2020 Chevrolet Malibu

2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)

• SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints (15)

• SERVICE BRAKES

  I have a failed vacuum pump which caused my braking ability to be 100% reliant on my own strength to be able to “safely” stop the car. This is an ongoing and common problem with GM yet they have not recalled or given any solution. This is unsafe and should be illegal. I have now an underwater car loan and still a non-drivable car because not only do i have to repair the vacuum pump but also the camshaft exhaust as well as timing chain. All of these repairs are things GM willingly hides from customers if they already knew this was an issue.

• STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis‑related diagnostic trouble codes, including: B3979, U0164, B1325, B3122, U0121, C0196, C0460, B1011, B097B, B3205, C056E, C056D, U0420, U1510, C0545, U0422. These codes indicate failures in the steering system, brake control module, stability control system, body control module, and multiple CAN‑bus communication networks. The dealership confirmed: – No physical damage – No evidence of collision or impact – No evidence of flood damage – The suspected failed component is the electric power steering rack (GM part 85621696) – The part is not available, meaning the vehicle cannot be repaired – I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs This is a major safety concern. The vehicle can lose steering assist, stability control, and braking support without warning. The inability to obtain the required steering component makes the vehicle unrepairable and unsafe to operate. I am reporting this because this appears to be a systemic electrical/network failure affecting critical safety systems. I believe this defect poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and other motorists. The attached photo is a is a picture of the printout the Chevrolet dealership Service Manager provided to me.

• STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to pull over for my safety and other drivers safety, so after I pulled over safely I shut my car completely off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on when it turned back on the only light that popped on my dash was the check engine light, but the check engine light had actually been on the dash for a while after I replaced the 21 fuses that were missing that I didn't know were missing when I purchased the vehicle as is from a dealership the only thing that made me decide to check my fuses was because my check engine light was popping on and off and would stay off for a while then come back on a code reader said it was something to do with my turbo that code it was just very odd and the car was shifting weird 3 or 4 months after the purchase date XXX also after I put all the fuses back in a ton of codes popped up others safety and mine were at risk as I didn't really have control of my vehicle when it was doing that and it started breaking itself when I wasn't even hitting the break it was like jolting it's self and stopping slightly. I took my car to AAMCO Total car Care for a free diagnostic test, and then I had recently took my car to a Chevy dealership in Nampa Idaho off garrity boulevard because online it had told me there was recalls for my car and that recall was exactly what I was thinking had started off as the original problem originally leading into the other problems I got told to bring my car in then the fed me information saying pretty much it was a bust and that specific Malibu has no recall I think they just didn't want to work on it

• POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle into park, the transmission failed to shift into park after several attempts. The contact referenced TSB: 19-NA-206; as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the TSB. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with gear shifter failure. The gear shifter was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,198.

• POWER TRAIN

  While attempting to enter a high-speed expressway, the transmission malfunctioned, preventing normal acceleration. The vehicle could only accelerate very slowly but managed to maintain a limited speed, creating a hazardous situation while trying to merge into fast-moving traffic. I was able to navigate the vehicle off the expressway, at which point the transmission completely failed and the vehicle died. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership service center, where technicians diagnosed a total internal failure of the CVT transmission requiring complete replacement. Mind you, the vehicle is under 6 years old and has fewer than 90,000 total miles, and this is the second time the transmission on this vehicle has suffered a total failure and required a complete replacement. Prior to this mechanical breakdown, there were no warning lights, abnormal symptoms, or performance issues indicating an impending transmission failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

• SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash. I believe this represents a serious safety defect because failure of the vacuum pump significantly impairs the driver’s ability to stop the vehicle safely. I understand GM has issued service information regarding vacuum pump failures on this engine, and I am submitting this complaint because I believe other drivers may experience the same dangerous brake failure.

• POWER TRAIN

  Ejesitais to shift. Most of the times. Also shif to park when is o ready park.

