TireKick

Reported years

Electrical System owner reports: Chevrolet Malibu years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“Blower motor area caught fire while sitting in the driveway. Car door was opened about 20 minutes prior to my security camera catching smoke billowing from the vehicle”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“I was driving and car suddenly reduced speed,engine light came on and message came across dash “engine power reduced” and a text was sent to tell me I have a transmission issue. Now car won’t drive past 25-30mph dealership indicated this is a faulty gas pedal which cost over $600 to repair. Did my research and this is apparently a “known” problem common in 2016-2022. Vehicles but is not an official recall. Also dealership said only “certain” vin numbers with this problem are covered. I have a 2021 and I am not one of them. Not fair. It’s a known problem it should be fixed.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“I went to do an errand pulled in to parking spot put car into park shut it off. Car dash repeatedly said put car into park. All dash lights, would go on from left to right and shut off, this included the center console. I tried over and over to start car and shift but it wouldn’t go. It just kept repeating shift into park. It took 95 mins before the car would start. Then the RPMS would rev way past what they should. I lived 30 miles away. I made it home slowly. The next morning I took to my son tha is a GM certified mechanic. I’m not sure what he did but it’s running smoothly again.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“Vehicle has a repeated issue recognizing that it is in park when trying to turn vehicle off. This causes concern that the vehicle may not actually be in park, will not fully power down therefore draining the battery and leaving driver stranded, or lead to other body control module/shifting problems. This is a known issue with GM spanning multiple years and multiple models. The only official fix is to replace the entire shifter assembly with an updated version which can be a couple of thousand dollars. GM refuses to cover the cost knowing that they installed a faulty part during assembly.”
NHTSAcomplaintDec 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“Dear NHTSA: I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN [XXX] ), is included in Emission Recall N252516900 issued by General Motors concerning the Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Despite that inclusion, I have experienced the following: - A prior near-fatal incident in 2023 when the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while stopped at a red light (engine stall) due to the root defect. - The dealer has informed me I now need a new 12-V battery (just over one year old), a new AC compressor, and a new drive/serpentine belt. - The defect referenced in the recall (interruption of fuel flow) is reasonably the root cause of these consequential failures (battery stress, accessory drive stress). - I have been without the vehicle for 11 days, have not been provided adequate interim mobility support, and have not received timely resolution from GM under my Case #XXX (agent Jasmine who has followed her company's protocol while remaining helpful and empathetic; supervisor Stephanie called October 17, 2025). Requested relief: 1. That GM be required to pay for the recall work (module replacement) **and** reimburse/cover the consequential damage (battery, compressor, belt). 2. Interim remedy: loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement for days without vehicle. 3. Acknowledgment of the safety risk posed by the defect and record of the stall incident. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintOct 2025Open source record