2020 Chevrolet MalibuUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONWARRANTY EXTENSION ON FILE

198 federal complaints (336 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 747 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 34 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
22 city / 32 hwy
Federal complaints
198
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
62
Power train
58
Electrical system
57
Brakes
49
Other
44
Speed control
18
Fuel system
18
Steering
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 5 complaints01 years old: 25 complaints2 years old: 22 complaints3 years old: 37 complaints4 years old: 45 complaints5 years old: 44 complaints56 years old: 19 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 197 of 198 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 5 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 6 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 6 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 6 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 2 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 45 of 198 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

62 complaint records1 crash report
"Speed reduced, reduced engine power , hard breaking and noise ,engine light one , all gages flash, service esc! On dash..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

58 complaint records
"Vehicle will say shift to park and also can't use the limp mode and manually shift gears and also can't be used outside of 1st and 2nd gear..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

57 complaint records1 crash report
"When shifting into park the display will show the car is in park but there will be an alarm informing me to put the car in park...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA25005
opened Oct 2025
OPENAir BagsDTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has become aware of eight vehicle crashes in which a rupture of a Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN) air bag inflator occurred during the deployment of the driver side air bag.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V649000Seat BeltsGeneral 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021522
2021-08-20
Seats And Restraints24Issue: On certain vehicles, a bolt that attaches the rear seat belt retractor(s) may be missing. As a result, the seat belt may not work as designed in a crash. Note: On Chevrolet Malibu models, the right rear seat belt could be affected.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
22-NA-244
May 2024
WARRANTY EXTENSIONElectrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
PIT5698F
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5099J
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherPI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIP6032C
Jun 2026
Unknown Or OtherPIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIT6425D
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
PIT6425C
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
PIP6098
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC6636
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information addresses an issue with the odometer displaying dashes and provides direction for the dealership/technician.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
PIP5975B
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI advises to get a session log for transmissions with broken chains
PIT6425B
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
PIT6425A
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
PIT6440
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThe Driver Information Center may display a message of Transport Mode On after the ignition is cycled.
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
23-NA-119
Sep 2025
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIP5601B
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
N252494770-01
Jun 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNUnknown Or OtherAmendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.
PIP6032B
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherPIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
N252494770
Jun 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNUnknown Or OtherAmendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.
PIT6180A
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates assistance in locating the Rear seat belt comfort guides in the parts catalog.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
25-NA-118
May 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis service bulletin provides information for the technicians to use a Customer Concern Verification sheet to facilitate the questions needing to be answered by the customer regarding Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) issues.
15-NA-010
May 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
PIP5958B
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the process for recording transmission noises using the PicoScope For review.
25-NA-100
Apr 2025
EngineThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
PI0281L
Apr 2025
SteeringThis preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
PIT5551R
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when the Forward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting. This is normal when the FAB has been set to "Alert".
18-NA-069
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
07-00-89-037W
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
25-NA-087
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
21-NA-139
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
13-08-116-001K
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
25-NA-052
Mar 2025
EngineThis bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
25-NA-065
Mar 2025
SteeringThis informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
24-NA-098
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
23-NA-164
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Lock and Unlock (Active Functions Work) but Will Not Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions Do Not Work).
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
23-NA-163
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
23-NA-165
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
19-NA-200
Mar 2025
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of start/stop inoperative, MIL illuminated w/DTC P2797.
17-NA-073
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC6591A
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealer to contact TAC for a specific display issue.
PIT5994A
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communication provides information to the technician with diagnostic tips for diagnosing reduced or low engine power with no Driver Information Center messages, that may be caused by an inaccurate brake pedal position sensor.
PIP5958A
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the process for recording transmission noises using the PicoScope For review
PIP5975A
Feb 2025
Power TrainThis Preliminary information communicates information on what dealer technicians should due if they encounter a broken chain on a CVT transmission
05-03-07-009L
Feb 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
11-00-89-005Y
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.

Showing 60 of 747 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 1 warranty extension for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Malibu →