Chevrolet Malibu Loss of Power Problem Continues To Leave Drivers Stranded
The 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline is lighting up with distressed drivers complaining of a loss of power with their Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Imagine driving a new Malibu on a busy highway, moving at a normal 60 mph, when suddenly you begin to notice your car’s loss of power, with the speed dropping lower and lower, eventually as low as 20mph. This Chevrolet Malibu loss of power problem could put drivers in a very dangerous situation if they aren’t able to get to the side of the road quickly.
It appears the Chevrolet Malibu loss of power issue is caused by a defect with the accelerator in newer models between 2016 and 2018, where GM is using a new electronic sensor in lieu of the mechanical components of older Malibu vehicles.
Law360 recently featured a story about Katrina Hutchinson, who was driving on the Washington Beltway in her new Chevy Malibu when she suddenly began to experience a loss of power. As her vehicle’s speed lowered to unsafe levels, her dashboard read “engine power is reduced” as she barely got herself to safety. This is a similar story to other Chevrolet Malibu clients who have called us for representation.
Mrs. Hutchinson soon went to her dealership to have her accelerator pedal position sensor replaced, only to experience the same problem again a year later. Unfortunately, despite multiple reports about this issue from forums, social media, and even National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints, the Chevrolet Malibu loss of power problem is still occurring and it does not appear the manufacturer has a steadfast solution.
If you are experiencing loss of power with your Chevrolet Malibu, make sure to go back to your GM dealership as soon as possible and that after each visit, you receive a detailed invoice outlining mileage in, mileage out, days out of service, complaint and fix. Once you have been back repetitively for the issue, or the car has been out of service an extended period of time, you may have rights under State and federal laws. Under these statutes, you could receive a full refund, a brand new car, or significant monetary compensation and best of all, the legal representation is 100% cost-free.
If you are experiencing any loss of power issues in your Chevrolet Malibu, fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form or call us at 1 800 LEMON-LAW (1 800 536 6652) to get back on the road to recovery. We will be happy to review your situation and determine if and how we can help.
July 10th, 2019 at 9:41 am
I was driving on I-287 in NJ when all of sudden my 2017 Chevy Malibu said Engine Reducing Power, I pulled the car to the side of the road as it slowed & slowed, when I got safely of the road, I turned the car off an try’d to put it through s complete system reset, that didn’t fix the problem, I try’d 1 more time an low an behold the car wouldn’t even turn over after that, I was stuck on the side of the road for over 3hrs wait’n for Progressive Road Side, now my car is at the Open Road Chevy Dealer on Rt22, they have no idea what the problem is with the car, I’m not happy about this because I had 2010 Malibu, I had that car for almost 8yrs an never had 1 problem with it!!!
July 12th, 2019 at 11:07 am
I bought my 2012 Chevy Malibu last year it’s been nothin but problems I’ve already had to put a motor in it , a new front end, the window control panel had caught fire leaving me to quickly pull out to stop it and now my car is loosing power fir no reason it’s sayin engine powered reduce I still owe on the car but it’s for a lemon I got and wood like to get it traded for new car
August 17th, 2019 at 9:54 am
I have a 2018 malibu floor model sold as new at 11k miles. This issue has happened to me twice now. The first time the code cleared itself after we had it towed to the dealership and they told us nothing was wrong with the vehicle. It happened again today, but the reduced engine power went away but check engine light is still on. The vehicle is now at 30k miles. Would i be eligible. We havent even had the car for a year yet.
August 18th, 2019 at 8:22 pm
@Johnathon: Please give us a call at 800 536 6652 to discuss or visit lemonlaw.com/rid.html
August 20th, 2019 at 6:01 pm
I have had this loss of power happen to me twice have had the pedal check Chevy says it was good. But it happened again. Had my break lamp replaced due to a recall an it happened again I own a 2009 Chevy mAlibu wat can I do.
November 7th, 2019 at 4:41 pm
I have a Chevy Malibu 2016 while I am driving back from work suddenly reduced engine power Singh come and light engines come on car slow down and I am close to get in accident so I get my car out of the side road I couldn’t fixed so I drove home 2 hours I get home and I give up to takes my car to dealers to check it say said I have to pay $135 and i give up I put my car in front my home I owe some money on my car and I will get red off my car I never I ever never never buy I gain Chevy and I will a dvice my friend my all student to keep away from Chevy dealers and no one buy Malibu
February 26th, 2020 at 7:16 am
I got this 2019 Chevy Malibu it had 38,000 miles on it and I’ve only had it 2 months. The dealership I got it from did give me an extended warranty but I live 1 hr and 20 mins away from that dealership and I work throughout week and they are close on Saturday and I need my car for work. But there are some days when I love my Malibu and then there are some days when I hate it. I could be driving and the first part of the day it’s fine but then later I could have the accelerator to the floor and the it won’t do nothing. There have been times I’m in traffic and it acts as if it wants to stall. I’ve taken to the dealership and of course they told me it’s fine so that means I have to pay the 150 dollars and then I get it back and it’s doing the same thing. It’s like I’m lying but I’m not. What do I do. I don’t want to have this car with this problem pass warranty but it’s like no one believes me
February 27th, 2020 at 4:30 pm
I have a 2008 that has so many electrical problems and I would like help with getting some type of reimbursement for my paid off 2008 Chevy Malibu
March 11th, 2020 at 6:06 pm
Just purchased 2011 Chevy Malibu
Paid cash for vehicle have not owned or driven it more than 4 months short commutes
After numerous problems with tires finally dealership seemed to have all repairs set and now
I get this dreaded message ! I need to be reimbursed and things made right
Please advise
August 7th, 2020 at 10:31 pm
I have a 2016 Chevy Malibu this issue has happened to me twice and the warning just came on again this morning. I can’t keep fixing it.
Please reply. Thank you.
Eve James
September 8th, 2020 at 4:31 pm
My reduce Malibu 2013 engine light jus came on… HELP ME
September 15th, 2020 at 4:07 pm
This has happened to me several times. Last year I was able to take it to the dealership and they fixed whatever the issue was; however, that doesn’t stop my mother who was driving the vehicle from having PTSD from driving the car. While on a busy highway, the vehicle slowed down with no notice, causing her to almost be rear-ended at 70mph by an 18 Wheeler. As the car slowed, obviously no brakes lights being initiated, the reduce power light came on. Since that has been fixed, a new issue has risen this year. While driving down the highway, the vehicle jerks to the right almost causing her to loose control. At this point, a signal came up stating reduced steering assist. This had happened several times as well as causing the check engine light go come on periodically. The dealership refuses to check the issue without cost, even know they are aware of what happened last year and what they had to fix. She also recently had the power be reduced again several weeks ago, though the reduced power signal did not come on; however, the reduced steering signal did. I believe there are many many issues in these vehicles, which is ashame. The vehicle is a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT.
December 3rd, 2020 at 9:44 pm
I am having the same problem with my 2018 Chevy Malibu
January 29th, 2021 at 6:09 pm
having trouble with losing power on my 2016 malibu
September 16th, 2021 at 7:42 am
It’s really depressing when you buy a NEW car and have to deal with these problems. I have a 2021 Chevy Malibu with 7200 miles that has the same problems. You would think that GM would have figured this out by now.
November 30th, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Error popped up this morning. 2016 Malibu. 49,500 miles. Car is still under Powertrain warranty if the diagnosis falls under the Powertrain.
Up to two weeks for an appt. If we fix get this fixed by our family mechanic, can we recieve a refund? Thanks.
David
Boston, MA
781.704.5994
December 10th, 2021 at 3:41 pm
@David: No, you would need to go through GM.
March 6th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
I have a 2009 Malibu with only 74000 on it. i bought used si it had 35,000 when i bought, The transmission went out it, rebuilt by Maamco, 4200.00 and dead, no power, replaced bettery, it drained dead again, can this car be returned for junk?
April 11th, 2022 at 11:27 pm
I have a 2016 Malibu LT with 155k miles on it. I drive everyday knowing the engine power reduction will happen 2-5 times a day. I pull over everytime…pull the battery…reconnect…and get back on the road. It happens randomly and I’ve had the “recall” fixed once but it’s not the solution. It is apparently a dangerous software issue and should be recalled…but chevy refuses to recall it. If a semi runs me over on a single lane with nowhere to pull over…consider this my farewell note