EZ Swap LLC services the Chevrolet Malibu ECO in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2016 to 2017. If your Malibu ECO has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Malibu ECO owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,481 owner complaints on file for the Malibu ECO and 0 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (532), electrical system (379), power train (305).
Most-Reported Chevrolet Malibu ECO Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Malibu ECO (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 532 | 35% | |
| Electrical System | 379 | 25% | |
| Power Train | 305 | 20% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 282 | 19% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 129 | 8% | |
| Service Brakes | 128 | 8% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 96 | 6% | |
| Steering | 84 | 5% |
Engine
532 of the 1,481 complaints (35%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
379 of the 1,481 complaints (25%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
305 of the 1,481 complaints (20%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Chevrolet Malibu ECO Complaints by Model Year
The Malibu ECO model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2017. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 803 | |
| 2017 | 678 |
Most Common Chevrolet Malibu ECO Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Malibu ECO. The most-cited is P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), mentioned in 34 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 34 |
| P2097 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 7 |
| P2127 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P2122 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
| P1101 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P0138 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| U0401 | Network code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| C0242 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Malibu ECO, 35 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, 26 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Chevrolet Malibu ECO Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Chevrolet will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Malibu ECO that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Malibu ECO owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Chevrolet Malibu ECO, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Chevrolet Malibu ECO Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Chevrolet Malibu ECO repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Chevrolet Malibu ECO FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Malibu ECO?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Chevrolet Malibu ECO are engine (532), electrical system (379), power train (305). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Malibu ECO model years have the most complaints?
The Malibu ECO model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2017. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Chevrolet Malibu ECO?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu ECO, the codes cited most often are P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), P2097 (powertrain code), P2127 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Chevrolet Malibu ECO have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Malibu ECO across model years 2016 to 2017. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Chevrolet Malibu ECO in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Chevrolet vehicles including the Malibu ECO, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Chevrolet Malibu ECO?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Chevrolet Malibu ECO in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Chevrolet Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.