2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan offering a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and decent fuel economy. Engine options included a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 (160 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (250 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.8L inline-4 hybrid powertrain. Owners often praise the Malibu for its smooth ride and user-friendly infotainment system. However, some common complaints include issues with the electronic components, and some engine and transmission issues.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LYX)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This may manifest as low oil level warnings or visible exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: The solution varies depending on the cause. It may involve replacing the PCV valve, piston rings, or even the entire engine in severe cases. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+, depending on the repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Hesitation/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners experience hesitation during acceleration or even stalling, particularly at lower speeds. This can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
  • Solution: Possible causes include a faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor, throttle body issues, or fuel system problems. Diagnostics include checking for fault codes and testing sensor functionality. Cleaning the throttle body and replacing faulty sensors are common solutions.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the failed components and diagnostics.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LTG)

• No Issues Found

Electric Motor

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T40/6T45)

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can be intermittent.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can address the issue. Other potential causes include low transmission fluid level or valve body issues. Replacing the valve body or performing a transmission flush and fluid change might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic (9T50)

• Hesitation/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported hesitation when accelerating, particularly from a stop, and rough or clunky shifts between certain gears.
  • Solution: Some dealers have addressed this with software updates to the transmission control module (TCM). Other potential issues could be related to valve body issues or internal wear.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MyLink infotainment system can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or crash, requiring a restart. This can affect navigation, audio, and other features.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealer can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1000+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking for parasitic draws in the electrical system. Potential causes include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera. The screen may display a black image or a distorted view.
  • Solution: Check the wiring connections to the camera. If the wiring is intact, the camera module itself may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to operate, either intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Check the wiring harness and connections to the seat heater elements. A faulty seat heater element or control module may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, while generally reliable, has some reported issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The 1.5L turbo engine seems to have oil consumption issues that are quite costly and need to be looked out for. Infotainment system glitches and battery drain are also relatively common electrical problems. While some of these issues may be minor and easily resolved with software updates, others, such as engine issues, can be more significant and costly to repair. It’s advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to check for these potential problems before purchasing a used 2018 Malibu.