Dealer visit checklist
2018 Chevrolet Malibu checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 3.5x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 6.0x more recalls than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems to check
- Oil consumption issues have been reported on the 1.5L turbocharged engine, particularly between 50,000–90,000 miles — check oil level at every fill-up
- Infotainment system (MyLink) can freeze or reboot unexpectedly; a software update or radio replacement may be needed
- Transmission shudder or hesitation has been noted on the 6-speed automatic, especially during low-speed acceleration; a fluid change with the correct GM-spec fluid often helps
- Power steering assist loss warning and occasional electric power steering failures reported — inspect steering components before purchase
- Interior trim and door panel clips can loosen or rattle over time, which is cosmetic but annoying on a daily driver
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $16,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away