Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% | 65,000 miles |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% | 72,000 miles |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% | 112,000 miles |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% | 18,000 miles |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% | 40,000 miles |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% | 51,000 miles |
| 2016 | 55 | 7% | 56,000 miles |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% | 82,000 miles |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% | 83,000 miles |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% | 88,000 miles |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% | 92,000 miles |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% | 74,000 miles |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% | 84,000 miles |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% | 99,000 miles |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% | 114,000 miles |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% | 90,000 miles |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% | 71,000 miles |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% | 81,000 miles |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "ESC" and "Fuel Low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (P). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the manufacturer's engineer determined that there was a short circuit in the steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
This all started when i had my car serviced for an oil change and began to hear some clicking sounds when I would start my vehicle. The fuel sealant is defective, the fuel caps were corroded, leaks oil, and causes the turbo on the engine to lag. I found this out as I was driving and tried to make a turn. When pressing the accelerator the vehicle lagged almost causing me to be involved in an accident on more than one occassion. When conducting on-line research I am not the only owner that has experienced this issue. It would appear that Chevrolet is aware that this is happening in its turbo models. I have an extended warranty that was purchased through the dealership. This issue caused them to replace the fuel sealant, the fuel caps, and the fuel pump. However, 2 weeks later my vehicle is still leaking a significant amount of oil. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and entered reduced power mode. The Check Engine and the reduced power mode warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine seized later. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway, which was frightening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: P00C6, P0137, P0171, P0299, P089, and P2097. The contact was informed that the codes were associated with the fuel system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, where they turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was called and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P023F (Fuel Pump - Secondary Circuit Failure). The vehicle was towed by a family member to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine started to choke. The Service Vehicle light remained illuminated after the other lights turned off. The engine started choking again and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with an inoperable fuel pump power control module. The mechanic informed the contact about a recall associated with the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the next two days. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. …
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P1101 (Throttle body failure). The contact was informed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where DTC: P1101 was retrieved, and the dealer informed the contact that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was serviced; however, the failure recurred less than a month later. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that her husband scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P1101(Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Performance Issue). The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed by another independent mechanic as a second opinion, with a Fuel/PCM Failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating and losing power with the odor of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence, but had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Related recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel fill fitting is not properly secured to the fuel tank. In that condition, fuel leakage would exceed the permissible amount in an FMVSS test.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stall due to fuel starvation
Odi opened pe02-066 to evaluate the scope and consequence of engine power-loss due to fuel starvation induced by in-tank modular fuel pump strainer restriction.the subject pumps use an external ?sock? Strainer to filter fuel flowing to the pump inlet.this filter can sometimes become clogged, resulting in a reduced flow of fuel to the engine.GM has subsequently modified the strainers to reduce this…
Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (101), 2006 (96), 2007 (87), 2000 (79) and 2005 (70) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-358 (fuel pump, May 31, 2018); 99V-302 (filler pipe and cap, Oct 29, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (76 mentions), followed by the storage › fuel gauge system (26).
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.