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GM Releases Fix For Missing 2023 Chevy Malibu Structure Plug

GM has released a service bulletin for a fix to a missing structure plug in certain affected 2023 Chevy Malibu sedans, with one of the plugs missing from its hole in the sheet metal structure on the passenger side.

Dealerships are instructed to check for the problem both in 2023 Chevy Malibu units currently in their inventory and on any vehicles brought in for any type of servicing.

Side view of the 2023 Chevy Malibu.

The missing structure plug can be readily detected by direct visual inspection of the structure plugs on the passenger side of the 2023 Chevy Malibu sedan dash. Inspection is estimated to require 42 minutes to complete, not counting plug fitment if needed.

Additionally, dealer service personnel should verify the unit’s involvement by checking to see if it is marked “Open on the Investigate Vehicle History screen, available through the GM Global Warranty Management system.

Rear three quarters view of the Chevy Malibu.

If the passenger side structure plug is missing, the dealership service personnel should install a new plug in the round opening in the metal. GM notes that the problem is rare and the structure plugs have a low supply, so dealers should not order the plug as shelf stock, but wait until an affected 2023 Chevy Malibu is located.

The fix is available free of charge to the Chevy Malibu’s owner until the end of the affected sedan’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. Actual installation of the plug requires an average of 6 minutes according to GM, or 48 minutes with inspection included.

Cockpit view of the 2023 Chevy Malibu.

Owners of affected 2023 Chevy Malibu sedans can contact Chevrolet customer service if necessary to ask further questions or request more information using the telephone number provided below, referencing the Service Bulletin’s identifying number as needed:

Contacts:

  • GM Service Bulletin number: N232419270
  • Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020

As a reminder, the 2023 Chevy Malibu is one of the few GM sedans still in production, with engine choices whittled down to a single powerplant the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV gasoline engine developing 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, This engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The Chevy Bow Tie logo.

Under the body panels, the GM E2 platform provides the bones for the Malibu. Production takes place at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City.

The General is currently planning to release another generation of the Malibu after the current generation sunsets with the end of 2024 model-year production.

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Comments

  1. “readily detected” … but it takes “42 minutes” to FIND IT .
    Am I missing something ?
    Do they have rip up carpet? Remove molding?

    Reply
  2. A Big Thanks to Martin S for a DETAILED Response!

    Reply
    1. Thanks Phil, although for some reason my response to the thread has disappeared from my page!

      It is very easy for the uniformed layperson without any mechanical skills or technical training, to assume that working in the automotive service sector is easily accomplished by those who struggled to finish high school.

      Unfortunately, that stigma continues to be hard to shake, because high schools still insist in using automotive as a “dumping ground”, at a time when we need young adults to enter the trade with strong fundamental learning abilities with an interest in advanced electronics and networking.

      The visual perception of a grubby character in greasy coveralls with a cigarette hanging from his lips, is not representative of the modern, trained and capable technician that we hope will work on our vehicles.

      Sadly, some associated with the aforementioned visual identity, still do exist in numbers that hopefully dwindle more rapidly as the “sky falls” and eliminates their involvement on any aspect of modern automotive service and repair.

      How hard can it be to look for and find the location of a missing component, as aired in the thread? Procedures that might seem simplistic to the uninformed, may involve many steps to accomplish efficiently and safely, without causing damage to the vehicle.

      Many technical procedures now require acceptance that while performing steps, the technician might have to be aware of and take extra steps that relate to High Voltage (HV) electrical systems that demand practising extreme safety measures.

      Once upon a time, that was a typical pathway for less than stellar students to complete high school by participating in auto shop. That needs to cease.

      It is not ignorance in the nasty sense, but in a technical sense, about the level of thought process, technical reading, comprehension and technical abilities are necessary for the modern automotive technician to be successful and perform high quality repairs.

      I know this from a personal level, having began a career in automotive engineering in 1968. I was also participating in automotive service as a parallel career, that won me over, because of the interesting challenges.

      What for many mechanics began with 99% mechanical systems, over the years has morphed into advanced Electrical/Electronics (EE) with an in-depth requirement for fundamental knowledge of electricity as the foundation upon which advanced electrical and network diagnostic skills are necessary.

      As a technician of 55 years and trainer for the past 22 that keeps me directly in tune with my mechanical and EE/network diagnostics, this site provides an interesting mix of technical content and other comments.

      “Mythplaced ©” and “mythunderstood © ” thoughts about advanced systems are often typical of the layperson having no association with the deeper technical aspects.

      Long gone are the days when changing oil, spark plugs or brake friction components on the home driveway can even be accomplished easily without scan tool involvement, awareness of single use fasteners and more.

      However, the general mindset of those not involved in automotive service, still conjures up an image that anyone can do it at home. Based on this, there continues to be fundamental “mythconceptions © ” about systems and those performing the role in service facilities.

      In closing, this site offers the reader some unique perspectives of vehicles and systems, information relating to upcoming bulletins, sales trends and more.

      Readers offer a wide range of comments that may be appreciative, deriding, cynical or may demonstrate technical knowledge or technical ignorance.

      From within the trade, not all “advancements” are appreciated as being necessary or as being advanced, but just different.

      What we are willing to accept as customers, with desires for end user experiences in our newer vehicles, often results in a wide array of good, bad and ugly remarks! As such, every opinion is valid. In reality, with a little more information, one’s perspective can and does change. Never stop learning!

      Reply

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