Problems · by component

2017 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

172 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu cite electrical system, 24% of all 727 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
172
24% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle is experiencing an apparent fuel-system malfunction. The vehicle has a very strong raw gasoline odor, significant difficulty starting, and appears to be consuming fuel at an abnormally high rate. After filling the fuel tank completely, I drove approximately 20 miles at most and the fuel gauge decreased by approximately one-quarter of a tank. The engine oil also has a strong gasoline odor, indicating that fuel may be entering the engine oil. The exact failed component has not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The strong raw gasoline odor and apparent rapid loss of fuel create a concern for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. The vehicle also has difficulty starting and shuts the engine off when the automatic stop/start system activates while stopped at a traffic light. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not restart normally when traffic begins moving. I am concerned that the vehicle may have a fuel-system defect similar to the high-pressure fuel pump/fuel-line issue previously recalled on certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibus. No. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed by a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11760675
“When the vehicle is shifted into Park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down. The dashboard displays a "Shift to Park" warning message, indicating the vehicle does not recognize that the gear selector is physically in the Park position.To shut the engine off, the driver must repeatedly wiggle, slam, or cycle the gear shifter back and forth into Park until the electrical sensor finally registers the connection. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle can roll away if left unsecured, drains the car battery, and prevents the doors from locking properly.Crucially, this defect traps drivers inside an operational vehicle for extended periods while they repeatedly struggle to force it to shut down. This poses an immediate risk of heat-related illness or death (hyperthermia), especially in high-temperature environments, during heatwaves, or for vulnerable occupants like children and the elderly who cannot exit the vehicle safely until it is off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11749242
“Shift to park error on dash. GM is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and Chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix this. If it's a known, repetitive issue on several models, it should be a recall. This causes owners to try to fix this issue themselves, which can cause more damage and more money.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 7, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11742521
“The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This situation poses a potential safety concern, as drivers might mistakenly assume their cars are securely parked and powered off while walking away. The issue has been prevalent enough for the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on June 7, 2021. The TSB specifically targets the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, while also mentioning the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and other 2016-2019 Chevrolet models. The bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing the “Shift to Park” problems, although it does not present a definitive solution to the underlying issue. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX IT”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11713855
“Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. WHY is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the P1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or MAF sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The shift to park issue is so common. This is getting ridiculous. Plus the code. Please fix this ASAP.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 30, 2025Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11702122
“When I accelerate and try to stop brakes goes down to the floor. I’ve had my rotors. Brakes changed and it’s impossible to stop at times. Purchase vehicle. 2018 and the check engine light came on shortly after I purchased it. It’s been on. I’ve got diagnostics. It’s unknown why! Tire sensors has been changed, including with new tires and none of them work and the airbag light is illuminated. I am concerned about my safety in this vehicle. I reported many times and I’m unaware of any recalls. Please help.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 13, 2025Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11699188

Showing 6 of 172 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.