• POWER TRAIN

  Shift to park displaying when car is in park so it won't turn off and stalling out randomly with no warning or anything and being hesitant to go

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  May 7, 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Safety Defect Complaint – Brake System / Vehicle Control Concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to Reed-Lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and increased risk of failure. Given the nature of the symptoms involving braking and vehicle control, I request review for potential safety-related investigation. Vehicle Information: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu VIN: Mileage:

• SERVICE BRAKES

  To Whom It May Concern, ​I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. This defect resulted in a life-threatening incident while I was driving on the highway, during which my vehicle failed to stop as required. ​While operating at highway speeds, the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress, making it nearly impossible to decelerate or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This sudden loss of power assist forced me to manage an incredibly dangerous situation in high-speed traffic. Based on the symptoms, I am concerned that the brake booster vacuum pump has suffered an internal failure, a documented issue for this model year where oil sludge or debris causes the pump to seize. ​In addition to the physical resistance of the pedal, I am concerned about the reliability of the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). The failure experienced on the highway demonstrates that this vehicle is unsafe for public roads, as the force required to engage the brakes in an emergency is far beyond safe operating standards. ​I request that the NHTSA investigate this brake failure and determine if a mandatory recall is necessary to prevent similar incidents from resulting in catastrophic collisions. ​Please contact me if you require further information Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Vehicle stalled/lost power while driving due to auto start/stop system.

• SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue that occurred with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT on April 27th 2026. While driving on the interstate after work, my vehicle suddenly experienced a failure that made it extremely unsafe to operate. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle did not want to slow down or stop properly. This created a very dangerous situation while I was driving at highway speeds. Additionally, I noticed that nearly all of the engine oil was gone, which is extremely concerning and may be related to the failure. Based on these symptoms, it appears the vacuum pump may have failed while the vehicle was in motion. This issue placed me at significant risk of an accident and could have resulted in serious injury. I am requesting an immediate investigation into this matter and assistance with repairs. I would also like to know if there are any recalls, known defects, or extended warranties related to this issue. Please advise on the next steps as soon as possible, as the vehicle is currently unsafe to drive.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  When braking, the vehicle experiences a system failure. There is a loud impact, the dashboard shuts down, warning lights activate all gauges go to the left, and the vehicle loses power and enters a reduced speed mode before recovering. This has been ongoing and creates a dangerous driving condition. The dealership has had the vehicle over four months and has not diagnosed or repaired the issue. Please Note: I have attached the invoice sent to me on April 17, 2026, via email. The information in section 3 had been changed while I was sitting there. It originally state, engine repair needed. It said absolutely nothing about the reason I was there, which was what I am now describing. The description in section 3, has been worded incorrectly. It states I said, when coming to a stop, but it is not only when coming to a stop, but even if I am in flowing traffic and have to touch my brakes to slow down at any given time, there is a loud thump sound and a jolt, all of the dash lights come on, all the gauges go to the left, the warning lights are on and it has to sit there, not for a few seconds, but until those lights go back off and then it will move very slowly, until it decides to gain power. You have no warnings as to when it will happen or when the car will regain speed when it does happen. I gave pictures of the dash on April 17, 2026, as well and these pictures have the date December 31, 2025, on them. As I was having the issue while driving it to the dealership for repair. The invoice mentions [XXX] . I do not know her and have never met her. I only spoke with a man. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stopped at a traffic signal and after depressing the accelerator pedal when the light changed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH while accelerating. The contact stopped and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, the battery was replaced, and the system was reset; however, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  Reduced Engine Power Light: The car limits acceleration, often accompanied by a check engine light. Stalling or Hesitation: Engine stalls or acts sluggish when accelerating, particularly in traffic. Limp Mode: The vehicle restricts speed, making it difficult to accelerate. The car stop working in the middle of the freeway and I was in the car with my child when it stop acceleration all gages in the car were going crazy, car was shaking bad finally car turn off. I was able to make it to the emergency lane of the freeway. There's similar complaints for 2020 Chevy Malibu but no recall has been done. Per my research it looks like a lot of this type of vehicles have problems with throttle body causing Engine stalls. Do the right thing and open up a vehicle recall, thank you!