2020 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan offering a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Engine choices 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. Most drivers appreciate its spacious interior and user-friendly infotainment system, while some find the base engine underpowered and the styling somewhat bland.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LYX)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Visible blue smoke from the exhaust may also be present.
  • Solution: The fix can range from replacing the PCV valve to piston ring replacement or complete engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises (whining or whistling) from the engine, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LTG)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (VT40E) paired with 1.5L Engine

• Transmission Jerking/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT transmission exhibits jerking, hesitation, or rough shifting, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. This is most commonly experienced when cold.
  • Solution: Software updates and potentially CVT replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (9T50) paired with 2.0L Engine

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable harsh or abrupt shifts between gears.
  • Solution: Software update to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and potentially transmission replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Blank Screen, Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Solution: Software update, screen replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dying prematurely, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify parasitic drain, replacement of faulty modules, or battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly or resealing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater fails to operate or heats unevenly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Summary:

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu presents a mix of potential issues. The 1.5L turbo engine and CVT transmission seem to be the source of many complaints, specifically regarding oil consumption and transmission performance, while the 2.0L engine and 9-speed transmission are relatively reliable. Electrical issues related to the infotainment system and battery drain are also prevalent. While not all Malibus will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of them and factor in potential repair costs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs, with estimated costs varying accordingly, but not all components have issues.