Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Chevrolet · Mid-Size · 2016–2024 Custom Search

Chevrolet Malibu IX

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

182 PS

1.8L Atkinson Hybrid Benzin

Underrated — discontinued too early

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

197–200 PS

2.5L Ecotec I4 Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

163 PS

1.5L Turbo I4 Benzin

4 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Malibu IX is available with 3 engine variants — from 163 to 279 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Malibu · Petrol· 163–197 PS Engine Change
2016 2018
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2016 2024
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Malibu Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 182 PS
2016 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Malibu Premier · Petrol· 250 PS
2016 2022
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Chevrolet Malibu (Petrol, 163–197 PS) comes with 2 different engines: LKW (2016–2018, Good Choice) and LFV (2016–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the Malibu!

The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 182 PS) has the LKU (1.8L Atkinson Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Chevrolet Malibu Premier (Petrol, 250 PS) has the LTG (2.0L Turbo I4) — rated: "Be Careful".

Explore more

All Chevrolet models
Citroën C5 X I Mid-Size (2022–2026)
Genesis G70 IK-FL Mid-Size (2022–2025)
Hyundai Ioniq 6 CE Mid-Size (2022–2026)
Acura TLX UB2 Mid-Size (2021–2025)
BMW i4 G26 Mid-Size (2021–2026)
Kia K5 DL3 Mid-Size (2021–2024)

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖'Shift to Park' defect — class action

2016–2019 Malibu shows 'Shift to Park' warning even when already in P. Car won't shut off, doors won't lock. Cause: silicone contamination on the shifter sensor. Settled class action, $500 pro rata + $375 reimbursement.

Symptoms: 'Shift to Park' message in P, car won't lock, engine keeps running
from 25,000 km
Ad shifter assembly Malibu 2016-2019shifter assembly Malibu IX
 Medium
✖'Engine Power Reduced' — APP/throttle class action

2016–2018 Malibu: sudden 'Engine Power Reduced' error and power drop while driving. Electronic throttle or APP sensor defect. Hutchinson v. GM class action. 171 NHTSA complaints on 2018 MY, averaging 15,387 mi.

Symptoms: Sudden power loss, drop to ~20 mph, 'Engine Power Reduced' message
from 52,000 km
Ad APP sensor Malibu 2016-201822879313 APP sensor GM
 Medium
●Stop/start kills both batteries (9th gen)

The 9th gen auto stop/start system destroys main and 12V aux battery. P305F Dual Battery Control Module code. Both batteries must be replaced together plus sensor calibration.

Symptoms: Stop/start disables, P305F, battery warning
from 90,000 km
Ad dual battery Malibu 2016-2024AGM main + AGM aux battery Malibu
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,761 complaints · 2016–2024
Engine
974 ⚠ 13
Electrical
751 ⚠ 12
Powertrain
642 ⚠ 8
Other
599 ⚠ 6
Cruise Control
433 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (974 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (751 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (642 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

Same Segment

Citroën C5 X I

Mid-Size (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Genesis G70 IK-FL

Mid-Size (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Hyundai Ioniq 6 CE

Mid-Size (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Acura TLX UB2

Mid-Size (2021–2025)

Same Segment

BMW i4 G26

Mid-Size (2021–2026)

Same Segment

Kia K5 DL3

Mid-Size (2021–2024)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Malibu IX (2016–2024) — 10 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LFV (1.5L Turbo I4). Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, HVAC, Interior. Considered reliable: LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4).

Malibu (LFV, 2016–2024) — Stay Away!: LSPI piston damage (1.5L LFV), Coolant loss and air pockets at intake manifold (LFV), 'Engine Power Reduced' — throttle/APP sensor class action. Power: 163 PS.

Malibu (LKU, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: HV battery cooling fan failure (P0BC9), HV battery degradation (75–100k mi), 12V trunk battery dies early. 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 IX have? +
The Chevrolet Malibu IX has 10 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Malibu IX? +
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 LKU (1.8L Atkinson Hybrid). Problem engine: LFV (1.5L Turbo I4) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Malibu IX engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Chevrolet Malibu IX. 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 IX engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Malibu IX — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Chevy took the Voltec two-motor eCVT from the first-gen Volt, paired it with an Atkinson-cycle 1.8, and got 47 mpg out of a full-size sedan in 2016. That is genuinely impressive. The battery pack cooling fan throws P0BC9 codes, the 12V in the trunk dies early, and GM killed it after 2019. The surprise entry of the Malibu lineup, gone before anyone figured out it was good.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu IX worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Malibu IX requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Malibu IX? +
The Chevrolet Malibu IX is available with engine variants from 163 to 279 hp. Petrol: LTG (2.0L Turbo I4), LKW (2.5L Ecotec I4), LFV (1.5L Turbo I4), LKU (1.8L Atkinson Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee