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Chevrolet · Mid-Size · 2013–2015 Custom Search

Chevrolet Malibu 8

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

253–279 PS

2.0L Turbo I4 Benzin

The Malibu that almost made sense

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

197–200 PS

2.5L Ecotec I4 Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

182 PS

2.4L Ecotec eAssist Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Malibu 8 is available with 2 engine variants — from 182 to 279 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Malibu · Petrol· 197–259 PS Engine Change
2013 2015
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2013 2015
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Malibu Eco · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 182 PS
2013 2014
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Chevrolet Malibu (Petrol, 197–259 PS) comes with 2 different engines: LTG (2013–2015, Be Careful) and LKW (2013–2015, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the Malibu!

The Chevrolet Malibu Eco (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 182 PS) has the LUK (2.4L Ecotec eAssist) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!6T40 2nd/6th gear flare

The 6T40 six-speed shows shift shock and flare on 2nd and 6th gears from valve body debris. Typical on 2013 Malibus past 100k miles.

Symptoms: Flare on upshifts, harsh shifts, slipping
from 160,000 km
Ad 6T40 valve body Malibu 2013
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,541 complaints · 2013–2015
Electrical
574 ⚠ 10
Engine
418 ⚠ 5
Steering
230 ⚠ 13
Other
184 ⚠ 5
Powertrain
144 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (574 complaints)
⚠ Engine (418 complaints)
⚠ Steering (230 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

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BMW 4er F32

Mid-Size (2013–2020)

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Ford Fusion II-US

Mid-Size (2013–2020)

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Honda Accord IX

Mid-Size (2013–2017)

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Lexus ES XV60

Mid-Size (2013–2018)

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Lincoln MKZ II

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Nissan Altima L33

Mid-Size (2013–2018)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Malibu 8 (2013–2015) — 5 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LUK (2.4L Ecotec eAssist). Typical issues affect Gearbox, HVAC, Electronics, Interior. Considered reliable: LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4).

Malibu (LUK, 2013–2014) — Stay Away!: eAssist generator bracket fractures (part 12649651), eAssist HV battery failure (not under warranty), Generator Control Module (GCM) failure. Power: 182 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Malibu? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Malibu 8 have? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 8 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Malibu 8? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4). The most reliable engine is the LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the LTG (2.0L Turbo I4). Problem engine: LUK (2.4L Ecotec eAssist) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Malibu 8 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Chevrolet Malibu 8. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Chevrolet Malibu 8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Malibu 8 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 259 horsepower in a mid-size sedan for Camry money — GM actually built something decent here. The LTG pulls hard, the chassis is surprisingly tidy, and it was briefly a legitimate sport sedan alternative. Intake valve carbon needs attention around 80k miles, but the engine itself is the good one. Shame nobody noticed.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu 8 worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 8 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Malibu 8? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 8 is available with engine variants from 182 to 279 hp. Petrol: LTG (2.0L Turbo I4), LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4), LUK (2.4L Ecotec eAssist).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee