# Chevrolet Malibu check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 666 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (186) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 666 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chevrolet Malibu (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (186). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chevrolet Malibu check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 37 | 270 | 14% | | 2016 | 186 | 865 | 22% | | 2017 | 170 | 727 | 23% | | 2018 | 154 | 700 | 22% | | 2019 | 32 | 193 | 17% | | 2020 | 42 | 200 | 21% | | 2021 | 8 | 90 | 9% | | 2022 | 27 | 99 | 27% | | 2023 | 10 | 73 | 14% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chevrolet Malibu recalls related to the check engine light **[20V668000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V668000)** (2018 models, reported 2020-10-29): Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. **[18V358000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V358000)** (2016-2018 models, reported 2018-05-31): A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Malibu owners report - "After a few drive cycles, engine light may go off, then next drive cycle come back on. I've seen this is a common issue and has been recalled in previous year model." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "The Chevy Malibu turbo is malfunctioning and making a loud noise when driving also bringing up the engine light with codes" -- owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "But later that day on 4/21 my engine light came out and my car started having problems. When ran a diagnostic it gave a code for the fuel injection" -- owner of a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Malibu check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (20V668000, 18V358000) covering 2016-2018 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Malibu model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 186 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Malibu with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Malibu has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-malibu): 22 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-malibu): 53 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-malibu): 63 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-malibu): 14 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu): 134 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Chevrolet Malibu - [Chevrolet Malibu specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.