Lemon law options for Chevrolet Malibu owners with persistent defects
Model years covered: 2016-2024
About Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law Claims
The Chevrolet Malibu has been one of America's best-selling midsize sedans, but the 9th generation (2016-2024) has generated over 3,500 NHTSA complaints for serious defects. From the problematic 1.5L turbo engine with excessive oil consumption to transmission failures and steering issues, many Malibu owners have faced repeated trips to the dealer without resolution.
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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.
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 Lemon Law Attorneys: Numerous Malibu buybacks for 1.5L oil consumption. Even a single engine replacement can support a claim if defect recurs.
Ohio Lemon Law Attorneys: OH covers within 1 year/18,000 miles. Steering assist failure is a common qualifying safety defect.