2020 Chevrolet Malibu problems

“While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash.…”

“The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter. When shifting the physical gear lever forward into the "Park" position and attempting to shut off the engine, a warning message reading "Action Required: Shift to Park" appears on the driver instrument dashboard display.This exact failure previously occurred in 2022, two years after purchasing the vehicle. It was formally repaired and covered under an extended warranty policy. However, the underlying manufacturer defect has recurred, proving that the extended warranty repair did not permanently resolve the systemic design flaw.The vehicle was contacted, and an authorized service dealer location in Phoenix, Arizona was notified of the recurrence. The dealer advised that because the vehicle is no longer under warranty coverage, the manufacturer will not cover the repair, and it must be paid entirely out-of-pocket. This creates an unfair financial burden as the vehicle is nearing its final loan payoff timeline at the end of the year. The component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon…”

“My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis‑related diagnostic trouble codes, including: B3979, U0164, B1325, B3122, U0121, C0196, C0460, B1011, B097B, B3205, C056E, C056D, U0420, U1510, C0545, U0422. These codes indicate failures in the steering system, brake control module, stability control system, body control module, and multiple CAN‑bus communication networks. The dealership confirmed: – No physical damage – No evidence of collision or impact – No evidence of flood damage – The suspected failed component is the electric power steering rack (GM part 85621696) – The part is not available, meaning the vehicle cannot be repaired – I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs This is a major safety concern. The vehicle can lose steering assist, stability control,…”

“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. This is unsafe and should be illegal. I have now an underwater car loan and still a non-drivable car because not only do i have to repair the vacuum pump but also the camshaft exhaust as well as timing chain. All of these repairs are things GM willingly hides from customers if they already knew this was an issue.”

“May 7, 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Safety Defect Complaint – Brake System / Vehicle Control Concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to Reed-Lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and…”

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the message "Steering Assist Reduced - Drive with Care" was intermittently displayed on the instrument panel while driving. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. In addition, the message "Service ESC" was displayed, and the steering failure became more frequent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact declined the diagnostic test.”