Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% | 19,000 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2017 | 53 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2016 | 78 | 9% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% | 77,000 miles |
| 2014 | 31 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2013 | 72 | 9% | 79,000 miles |
| 2012 | 135 | 15% | 94,000 miles |
| 2011 | 181 | 19% | 84,000 miles |
| 2010 | 240 | 18% | 85,000 miles |
| 2009 | 261 | 17% | 120,000 miles |
| 2008 | 73 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 26 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
| 2006 | 31 | 3% | 127,000 miles |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% | 170,000 miles |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% | 130,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% | 120,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% | 170,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% | 120,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS message was displayed, and the ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic performed an oil change and tire rotation; however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure due to the warning lights no longer being illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,300. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP RESOLVED THE ISSUE.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service ESC warning light and the steering assist reduced warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the traction control warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
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.
Intermittent issue while driving at highway speeds (70mph) car will pop up service stabilitrak error message on front display, the traction control light will illuminate, while CEL begins flashing. At this time, car will lose power and speed will begin to fall. Continuing to depress accelerator in an attempt to maintain speed will cause car to shudder. Entire incident lasts only 1-2 minutes, before drivability returns. In-the-moment OnStar diagnostics show no issues. Purchased car brand new; only been serviced at the original dealership, only use shell v-power gasoline. 1st incident- dealer said wet roads/rain to blame; did not run diagnostics, did not attempt to service 2nd incident- dealer noted cylinder 3 misfire, swapped coil pack and spark plugs on cylinders 1 and 3, changed oil. …
Reduced engine power first time this happened I was making a u turn at slow speeds when my dash displayed ' reduced engine power' check engine light came on as well as traction control light . I pulled over turned my car off and back on a few mins later later lights went away and car drove fine . ( November 2019 ) second time was mid February 2020 I was driving about 40 MPH when same thing happened . Dash lights came on reduced engine power came back on and car slowed down to less the 20 MPH within seconds . Once again I had to pull over turned my car on/off about 3 times in 20 mins for light to go away and car drive normal again . Third time today 2/27/20 at maybe 10 MPH my dash lit up once again check engine light did not go away this time . But car drove fine afterwords luckily it hasn't happened on highway speeds or with my daughter in the car . …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 55 MPH in a rain storm and making a right turn, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights had illuminated, and the driver suddenly lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the incident the driver sustained a concussion and neck and shoulder injuries which later required medical treatment. No police report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the stability control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and the engine needed to be deep cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light flashing. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery sensor and AC/DC box needed to be replaced. The failure persisted. On the last occasion, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control (ESC)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020).
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (261), 2010 (240), 2011 (181), 2012 (135) and 2016 (78) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-272 (electronic stability control (esc), May 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic (asc) (2 mentions).
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.