Trouble codes › By vehicle › Chevrolet Malibu
Common check-engine codes on the Chevrolet Malibu
2008-2023
Malibus with the 2.4L Ecotec (2008-2015) share the Equinox's oil consumption and timing chain problems; 3.6L V6 models share GM's P0008 timing chain codes. Later 1.5L turbo models have their own set.
Most common: P0016, P0008, P0300, P0171, P0420, P0700.
Known problems on the Chevrolet Malibu
- GM 3.6L V6 timing chain stretch (P0008, P0016, P0017, P0019)
- GM 2.4L Ecotec oil consumption and timing chain wear (P0016, P0017, P0008, P0300)
P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
P0016 means the crankshaft and bank 1 intake camshaft signals are out of step, often a stretched timing chain or a stuck cam phaser.
On the Chevrolet Malibu: Cam/crank correlation (with P0017 or P0008) on the 2.4L or 3.6L: a well-known sign of timing chain stretch, often from low oil. Check the oil level and GM service bulletins.
P0016: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0008 Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1)
P0008 means bank 1's camshafts have drifted out of time with the crankshaft, most often from stretched timing chains (well known on GM 3.6L V6 engines).
On the Chevrolet Malibu: On the 3.6L V6, usually stretched timing chains.
P0008: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 means the engine is misfiring in more than one cylinder, often from worn plugs or coils, a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure.
On the Chevrolet Malibu: Misfires: plugs and coils; on the 2.4L, oil consumption can foul plugs.
P0300: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 means bank 1 is running lean (too much air or too little fuel), most often from a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF sensor.
On the Chevrolet Malibu: Lean: PCV leaks or a dirty MAF sensor.
P0171: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough, usually a worn converter, an exhaust leak or a lazy oxygen sensor.
On the Chevrolet Malibu: Catalyst efficiency, often damaged by oil burning or misfires.
P0420: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0700 means the transmission computer has stored its own fault code; read the transmission codes to find the real problem.
On the Chevrolet Malibu: Transmission fault flag on the 6-speed automatic; read the transmission codes.
P0700: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
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Common codes and known problems as widely reported for these model years; your vehicle may differ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer about service bulletins for your VIN, and confirm in your service information.