The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is a solid, midsize family sedan that exists in a crowded class, often dominated by the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
But the Malibu’s redesign the previous year and the additional upgrades made in 2014 make it an appealing choice for many. Consumers looking for a quiet, smooth ride with plenty of comfort features, tech and power will want to give the Malibu a second look. The Malibu doesn’t always garner high marks when it comes to things like handling and interior space, however.
If you’re in the market for a 2014 Malibu, there are six recalls you will want to be aware of when shopping for your vehicle.
HVAC Control
General Motors has recalled 2014 Chevy Malibu vehicles manufactured from June 12, 2013, to November 5, 2013, because of a problem with the HVAC system. This recall started on December 13, 2013.
The problem primarily involves the hazards posed by issues with the vehicle’s defrost function that can render it inoperable. GM notified owners that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning control on these vehicles could intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started up. One of the results is that the windshield defroster may not work, decreasing the driver’s visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Without a properly functioning defrost system, these vehicles don’t conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, “Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.”
Owners will need to contact a dealer who will update the electronic climate control module software at no cost. For more information on this recall, owners can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 and reference GM’s recall campaign number 13380.
Brake System
GM has also recalled 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles that were manufactured from June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and are equipped with a 2.5L engine and auto stop/start option. The defect in these vehicles may cause the Malibu to completely lose brake vacuum assist function, disabling the hydraulic boost assist.
Loss of the hydraulic boost assist means that slowing or stopping the vehicle will require extra brake pedal effort. It also means that the car is going to travel a longer distance after braking before it comes to a complete stop. These two factors impact the likelihood of a crash. In addition, the problem means these vehicles no longer comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”
This recall began July 3, 2014, and GM has notified owners of the issue. Dealers will update the electronic brake control module software to remedy the problem at no cost to the owner.
For more information, Malibu owners can contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and reference GM’s recall number 14201.
Key Cylinder Lock Housing
This recall started October 14, 2016, and is estimated to impact about 8,367 vehicles, including the 2014 Chevy Malibu.
The recall was issued because the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed even if the transmission was inadvertently not put into park first. This could cause the vehicle to roll as occupants are exiting, increasing the potential for injury. In addition, the affected vehicles no longer comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.”
GM has notified the owners impacted by the recall. Dealers will inspect the vehicle and then replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to the owner. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and reference recall numbers 50490 and 50491.
Brake Rotors
GM is also recalling 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from February 7, 2014, to March 31, 2014, that are equipped with 17-inch front brake rotors.
The concern is that the rear brake rotors may have been inadvertently installed onto the front of the vehicle. Although rear rotors are the same diameter as front rotors, they are thinner, which could cause the front brake pad to detach from the caliper. If that happens, there could be a sudden reduction in braking. This would also mean that more distance is required for the vehicle to come to a stop. The problem increases crash risk.
This recall began June 20, 2014, and GM has notified owners. Dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, if necessary, at no cost to the owner.
For more information on this recall, owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s recall number for this issue is 14128.
Sun Roof Assembly
On April 21, 2015, GM also issued a recall for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibus manufactured between October 24, 2011, through March 5, 2015. The problem involves the slide or tilt switch for the roof panel, which may not be adequately recessed to prevent it from being inadvertently pressed. If the switch is inadvertently pressed, the roof panel may automatically close, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
The problem also means these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, “Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems.”
GM has notified affected Malibu owners, who can take their vehicle in to a dealership, which will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove the auto-close feature for certain switch positions. This will be done free of charge to the owner. Owners may also contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and reference recall number 15176.
Automatic Transmission
This recall began on April 10, 2014, and impacts certain 2014 Chevy Malibu vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster can disengage from the transmission shift lever. This can prevent the driver from shifting gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the actual gear position of the vehicle.
If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the park position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in park. That could result in the vehicle rolling away while the driver and occupants are exiting or anytime afterward, increasing risk of injury to occupants and bystanders.
This problem also means these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, “Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect,” nor do they conform to FMVSS number 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.”
GM has notified owners. Dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. Malibu owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020, referencing recall number 14048.
