2015 Chevrolet Malibu

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan available with a range of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder producing 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder is also available, producing 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic for the 2.5L engine and a 6-speed automatic or 8-speed automatic for the 2.0L engine.

Overall, the 2015 Malibu is known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced infotainment system. However, it has also been reported to have some common issues.

Engine

2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: #16V430000
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy engine, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800
  • Recalls: #17V504000
• Water Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine

• Turbocharger Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive oil consumption, loud whining sound
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, reduced engine power, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace high-pressure fuel pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed acceleration
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shuddering and Hesitation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky shifting, delayed acceleration
  • Solution: Update transmission software
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100
  • Recalls: #16V429000

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise while driving over bumps, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor handling, bouncing rear end
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Harness Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as failing lights or power windows
  • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace electrical harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Trunk Lid Misalignment:
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk lid does not close correctly
  • Solution: Adjust trunk lid hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Malfunctions:
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, frozen display, audio playback issues
  • Solution: Reset infotainment system, update software, or replace components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Seat Belt Buckle Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear seat belt buckle does not latch or release
  • Solution: Replace rear seat belt buckle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: #17V376000

Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has been reported to have some common issues, particularly with its engine and suspension components. While some issues can be minor and inexpensive to fix, others, such as turbocharger or transmission failures, can be more severe and costly. It is important for potential buyers and current owners to be aware of these potential issues and to factor their potential costs into their decision-making process.