66 of the 1,416 complaints about the Chevrolet Malibu (4.7%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #5 problem area. That share is 0.8× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
66Complaints · Brakes
4.7%Share of complaints
0.77×vs. all vehicles
19Last 12 months
15.2%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
19 Brakes complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 19 in the 12 months before — virtually unchanged.
10 of these reports (15.2%) describe a crash or fire, with 5 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 18V576000 (2018-08-30, model year 2018).
The brake booster unit, vacuum pump , brake light switch failed and malfunctioned and it is available. My safety and others on the road was at risk due to brakes being stiff and hard as a brick. Possibly nearly hit an other vehicles on the road.
Brakes · 2025-12-01 · ODI 11702328 · Crash
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning light was illuminated.
Brakes · 2025-04-29 · ODI 11657450 · Crash
Brake pedal assembly on 2024 Chevrolet Malibu became loose and wobbly under normal driving conditions at 36,300 miles. Dealer refused warranty repair."
Brakes · 2026-10-12 · ODI 11770657
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake.
Brakes · 2026-09-08 · ODI 11762742
While driving my 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on the freeway, I experienced a loss of braking. This created a serious safety hazard because I was unable to stop the vehicle normally. The vehicle had previously displayed a check-engine warning.
Brakes · 2026-09-03 · ODI 11762044
I have a failed vacuum pump which caused my braking ability to be 100% reliant on my own strength to be able to “safely” stop the car. This is an ongoing and common problem with GM yet they have not recalled or given any solution.
Brakes · 2026-08-23 · ODI 11758956
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 18V576000 · 2018-08-30 · Model years: 2018
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
