You’re driving through Milpitas, just another day. The road is clear. Traffic is moving. Then—a flicker on the dash. A hesitation in the gas pedal. A slight sputter. You tell yourself it’s nothing. Maybe bad gas. Maybe it’s a fluke.
Then it happens again.
The next time? The engine stalls completely. The check engine light stays on. Your car won’t start.
Now you’re on the phone, calling for a tow truck instead of heading home. We see it every day at Fremont Foreign Auto—Chevrolet Malibu owners who ignored the early warning signs. Some got lucky. Others? They paid thousands for an engine rebuild they could have avoided.
Here are the five most common Chevrolet Malibu engine problems we fix—and why waiting could cost you more than just money.
1. The oil burning problem—why your engine won’t survive it
Some 2016-2021 Chevy Malibu models burn oil at an alarming rate. No leaks, no smoke—just disappearing oil. You check your dipstick, and it’s bone dry long before your next oil change is due.
Low oil means poor lubrication, overheating, and rapid wear on engine components. Ignore it? Your engine seizes up completely, leaving you with a repair bill so high, replacing the car starts to make sense.
We check for worn piston rings, faulty valve seals, and clogged oil passages, stopping oil loss before it destroys your engine.
2. The “won’t start” nightmare—it’s not just the battery
Your Malibu should start instantly. But if yours is cranking slow, struggling to turn over, or clicking instead of starting, you’re dealing with a growing electrical failure.
In some cases, it’s a weak starter or failing alternator. In others, it’s a deeper issue—like a faulty ignition system, a failing fuel pump, or a dying engine control module (ECM).
The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Eventually, your Malibu won’t start at all, leaving you stranded in the worst place at the worst time.
We diagnose starting issues fast—testing your battery, starter, alternator, and fuel system to make sure your car fires up every time you turn the key.
3. Timing chain trouble—an expensive problem you won’t see coming
A timing chain should last the life of your engine—but in 2010-2016 Malibu models, premature wear is common. If you hear a rattle from the engine, feel a loss of power, or see the check engine light flashing, your timing chain is wearing out fast.
A worn timing chain throws off engine timing, causing misfires, poor performance, and eventual failure. But if it breaks completely? Your entire engine is toast. Bent valves. Destroyed pistons. A repair bill in the thousands.
We catch timing chain problems early—checking for stretch, wear, and misalignment before they destroy your engine.
4. Overheating and head gasket failure—the silent killer
Your Malibu’s engine runs hot, but it should never overheat. If your temperature gauge is climbing, coolant is disappearing, or you see white smoke from the exhaust, you have a cooling system failure.
Some 2013-2019 Malibu models have weak radiators, failing water pumps, or leaking head gaskets. Left unchecked, the overheating warps engine components, leading to complete failure.
We pressure-test the cooling system, inspect for leaks, and replace failing components before heat destroys your engine.
5. Turbocharger failure—when the power just disappears
If your turbocharged Malibu feels sluggish, unresponsive, or whistles under acceleration, the turbo is failing. Some 2016-2021 Malibu turbos suffer from oil starvation, cracked housings, or wastegate failure, leading to reduced power, poor fuel economy, and eventual breakdown.
A failing turbo doesn’t just kill performance—it puts extra stress on the engine, leading to bigger, more expensive failures down the line.
We diagnose turbo issues fast—testing for boost leaks, oil flow problems, and mechanical wear to keep your Malibu performing like new.
Why Chevrolet Malibu owners trust Fremont Foreign Auto
You shouldn’t have to guess what’s wrong with your car. And you definitely shouldn’t have to wonder if your engine will survive another week.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we fix Malibu engine problems every day. We know what fails first, what causes it, and how to fix it before it costs you thousands.
We serve Milpitas, Fremont, Newark, Sunol, and Union City with expert diagnostics, factory-grade repairs, and honest service.
If your Malibu is hesitating, burning oil, struggling to start, or overheating, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more expensive the fix.
Call Fremont Foreign Auto at (510) 793-6067 today and schedule an engine inspection before it’s too late.