A new lawsuit has been filed against General Motors over claims that the 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu may experience reduced engine performance due to issues related to the accelerator pedal and electronic engine control system.
This suit appears to be related to the same problem that a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owner sued GM for back in the summer of this year. That case was filed in the U.S. District Court of Maryland, while this case is filed in the U.S. District Court of New York.
However, both make similar claims. In the Maryland suit, the owner alleged the driver information screen on her 2016 Chevrolet Malibu flashed a message saying “engine power is reduced” before the car slowed to a maximum speed of 20 mph. The plaintiff then took the car to their dealership, where the service department found it needed a new accelerator pedal position sensor. The fix was covered by GM, as the vehicle was still under warranty at the time.
Similarly, the plaintiff in this suit says his Malibu experienced a similar issue, also flashing the “engine power is reduced” message before experiencing an unexpected loss of power. However, his car was out of warranty, so he was forced to pay out of pocket for the accelerator pedal position sensor repair. The owner now alleges the car dangerous to drive himself and dangerous to other motorists, as it may slow to a relative crawl while on the road.
Some GM Authority commenters also claimed they had experienced the issue when we first covered the problem in June.
The plaintiff in this suit claims GM knows there is a problem with the 2016-2018 model-year Chevrolet Malibu, as it has received numerous complaints from owners. It also would have received a multitude of warranty claims related to the same problem.
Like many new cars, the Chevrolet Malibu has an electronic throttle position sensor that determines the driver’s throttle input, as opposed to some other vehicles that may use a mechanical linkage. The problem seems to be related to the vehicle’s throttle position sensor and/or the engine management software that relays the information between the sensor and the engine.
The class action lawsuit filed in New York claims this problem effects all 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibus.
We’ll follow the case as it progresses through the courts, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Malibu news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Source: Car Complaints
Comments
What part of pull over and call a tow truck did they not under stand.
This is no different that if an accelerator cable breaks.
What next? A tire goes down and they keep driving and tear up a fender then blame someone else?
I understand English perfectly well C8.R Why is it the most opinionated people are the least informed?
This happened to me on the highway. I was going 60 m.p.h. and then lost speed so quickly that I couldn’t get from the middle lane to the shoulder before getting rear ended.
I had this same problem n I was on the highway……still waiting for the piece to come in
20 mph what’s the problem there? It’s still fast enough to drive on any freeway in LA.
I have a 2017 malibu i had the same problem with my car. After only having the car three days i call the dealer ship. They told me to bring the car in with the check engine light on.or have it tow to them. I was 35 miles away from home and 55 miles away from the dealership. That was the worse drive to my house. Thank god that i work on cars plug my scaner up clear the code it only last bout a week light came back on. This time i was close to the dealer ship once i got their they didn’t want to fix the problem. I told them if i want to work on car i could have kept my car that i trde in. Stuck with a Lemmon. My daughter wanted that car so bad she force me to give it to her. Now the car still doing the same thing. So i showed my daughter how to use the scanner. In the meantime i been trying to trade it in don’t nobody want to deal with it still owe 23,000 on the car
So isn’t there another dealership that will fix it?
maybe you should FIX the issue instead of just clearing the fault. All those codes that come up mean something, trying typing them into Google….
The sensor is a lemon, the car is not.
Can’t wait to see what happens when that’s same message shows up on the C8. That’s when they start production. Just my opinion.
I have a 2013 Malibu eco with the same problem. It happened All of a sudden. Accident in the making.. Very expensive to repair. Had to take to dealership.
My car is currently at the dealership now. I went in for a PO1101 code which indicates mass airflow sensor an throttle body to be cleaned. Keep in mine this is the 4th repair. Now the dealership has indicated that the pistons on the cat has gone bad and that GMC reconizes this problem and will cover a 3rd of the work, so I had my warranty company carsheild come 8n to assist in this problem. Still awaiting the results as it appears to be mechanical and manufactured damage.
Alot of people find this limp mode dangerous, but fact of the matter is, if the car has 1 particular sensor not giving a proper readout, and it knows somethings up, especially something as important as a Accelerator petal, which makes more sense, the car guessing at what speed you want to go and taking off, or slowing to a 20 mph limp mode, that will allow you to somewhat safely get off the road and call for help.
Cars age, and as they age parts wear out.
They sold a ton of these things. Even if 100,000 show this issue at some point during their lifespan it’s still less than 1% of the vehicles, and plenty other vehicles will have thier own issues. This is just asinine.
Here’s the deal, parts wear out! Dirt/ moisture get into electrical connections. It used to be when a vehicle had a issue it shut off completely and you had push it off the road or highway, in limp mode at least you can drive it off the to the side of the road and or get to an exit. So, I’m thinking the only people that will get anything out of these suits are the lawyers! It just wears me out when people think they shouldn’t have to pay for repairs because the part (S) wore out of failed due to corrosion.
My 2018 did this within a month of buying it . It would do it after just warming up the car walking across the parking lot to get in it . Then act funny all the way home . No warning lights would show and I would carry it to my dealer . They kept it for 3 days and said that it’s not showing a code so we can’t fix it . GM corporate called to investigate and called it turbo lag. I explained to them it’s not that and it’s dangerous to drive . May of this year I found a dealership that knew the problem and updated the software and the problem is gone . Now almost a year later they come out with a recall. I think we deserve compensation..
I just recently bought a 2016 Chevy Malibu,I am very disappointed.It doesn’t have good take off power and every time it rains I have to take the liner out of the trunk,it fills up with water.
As an owner of a Chevrolet Malibu I can tell you that this one of two defects present in these cars. There are likely many more. GM is not working with me to resolve either one of these issues. My car is not usable but I still must pay for it monthly plus the cost of insurance.
Bought a 2017 for my wife. I had this exact same issue 3x within 2 years. The first incident they replaced it under GM warranty. Exactly 6 months later the accelerator pedal position sensor failed again(2x) and I had to come out of pocket $400 to replace without any help or consideration from GM, other than -not all cars off assembly line may perform to expectancy, REALLY. 7 months later failed again(3x). Luckily I have now 2 year unlimited mile warranty for it to be replaced. Never will I buy GM product for my wife which she wanted and now hates it.
They seriously need to recall the part and reprogram it the throttle mapping.
I have a 2017 Chevy Malibu. 50k and have replaced the pedal 3 times. Unacceptable
My 2017 Chevorlet Malibu Starting doing this 3 Months Ago , At First Every time My car auto Stop & Start it would show a message “Steering Assist is Reduced , Drive With Care” , Then After a month it got Worse ! , It started to cut off at stoplights and Not wanna start back up ! , then when it did start the car would shake and not wanna Accelerate! i recorded video and everything and brought it to dealer & showed them , they said it was “Pedal Sensor” , & they kept it for 2 days , Now My car Still does the same thing ! ! ! , i Even Called GM Explaing to them what was happening with my car & THEY HUNG UP ON ME ?? I DONT EVEN WANT THIS CAR ANYMORE ! Im PAYING A CARNOTE FOR A DANGEROUS ASS CAR ! ? So unsafe .!
Is this pedal and or sensor made in China?
I myself have 2010 Chevy Malibu LS have the same problem -reduced engine warning and drives less than 20 miles per hour very dangerous in highways to drive am so stress and no warranty covers this issue… I don’t want this car no more !!!?
I experienced the same “reduced engine power” issue in my 2016 Malibu earlier this year and paid to replace the accelerator pedal. About 2weeks ago, I received a recall notice in the mail, which also included instructions on how to request a refund for expenses incurred to replace it, if already replaced. So if you haven’t gotten a notice yet, you should be. If not, I’d call GM
Mrs. K
I have a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu just bought it in May of this year. Monday (10/21/19) the message “steering assist is reduced drive with care. Took car to dealership Wednesday (10/23/19) was told that I needed a new battery wanted to sell me one for $350.00. Car wouldn’t start Thursday morning. Didn’t buy battery. What should I do? Any suggestions
I am having the same issue with my 2015. Is anyone else having problems with they 2015?
Does this pertain to all engines? I have a ’16 Premier and it’s been a terrific car so far with 51,000 miles. Do get the “shift into park” message about once every 2-3 months.
No. The 2.0T engines aren’t affect for some odd reason
I have a 2014 about 5 months ago or so mine started doing the same thing. Its not just the newer models its all. We have changed out so many parts and sensors and its still doing it.
Our 2013 Malibu has done this several times- the first time was on I-75 in Toledo-very dangerous and frightening for my wife,who had no idea what was happening,and had to steer across several lanes of heavy truck traffic. Many close calls with other vehicles,as there was no place to pull over safely. The dealership could not find any reason for this-there were no codes stored in the computer. It has happened several times since then,always after making a sharp U-turn. Turning the car off and restarting it returns the vehicle to normal operation again.
I have a 2016 Chevy Malibu and it’s starting to do the same thing. I have to drive down I-75 5 days a weeks to get to work. The car will constantly shut of on me while driving or stopped sitting in idle. Several time I’ve had to pull over in heavy traffic or stop while stiing in tarrifc to put the car in park and restart it. The car is a death trap and I really want to get rid of it. I’ve gone to the dealer and they refuse to accept liability. I work for a major insurance company and deal with these types of situations daily. I’ve reached out to a lawyer to help me get out of this nightmate. I will never buy another Chevy vehicle again.
I have a 2013 Malibu that I bought about a year ago. The same message happened. I knew the car was out of warranty. Scared the crap out of me when I had to pull out into traffic almost got hit. The dealer changed the pedal or the part. It hasn’t happened since but this problem goes back farther than 2016 regarding this lawsuit.
I own a 2014 Malibu
Contacted GM and there excuse was there no recalls. The list of the problems of my Malibu as of 10/25/2019 Check engine is on now. there saying it’s ball joint sensor and needs a oil change. At the dealership Chevy in Texas. Total regret the purchase. Management is aware.Nightmare dealership. List of problems
A/C problems / Radio/ sensors after sensors / brakes and recall replacement and problems continue. Even my Shutoff / transmission/ I really need help. Us my car as a example. If need be.
Is this what we do now? Sue the manufacturer every time your car breaks down? Please. You bought something with 30,000 moving parts. It has a warranty. If it breaks, it gets fixed. If it was out of warranty when it broke, your dumb ass knew it was out of warranty and you’d have to pay for it.
I’m sick and tired of the illiterate asses complaining on forums wanting money for nothing when their car has a part fail. I had a brake line burst at 55mph going into an off ramp in my Jeep Cherokee. Did I sue Jeep? No. I pumped the brakes to get pressure on the other 3 wheels, slowed down and got my ass home. The next day, I went to the store, got the necessary parts, and fixed it.
Stop with the lawsuits already. I can’t take it.
You sound like an intelligent dumb ass who thinks they know everything. Regardless if the vehicle is under warranty or not. if a manufacturer knows that they have a part in their vehicle that’s faulty. It’s their responsibility to fix it that’s why they have recalls. if you cause an accident due to faulty equipment in your vehicle and you’re the owner of that vehicle. The insurance company is not going to care that it’s a manufacturer’s defect. Your insurance rates are still going to go up regardless. Then your ass is going to still have to go to court and fight with the manufacturer to prove that their faulty equipment caused you to get into accident. I’m sure you’re the type that will argue with the insurance company and do everything you can to keep your rates low. So you’ll end up in court regardless. So take your own advice in case that ever happens don’t call us. Remember you’re sick and tired of lawsuits.
I have a 2015 Malibu and I have no problems with my car. I love my Malibu! Is it only in the newer models? Had the car since September, 2018. Had a little over 60,000 miles on it when I got it.I only had to get a new battery and other regular maintenance that’s it. GM is not the only company that has had problems with their cars. I remember when Toyota had recalls on vehicles too.
My wife and I have 2014 chevy Malibu, we are having the same problem as each and every one of you. We got the ‘ reduce engine speed’ and everything. I have replaced the sensors myself, and now it is still doing the same thing. When come to a stop light our car goes into this eco save action and ends up making a buzzing noise as it is not engaging. So we hired a mobile mechanic and he knew what it was from the start. HE SAID IT WAS THE FLYWHEEL , I guess when GM made these cars they didnt think about how the car will last . We dont have the money to fix shit like that cause insurance will not fix a major problems only easy problem. So i have to carry a wrench long enough to go around the bolt outside of the FLYWHEEL to turn it to where it engages the car. I bet anything that most you are having the same problem as we are and dont even know it.
I have a 2013 Malibu and I in Dallas, Tx. Mines states the reduce message every blue moon. I took it to the dealership and I was told yes the car do display that reduce message. However, my car speed don’t actually reduce but yet the message still pops up as of today. What should I do? Now, my car fan continue to run after engine shut off as if it’s cooling itself off but never runs hot. And that still continue as of today as well.
Tps sensors on engine or foot feed. Thats a parts issue. Probably made in China! They fail nothing is perfect. Replace parts move on. Disconnect Battery touch positive cable to negative cable to clear codes. Replace both parts move on. Not something that should be sued over!
Well got a call from the dealer confirmed that the vaccum air pump went out and it was causing my breaking and engine stalling issues. Chevy is telling me that I have to pay for it but I recall there was recall on some of their vehicles having the same issue. I will be calling my attorney cause there is no way I should have to pay for this vehicle defect!
Chevy incident 1.15.2020
I was driving my 2017 Malibu in early morning traffic on the freeway to work at 6:30am when the car started speeding up. I’m pushing the brakes to slow down and it did for a few minutes. Then it speed up again! Now I’m doing almost 55mph in traffic! I’m pushing the brakes to and try to get over to the far right lane as I knew something was definitely wrong. The panel flashed a warning message Engine Power Reduced Speed!
It was reduced to 19mph! I was able to navigate to the next exit without being killed by a diesel truck behind me blowing his horn!
The car just stopped in a very unsafe area. I called for a tow truck, he arrived 49 mins later and took me to the Chevy Dealer. They actually said they are aware of the problem and will call me when it’s fixed. They kept the car for a 3 days. I had to rent a car to get to work as they did not have loaners! I apprehensively drove it home and parked in for 2 days before driving again.
When I did drive to the grocery store near me, the car lurched again and stalled again! I was lucky. The defect will get someone seriously injured or even killed !
Literally. I’m dealing with GM right now for a full on buy back. I took my 2017 Malibu in for the 8th time for the same issue. They were like we just need to change the filter on the transmission. Well I was back there the next week. My car multiple times will hesitate to speed up when accelerating. Say I pull out of my driveway and a car is coming my car won’t accelerate fast enough that one of these days I’m going to get t-boned or severely hit. And then after pressing on the accelerator 15 seconds later it literally blasts super fast.
I’m having the same problems, I have a 2015 Chevy Malibu LT, my car ran pretty good for a few years, but now all of a sudden, with 85k miles, the car is stalling out, jerk while driving, this weekend the engine reduce power flashed and almost caused me to panic and cause an accident. One mechanic didn’t want any parts of it, he said that he could not figure out why the car is doing these things- he said it wasn’t the catalytic converter that need to be replaced, 2nd mechanic suggest I replace the o2 sensors which I paid for and had done, but still the same issues. So they suggest I take it to the dealership, maybe it was a recall that I missed – dealership kept it for 3 days, no codes reading from it, claim it to be the catalytic converter, but they seem unsure! It’s very frustrating that the dealership couldn’t provide a little more help or guidance as to what the problem is but can quote me some high amount to pay. I would really like to get this resolved, I’m spending money on unnecessary things to get fixed with the same results, paying auto insurance, car note and renting a car all for a car that is sitting because I’m afraid to drive it. I don’t want to jeopardize others or myself and I’m surrounded by highways so it’s not like I can take back streets to avoid driving on the highway. What should I do, any recommendations please send my way?!
Stop at an auto parts store and have them pull the codes. Mine ended up being the accelerator pedal sensor spazzing out at times. cost about $70 at RockAuto.com for a new accelerator (the entire pedal, arm and sensor, and took about 5 minutes to replace (most of which was contorting enough to get up under the dash to get to the one mounting bolt.). unhook the battery, swap the pedal, connect the battery, and go.
Have 2018 that showed engine reduced power 1 time it was a 3 mile drive it went off car running fine cut car off now wont start replaced vvt solenoids camshaft sensors had the ecm reproframed no codes now car still will not start compression issues from the cracked piston defect that chevy kmew about and tried to cover up this damages cylinder walls call seals and guides motor is shot stay away from the 2018 malibu it 1.5 turbocharged it is a lemon say what you want I owne one and have talkex to GM they were very unhelpful I still owe too much money havent had car 2 years not fair that I buy a new car so I dont have to fix junk and thats what’s going on now fixing junk
Clearly this is still an issue. I have a 2019 with the same issue and have found several other mentions of the 2019. I don’t qualify for the “special warranty” and I’m out of warranty. However I’m still in the powtrain warranty but I’m told that doesn’t cover this.