Recall 19V642 affects 177,282 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles because ECM software can disable fuel injectors. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 177,282 2018 Malibu vehicles with 1.5L turbo engines because an Engine Control Module software error can disable the fuel injectors. Disabled injectors can keep the engine from starting or stall the engine, increasing crash risk; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine control module, or ECM, is the computer that manages how the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 1.5L turbo engine runs. One of its jobs is to control the fuel injectors, the parts that spray fuel into the engine so it can start, idle, and keep running.
On affected Malibu vehicles, an error in the ECM software corrupts data used by that computer. Once the data is wrong, the ECM sends a signal that disables the fuel injectors. With the injectors shut off, the engine does not get the fuel it needs to start or continue running.
The main sign is an engine that will not start. The check engine light can turn on when this condition occurs, and a stall was reported in rare cases.
Who's affected?
The same campaign covers engine, electrical-system software, and fuel-system injector components for the Malibu.
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | electrical system software |
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | fuel system |
| Units affected | 177,282 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Disabled fuel injectors can keep the engine from starting or cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the check engine light comes on or the Malibu stalls, pull over safely and arrange dealer service before driving again. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free ECM software reprogramming that keeps the fuel injectors from being disabled.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V642 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the engine stalls or will not start, stop driving and contact the dealer for instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the Engine Control Module software so the fuel injectors are not disabled by the software error. The recall repair is free, and the dealer software work is covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related ECM software repair, GM's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact GM customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 6, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 6, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 16, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V642?
Recall 19V642 covers 177,282 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 1.5L turbo engines. An ECM software error can disable the fuel injectors, prevent the engine from starting, or cause a stall, increasing crash risk. Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the ECM software for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 19V642. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the ECM software reprogramming. Reference recall 19V642 or Chevrolet recall number N192221960 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the ECM software free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Chevrolet dealer regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Chevrolet Malibu before the repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The ECM software error can disable the fuel injectors, prevent the engine from starting, or cause a stall, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free ECM reprogramming with a Chevrolet dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V642000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →