2015 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively good fuel economy. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 producing 196 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 259 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L hybrid inline-4 producing 182hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Most models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s quiet cabin and user-friendly infotainment system. Common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the electrical system and engine, as well as perceived bland styling.
Engine
2.5L Inline-4
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may also be present.
- Solution: Diagnosis can involve leakdown tests and compression tests to identify if piston rings or valve seals are the cause. Replacement of the piston rings or valve seals may be necessary, or in severe cases, engine replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and a check engine light are common symptoms. Diagnostic codes may indicate misfires in specific cylinders.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack or spark plug. In other cases, fuel injector cleaning or replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine bay, decreased acceleration, and a check engine light. Diagnostic codes may indicate issues with turbocharger boost pressure.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger. Inspection of the oil feed lines and intercooler is recommended to prevent recurrence.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, engine stalling, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the high pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
2.5L Hybrid Inline-4
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the non-hybrid 2.5L, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and a check engine light are common symptoms. Diagnostic codes may indicate misfires in specific cylinders.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack or spark plug. In other cases, fuel injector cleaning or replacement may be required. Also check hybrid components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, and difficulty engaging certain gears.
- Solution: The repair may involve transmission fluid flush, replacement of faulty solenoids, or valve body repair/replacement. In severe cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially when parked for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Thoroughly testing the battery and the charging system. Replacing the battery if needed. The parasitic draw needs to be tracked down to a faulty module, relay, or aftermarket electrical accessories.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The MyLink infotainment system freezes, crashes, or experiences intermittent connectivity issues with Bluetooth or USB devices. The screen may become unresponsive.
- Solution: Performing a system reset or software update. In severe cases, replacement of the infotainment system module may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Key Fob Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Key fob doesn’t unlock or lock the doors, start the vehicle, or activate the alarm.
- Solution: Replacing the key fob battery. In other cases, reprogramming or replacement of the key fob may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing, leading to reduced visibility.
- Solution: Removing the headlight housing and drying it out. Sealing any cracks or leaks in the housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles break easily, especially in colder weather.
- Solution: Replacement of the broken door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to function properly, providing little or no heat.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard develops cracks, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut/Shock Absorber Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid from the struts or shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking struts or shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, while generally a comfortable and spacious sedan, exhibits a range of potential issues. Engine problems, particularly excessive oil consumption in the 2.5L engine and turbocharger issues in the 2.0L, can be costly to repair. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and infotainment malfunctions, are also prevalent. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, making a thorough inspection and maintenance history review essential before purchasing this vehicle.