I previously had a 2013 Malibu with 17" wheels that I never had any issues with the brakes and their ability. That car ended up being totaled in an accident so I ended up getting a 2014 Malibu brand-new off the lot and instantly I could tell the braking was far worse. I've had a couple instances (someone cut me off, etc) where I had to "panic brake" and I had to take the shoulder because the braking was delayed and spongy. I've told this to my dealership every time I get the oil changed and they always tell me they checked the brakes and they were functioning properly. The last time I brought it up, the service writer explained that the 18" wheels could cause the braking to be worse than 17" wheels and also explained that Chevy, in an attempt to save money, put tires that aren't all-weather tires on the 18" wheels because they're more expensive. They told me that this type of tire can affect the braking as well. This car was built in the Midwest and sold in the Midwest, why would they not put all-weather tires on a daily driver car in Wisconsin??? If I had known 18" wheels would have been so unsafe and made such a difference I wouldn't have even gotten them!