Model years covered: 2016-2024
About Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law Claims
Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law Statistics
- Estimated Annual Claims: 2,800+
- Success Rate: 71%
- Average Settlement: $22,000-$35,000
- Most Common Outcome: Vehicle buyback or engine replacement
Known Chevrolet Malibu Defects
- 1.5L Turbo Engine Oil Consumption & Failure (high severity, 2016-2022): The 1.5L turbo consumes oil at alarming rates — often 1 quart per 1,000 miles. In severe cases, the engine seizes from oil starvation. NHTSA Complaints: 1,280. Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, Low oil pressure warning, Engine knocking, Complete engine failure.
- CVT Transmission Jerking & Hesitation (high severity, 2019-2024): The CVT exhibits jerking, hesitation from stops, and shuddering during acceleration. NHTSA Complaints: 680. Symptoms: Jerking from stop, Hesitation on acceleration, Shuddering at low speeds, Loss of power.
- Steering Assist Reduced Warning (high severity, 2016-2023): Electric power steering intermittently fails, making steering extremely heavy at any speed. NHTSA Complaints: 520. Symptoms: Steering assist warning, Heavy steering effort, Steering wheel jerks, Warning appears randomly.
Chevrolet Malibu Recall History
Total recalls: 20
Over 20 recalls including 1.5L engine piston ring issues, brake caliper bolt failures, and airbag deployment concerns.
View all Chevrolet recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for Chevrolet Malibu
Over 120 TSBs addressing oil consumption (PIP5570), CVT calibration (PIP5812), and steering module replacements (PIP5634).
Class Actions & Litigation: Chevrolet Malibu
GM faced Counts v. General Motors class action regarding 1.5L turbo oil consumption. Multiple state AG offices investigated Malibu engine complaints.
State Lemon Law Notes for Chevrolet Malibu
- California: Numerous Malibu buybacks for 1.5L oil consumption. Even a single engine replacement can support a claim if defect recurs.
- Ohio: OH covers within 1 year/18,000 miles. Steering assist failure is a common qualifying safety defect.
- Illinois: Many Malibu claims for engine and transmission defects in 2016-2020 models.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law
Is the Chevy Malibu 1.5L engine oil consumption a lemon law defect?
Yes, excessive oil consumption leading to engine damage is a substantial defect. GM's extended warranty acknowledgment strengthens claims.
Did GM extend the Malibu warranty for engine problems?
Yes, GM extended powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles for 2016-2020 models with 1.5L turbo oil consumption.
Is the 'Steering Assist Reduced' warning a safety defect?
Absolutely. Loss of power steering at highway speeds is a serious safety hazard qualifying with fewer repair attempts.
My Malibu is paid off — can I still file?
Yes, you can file regardless of loan status. Successful claims pay the original purchase price minus mileage offset.
References & Sources
- — NHTSA
- Counts v. General Motors — ClassAction.org
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