2018 Chevrolet Malibu

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a variety of features. It is available with four different engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. The 1.5-liter engine produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-liter engine produces 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter engine produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The Malibu is also available with three different transmission options: a six-speed automatic, an eight-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a reliable car with few major issues. However, there are a few issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• 1.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
  • Intake Valve Deposits
    • Description/Symptoms: Carbon buildup on the intake valves can cause decreased engine performance, rough idling, and stalling.
    • Solution: The intake valves need to be cleaned.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
  • Piston Ring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The piston rings can fail, causing excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the tailpipe.
    • Solution: The engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Six-Speed Automatic
  • Shift Flare
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shift harshly or hesitate when shifting.
    • Solution: The transmission fluid needs to be flushed and replaced. In some cases, the transmission may need to be rebuilt.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Eight-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shudder when accelerating or decelerating.
    • Solution: The torque converter needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • Pulley Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The CVT pulley can fail, causing the transmission to slip or fail completely.
    • Solution: The CVT needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain quickly, even when the car is turned off.
  • Solution: The battery needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Short
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may experience electrical problems, such as flickering lights or power windows that don’t work.
  • Solution: The electrical short needs to be found and repaired.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may rattle or squeak when driving over rough roads.
  • Solution: The dashboard needs to be tightened or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may not work properly, such as not blowing cold air or not defrosting the windshield.
  • Solution: The climate control system needs to be repaired or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a reliable car with few major issues. However, there are a few issues that owners should be aware of, such as intake valve deposits on the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, piston ring failure on the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and torque converter shudder on the eight-speed automatic transmission. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix them can range from $200 to $5,000 or more.