2015 Chevrolet Malibu — Known Issues & Recalls

While driving and attempting to stop to make a turn, you heard a popping sound from your vehicle before it lost power and stalled. When you restarted it, the car wouldn't move or respond properly. A dealer diagnosed the problem as transmission failure. This happened at approximately 179,000 miles.

Your car suddenly stopped completely while driving at 40 MPH, and then refused to go into reverse. A mechanic diagnosed this as a transmission failure that requires a full transmission replacement. This happened at 151,884 miles.

Your car has shut off unexpectedly while driving multiple times, with diagnostic codes pointing to a rocker arm problem. This appears to be a recurring issue affecting 2014-2015 Malibu and Impala models. The owner believes this warrants a manufacturer recall rather than an out-of-pocket repair. Fixing this will likely involve inspecting and replacing the rocker arm and related valve train components.

Your transmission failed suddenly while you were driving in traffic. The transmission stopped working properly, which would have left you unable to control your vehicle's power delivery.

Your car stalled while driving at low speed and approaching a stop, and your power steering warning light came on. When the steering lost power, your car veered to the left. A mechanic determined that your transmission control module had failed. The repair would likely involve replacing the transmission control module, which controls how your transmission shifts and operates.

Your car suddenly stopped while you were driving at 45 mph, though you were able to get it moving again. A mechanic determined that your torque converter (the part that transfers power from the engine to the transmission) had failed and needs to be replaced. During the incident, your front passenger hit the dashboard and bruised their knee and finger, but no medical treatment was required.

While driving at highway speed (75 mph), your transmission suddenly downshifted into first gear, causing your car to slow down abruptly without warning. This happened at 141,000 miles, and the cause hasn't been identified yet. You may need to have a transmission specialist diagnose whether this is a shift solenoid malfunction, transmission fluid issue, or internal transmission damage.

While driving with your daughter and granddaughter in the car, your dashboard warned that engine power was reducing and limited your speed to 25 mph. The skid control warning light came on, and your car began slowing down on its own before stopping completely on the road. After restarting the car, you were able to drive home. The check engine light also came on. This issue may be related to an electrical or engine control system problem that could require diagnostic scanning and potential repairs to the engine control module or related sensors.

Your car's engine tried to start on its own while the key was in the off position, with no warning lights appearing. This happened at around 150,000 miles. The dealer couldn't diagnose or fix the problem. A technician will need to inspect your ignition switch and electrical system to prevent accidental starting.

While driving on the interstate, your engine power reduced warning light came on twice. The car remained driveable but felt like it might stall, so you moved to slower roads. You're now concerned about driving it again due to this unpredictable behavior.

Your car's engine power reduced warning light came on after you've been noticing slight hesitation while driving for a couple of months. The light appeared while driving on the interstate, and you were able to limp home at slower speeds, but you're now hesitant to drive the car long distances. The issue likely involves a diagnostic scan to identify the underlying cause, which could range from a faulty sensor to fuel system or ignition problems.

Your car repeatedly stalls while accelerating and when shifting gears, and the dashboard lights, radio, and other electrical systems restart at the same time. This happens especially at stop lights when the auto stop feature is engaged. You also have to jump-start the car daily even after replacing the battery and alternator multiple times. The problem started shortly after you bought the car in 2022 and has persisted despite multiple visits to Chevy and other repair shops. The issue likely involves a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or engine control module (ECM) that needs replacement or reprogramming.

Your seatbelt passes through a slot in the B-pillar (the support beam between your front and rear doors) that has a sharp, unrounded edge. This sharp edge is fraying and cutting the nylon fibers of your seatbelt as it slides in and out, particularly on the side that faces forward. A mechanic has indicated this appears to be a design flaw, and the damaged seatbelt may not provide adequate protection in a crash if significant force is applied to it. The fix would likely involve rounding or covering the sharp edge in the B-pillar slot, or replacing the seatbelt assembly if damage is severe.

Your service airbag light comes on and off intermittently. Additionally, your passenger airbag keeps turning on and off, which means it may not deploy properly if needed in a crash. This indicates an electrical or sensor problem in your airbag system that needs professional diagnosis.

Your car's engine sometimes shuts off while you're driving without warning, leaving you without power steering to safely pull over. When the auto stop-start feature activates at red lights, your headlights, turn signals, and radio flicker off and back on as the car restarts—and the engine may stall when you try to accelerate. You've replaced both batteries and had the electrical system tested, but a mechanic suspects the issue is a faulty engine control computer (ECU), which they've seen cause identical problems in multiple cars of your model year.

Your car was involved in a crash, and there may be an issue with the airbags or seat belts. The specific problem isn't clearly documented in this report. You should have a certified technician inspect these safety systems immediately to ensure they're functioning properly.

Your car's wheel hub sensors may be sending incorrect speed readings to the vehicle's computer, causing it to think you're going 200 mph and forcing the engine to cut power unexpectedly. This can also lock your steering wheel, making it difficult to steer away from traffic—creating a serious safety hazard. The dual battery system may trigger false battery warning messages even when the alternator is working properly, and the stop-start feature can cause the radio to cut out and restart when you release the brake pedal. Fixes would likely involve replacing the faulty wheel speed sensors, having the battery system and alternator tested, and possibly updating or recalibrating the stop-start system software.

Your car stalls whenever you come to a stop, and the check engine light displays error code P305F. You've already replaced the battery twice, tried multiple sensors, and spent thousands of dollars at different repair shops, but the problem persists even though you've fixed everything the error code points to. Your car won't pass inspection with this check engine light on. Resolving this will likely require diagnostic testing to identify an underlying electrical or engine control issue that the standard error code isn't catching.

Your car displays a "Reduced Engine Power" warning that suddenly limits your speed to 20-25 mph regardless of how hard you press the gas pedal. The only way to clear this warning is with a diagnostic scan tool, but it returns shortly after. The scan tool indicates a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, but replacing it hasn't permanently solved the problem—the same warning and sensor fault reappear even after installing a second new sensor.

Your trunk latch isn't working properly — when you press the button to close it, the trunk won't lock. Without a manual keyhole option, you can't secure the trunk any other way. The trunk latch assembly will likely need to be inspected and repaired or replaced to restore proper locking function.