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Campaign 14V247 Posted May 14, 2014 140,067 units

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Recall 14V247: Brake Assist Loss

Recall 14V247 affects 140,067 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 2.5L auto stop/start engines for lost brake assist. Free software update at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.

Chevrolet is recalling 140,067 2014 Malibu sedans with the 2.5L auto stop/start engine because brake vacuum assist can be lost, disabling hydraulic boost assist. If that happens, the driver needs more pedal effort and more distance to stop. That raises the risk of a crash, and the Chevrolet dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The brake vacuum assist system on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu helps reduce the force needed to stop the vehicle. Engine vacuum and related assist hardware multiply the pressure from your foot before that force reaches the hydraulic brake system. When it works correctly, the pedal feels manageable because the assist system is doing part of the work.

On affected Malibu vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine and auto stop/start, the vehicle can lose brake vacuum assist completely. That loss disables the hydraulic boost assist, so the power-assist portion of the braking system no longer helps as designed. The brakes still have hydraulic function, but the driver has to press much harder to get the same stopping response.

There is no warning sign before failure. Once the assist is gone, the clearest sign is a brake pedal that feels much harder to press than normal, especially when trying to stop quickly.

Who's affected?

2014 Chevrolet Malibu hydraulic brake system
Units affected140,067

Not every 2014 Chevrolet Malibu sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.

What's the safety risk?

If hydraulic boost assist is disabled, the Malibu needs more brake pedal effort and more distance to slow or stop. That increases crash risk, especially in traffic or during a sudden stop. Leave extra following distance and schedule the brake control module software update with the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to ask about the free electronic brake control module software update that fixes the brake-assist problem.
  3. Reference recall number 14V247 when you call, and give the dealer your VIN.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet sent one, or ask the dealer to confirm the recall in its service system.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and expect more brake pedal effort if the brake assist stops working.

What happens at the repair

GM's filed remedy for campaign 14V247 is a free electronic brake control module software update. The recall began on July 3, 2014. At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician connects the Malibu to diagnostic equipment and updates the brake control software so the brake vacuum assist and hydraulic boost assist work as intended. The dealer repair is covered under the recall, with no charge for the software update or labor. If your VIN still shows this recall open, ask the service desk to confirm the repair before the appointment.

Timeline

May 14, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
July 3, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V247?

Recall 14V247 covers 140,067 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the 2.5L engine and auto stop/start option. The brake vacuum assist can fail, which disables hydraulic boost assist and requires more pedal effort and longer stopping distance. Chevrolet dealers update the electronic brake control module software for free.

What should I do if my 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 14V247. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the electronic brake control module software update. Reference recall 14V247 or Chevrolet recall number 14201 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers update the electronic brake control module software free of charge. The recall repair has been available since July 3, 2014.

What is the safety risk in recall 14V247?

The safety risk is reduced brake assist. If hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the Malibu requires more brake pedal effort and a longer stopping distance, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a Chevrolet dealer.

What if I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu remains eligible if its VIN is included. Check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 14V247 when you schedule service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V247000
Chevrolet customer service1-800-222-1020
NHTSA recall #14V247
NHTSA recall # (full)14V247000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →