8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,660
Average Mileage:
121,100 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. new engine (5 reports)
  2. replace timing chain and all intake valves (2 reports)
  3. not sure (1 reports)
  4. replace timimg chain (1 reports)
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problem #9

Jul 192020

Malibu LT V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,400 miles

We were driving at a steady 70MPH on the freeway. Just a constant speed. When suddenly something felt like a very hard shift/jerking motion. We were on the middle lane. My girlfriend asks me "What was that?" and I reply "must be shifting hard". But I wonder why it felt like it shifted on a flat road going at a constant speed. Suddenly, warning sounds and lights go on. First message given to me is "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". I suddenly can no longer accelerate and I am coasting. I find that I've still got some power to slowdown how much speed I am losing as I am coasting. 15 seconds later, "ENGINE SHUT DOWN" and I have lost all acceleration power. My girlfriend freaks out and says to pull over quickly. I do so and thankfully am able to pullover next to the exit we were going to take home.

After that, we tried starting the engine, and it was lost. No way were we starting this car again. We get the car towed and take it to our mechanic. Our mechanic takes a deep look into the engine and concludes the timing chain and the engine cylinder valves will need replacing. Parts to replace all this ended up costing us $150 for a new chain and $250 for a used 120k mile engine head cylinders. We were lucky to not endure super high costs. But after this, will be using the car for a few more months then sell it off. This is ridiculous, as oil changes were super often and in fact always changed when oil life was at 40%. We maintained it's liquids very well. To avoid any major problems...

- Emmanuel G., Dayton, OH, US

problem #8

May 012020

Malibu LS 2.4L 4c Ecotec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

Apparently this is a common problem, but not one that I didn't have a chance to fix. The timing chain makes some slight noise prior to failure but as soon as it failed the car was totaled requiring a new engine or re-machining of the valves on the current one.

- Peter D., Appleton, WI, US

problem #7

Nov 012018

Malibu LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

Oil was changed consistently. Timing chain broke And valves were damaged. I paid $2000 for a confirmed used engine with 58000 miles to be installed. 12 month or 12000 warranty. It ran super for 18 months then the timing chain broke and damaged 2 valves. I’m not fixing it. I’ve owned cars for 35 years and have never had a car timeing chain break until now with this Malibu. Stay away from them.

- Mike S., Salem, US

problem #6

Dec 042018

Malibu LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,300 miles

I hear there was a soft recall on the Malibu engines and I never got one. I am still paying for my car and would like it to be fixed; my warranty is gone. I would like to know which car dealership you would have me to take it to so that you all can fix my engine. I purchased my car from Martin Chevrolet in Shields Michigan in 2011 brand new. I maintenance my car regularly, there should be no reason why this happened please advise

I can be reached at 989-327-2587. I would like a phone call regarding this matter.

My e-mail address is fordc@bcschools.net.

I am hoping you all will fix my car. As I need transportation to and from work.

- Chaunta F., Bay City, MI, US

problem #5

Aug 082018

Malibu LS 2.4L Ecotec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,009 miles

My wife had always meticulously changed oil at dealer or shop and always insisted on the Dexos per manual. On Weds after work she said she heard a clicking noise upon start up. I said I'll check it out Sat. morning. On Sat she started the Malibu and I listened to the click with the hood up. It was a real noise and since she had to go to work I said drive today then Monday we'll take it to the dealer. Never made it. After work would not start. Towed to Dealer.

They diagnosed a Timing Chain, acted like they had seen only 1 other ever and quoted me $3400 for replacement. I did my research and went for a new engine elsewhere. It cost $4800 with 5 year warranty. Mechanic showed my all the filters and screens in the engine. They were all full with metal. The mechanic said that engine could not have been fixed.

I have since learned that EVERY Ecotec 2.4l timing chain will fail regardless of oil changes, maintenance, etc. Chevy should have recalled this Engine that they made and sold Millions of. Gross Negligence. Every dealer that says they can fix the engine is complicit.

- Jack C., Syracuse, US

problem #4

May 152018

Malibu LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,154 miles

I bought the Chevy Malibu 6/2017 with 88000 miles on it, timing chain went out and the auto shop I took it to said that they do so many of those style Malibu with the 2.4 ecotec that GM should have recalled them. Chain was so bad it wore out the bolts and part of the engine block. It cost me $1583.00 to get it fixed.

- Dawion J., Southfield, US

problem #3

Mar 152018

Malibu LS 2.4L Ecotec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

General Motors Management Team Mary T Barra , Dan Ammann, Alan Batey General Motors 300 Renaissance Center Detroit Michigan 48565

Dear General Motors Management Team:

My daughter has a 2011 Malibu with 60K miles and a 2.4 Ecotec engine in it. She just finished her shift at work on the morning of 3/17/2018 ant tried to start her car and in her words it just made funny noises. She had it towed home for me to look at. I tried to start the car and it sounded like the vehicle was out of time so we had it towed to the dealership. After a few days the dealership informed us that the timing chain jumped a tooth and bent all the intake valves, This would cost her $2800 plus to fix.

With disbelief I looked on the Web for recalls and sure enough the 2.4 Ecotec motor has some serious issues with the timing chains due to the plastic tensioners that the chain rides on wearing out and creating a loose chain. And that there is a RECALL on the Equinox for this condition with the timing chain but not the Malibu. ARE YOU SERIOUS IT’S A MOTOR ISSUE NOT A CAR PLATFORM.

I have been a loyal customer of GM Vehicles for 30 years and took my daughter out to buy the nicest car she save for and has ever owned AND SHE GOT THIS. This was supposed to be car of the year.

I truly don’t understand how you expect to keep loyal customers when you recall a car platform for a Motor issue and let the rest of your customers base just suck it up.

LOOK UP 2011 2.4 ECOTEC MOTORS ON THE WEB AND LOOK AT HOW YOUR PRODUCT IS AFFECTING YOUR CUSTOMERS. 60K MILES I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.

I can tell you this it devastated her as she had to use a credit card to pay because her savings just went into buying this vehicle and on a $10.35 dollar an hour job this is quite a hit.

I am a Professional in the Automotive Industry Manufacturing parts for your vehicles. I leave you with this, I do all I can to produce a quality product for GM what you do with the end product and consumers Will map out future growth and sales in the American Market.

Sincerely Mike Hluszti

- Michael H., Wellington, US

problem #2

Aug 082015

Malibu LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

The timing chain broke at 117,000 miles, so it was 17,000 outside of the warranty. There was metal in the engine so the only option I had was to replace it. I had just bought the car from a private party (who I knew) a week prior. The mechanic said that he had seen a significant number of Chevy Malibu's with timing chain issues come in just after the warranty expired.

- Kasey G., Eau Claire, WI, US

problem #1

Mar 252017

Malibu 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

Yep gripe, rant and yell and nothing ever gets done. My no wait all 2011 Malibu's are junk. Timing chain guides go on them and yes Chevy, you know you are hiding this problem to avoid mass cost. I had my chain and guide replaced one year and 33 days ago. And now the guide broke again and destroyed my engine. I put too much money into this pile of horse crap to try again. The shop told me they work on so many 2009 thru 2012 Malibu's with bad chains and guides it's not even funny and they told me if I got another engine it prob would happen again because the timing chain guides are junk. Fix this problem put the damn thing on recall it's not only dangerous because it stalls with no warning but it makes Chevy look bad. Thanks have a nice day..

- Patrick K., Crandon, US