Chevrolet Malibu Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 406 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Chevrolet Malibu across 26 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (56). The words owners use most often: “fuel pump” (28% of reports).
- 406fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $1,150typical repair cost reported by owners
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel pump: mentioned in 114 of 406 complaints (28%)
- Gas gauge: mentioned in 27 of 406 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the Chevrolet Malibu at $1,150, and half of them between $820 and $1,500.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2015), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 267 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 406 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 1 an injury.
Chevrolet Malibu fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Malibu | 2 | 3% | 50,000 |
| 2022 Malibu | 2 | 2% | 53,500 |
| 2021 Malibu | 2 | 2% | 72,000 |
| 2020 Malibu | 4 | 2% | 100,200 |
| 2019 Malibu | 1 | 1% | 96,000 |
| 2018 Malibu | 17 | 2% | 76,000 |
| 2017 Malibu | 3 | 0% | 40,000 |
| 2016 Malibu | 3 | 0% | 56,575 |
| 2014 Malibu | 2 | 1% | 26,000 |
| 2013 Malibu | 2 | 0% | 4,041 |
| 2012 Malibu | 5 | 1% | 77,000 |
| 2011 Malibu | 5 | 1% | 66,163 |
| 2010 Malibu | 8 | 1% | 36,000 |
| 2009 Malibu | 5 | 0% | 83,000 |
| 2008 Malibu | 9 | 1% | 70,850 |
| 2007 Malibu | 47 | 5% | 68,000 |
| 2006 Malibu | 41 | 4% | 80,000 |
| 2005 Malibu | 37 | 4% | 78,000 |
| 2004 Malibu | 14 | 1% | 75,000 |
| 2003 Malibu | 24 | 4% | 84,000 |
| 2002 Malibu | 22 | 4% | 62,570 |
| 2001 Malibu | 24 | 3% | 62,000 |
| 2000 Malibu | 56 | 6% | 46,500 |
| 1999 Malibu | 29 | 4% | 77,500 |
| 1998 Malibu | 30 | 3% | 145,500 |
| 1997 Malibu | 12 | 3% | 125,358 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine; electrical system:software; fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectors
Model years: 2018
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Risk: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 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 18188.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 2000
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel fill fitting is not properly secured to the fuel tank. In that condition, fuel leakage would exceed the permissible amount in an fmvss test. Fuel leaks may occur, particularly after refueling or when the tank is more than half full.
Risk: If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I believe my fuel pump was cracked
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, requiring the…
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine started to choke. The Service Vehicle light remained illuminated after the other lights turned off. The engine started choking again and…
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and entered reduced power mode. The Check Engine and the reduced power mode warning lights were illuminated. Additionally…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Malibus have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 406 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Chevrolet Malibu. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Malibu fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,150 (half paid between $820 and $1,500), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Chevrolet Malibu?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel pump”, in 114 of 406 complaints, followed by “gas gauge” (27).
Other Chevrolet Malibu problems
- Steering problems (5,556)
- Electrical System problems (4,722)
- Engine problems (2,168)
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,924)
- Power Train problems (1,666)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (1,315)
- Electronic Stability Control (esc) problems (1,236)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,181)
See all Chevrolet Malibu problems.