I've crashed into something. When I take it dealership-no codes are found. Trying to turn car off, it says shift to park. It's already parked. I've taken it back to the dealership several times for this same problems-no codes. I've gotten a rental (for a week)so they can keep the car to try and recreate it- they can't. This car was bought new in August of 2018.Chevy malibuls 4dr sdn black. …
Vehicle experienced reduced power before learning about and addressing the recall. A couple of months following my vehicle began to shut off and restart while giving various error messages. This occurred while going speeds less than 35 MPH and while stopped. The dealership determined it was a faulty battery censor and was not covered under the warranty. I have had the part replaced and did not experience any issues for roughly 2 weeks. My vehicle today gave a error message that engine power is reduced and the check engine light is on. It is also hesitating/jumping when switching from drive to either reverse or park.
The first time the vehicle shut off was cruising out of a parking lot, it did so for a split second. The next time was at my house, I needed to go run to the store. I tried starting it. It said "shift to park" but I was in park. Then it said "service stabilitrack system", and then something along the lines of "power steering service required". I waited and tried for hours and then eventually called for a tow truck.
I was driving in a neighborhood about 15 MPH. My car began to shake, the engine light was blinking, stability track light was on, and an icon came up saying that the 'service stablitrek.' I had little control over the steering and I felt no traction while trying to pull over. I also have a problem where the car prompts a shift to park, even though my car is in park.
While driving down the street I got an alert on the dash indicating 'engine power reduced' check engine light and what I believe is the traction control light came on. Can't accelerate. Can't go more than 30 MPH. No open recalls in my vehicle, but seems a lot of people having same issue?
Traction Control complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 700 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 6 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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to stability & traction control 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.