2019 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan offering a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Engine options include a 1.5L Turbocharged inline-4 producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L Turbocharged inline-4 producing 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5L engine is paired with a CVT transmission, while the 2.0L engine comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Malibu’s spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and smooth ride. Common dislikes include the somewhat uninspired styling and the occasional reliability concerns, particularly with the infotainment system and some engine components.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report higher-than-normal oil consumption, sometimes requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms can include a burning oil smell, blue smoke from the exhaust, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: In some cases, replacement of the PCV valve has resolved the issue. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200 (PCV Valve), $2,000 - $4,000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger, including loss of boost pressure, whistling noises, and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the turbocharger system is required, which may involve replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (Paired with 1.5L Engine)

• Hesitation and Jerky Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners experience hesitation or jerky acceleration, especially during low-speed maneuvers or when attempting to accelerate quickly. The transmission may feel sluggish or unresponsive.
  • Solution: A software update may improve the transmission’s performance. In some cases, a transmission replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (Software Update), $3,000 - $5,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic (Paired with 2.0L Engine)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of harsh or erratic shifting, especially between certain gears. This can manifest as jolts or clunks during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Could be caused by low transmission fluid level, a damaged valve body, or worn clutch packs. Fluid changes and software flashes have been reported to fix it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (Fluid Change), $800-$1,500+ (Valve Body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: A software update may fix the issue. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update), $500 - $1,500+ (Infotainment Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, frequent jump starts, or warning lights.
  • Solution: Proper diagnosis of the electrical system is required to find the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (Battery Replacement), $100 - $1,000+ (Parasitic Draw Diagnosis and Repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, while generally a comfortable and practical sedan, does exhibit some common issues. The 1.5L engine can be prone to excessive oil consumption, which can lead to expensive repairs. The CVT transmission paired with the 1.5L engine sometimes suffers from hesitation issues. The infotainment system can also experience freezing and crashing, creating a frustrating user experience. While not all Malibus will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider having the car thoroughly inspected before purchasing. The severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs, with estimated repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage.