2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has 1 safety recall and 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
193
Crashes / fires
8 / 1
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Recall 21V-649: Seat Belts

Reported Aug 20, 2021 · 402 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train69
Engine65
Electrical System62
Unknown or Other36
Service Brakes22
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Vehicle Speed Control12
Air Bags6
Exterior Lighting4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Steering2

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Throttlebody/Manifold — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 20, 2026
The vehicle experiences sudden transmission slipping, severe shuddering, and an unexpected loss of forward drive power while in motion. Specifically, while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop / merge onto the highway, the engine revs but the vehicle fails to accelerate properly or suddenly loses acceleration entirely. This creates a severe and immediate safety hazard as it leaves the vehicle moving incredibly slowly or stranded in active traffic, creating an imminent risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership has been unable to provide a permanent remedy.
Power Train · at 65,000 miles · reported Oct 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P) however, the vehicle failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park(P), and the vehicle failed to turn off. During the failure, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed and the vehicle idled for approximately 15 minutes before independently turning off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was notified of TSB…
Service Brakes · at 105,100 miles · reported Sep 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the following morning while waiting at the school drop-off line with her foot on the brake pedal, there was an abnormal boom, and several warning lights illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The occupants inside the vehicle assumed that the vehicle was struck from behind. The vehicle attempted to surge and revved and started to choke and shut off. The vehicle was shifted into park and the ignition key turned to the off position. The vehicle was restarted but failed to move. The engine…
Engine · reported Sep 16, 2026
Due to the vacuum pump failing during driving, metal shards broke inside of the car and went into the engine destroying it completely. Now i need a whole new engine
Engine · reported Sep 1, 2026
I understand that the vehicle is outside of its original warranty period. However, I do not believe that the expiration of the warranty should automatically make me responsible for a component failure that occurred at only approximately 39,000 miles. The PCV valve and orifice are not routine maintenance items that I would reasonably expect to require replacement at such low mileage. Unlike tires, brake pads, batteries, or other components that are expected to wear out and require periodic replacement, the PCV system is an integral part of the engine's emissions and crankcase ventilation…

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

Compare all Chevrolet Malibu years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu: 21V-649 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners report power train problems most often (69 reports), followed by engine (65). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.