2020 Chevrolet Malibu parts and specs

What changed for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

• 2020Base L trim gains standard 16-in aluminum wheels (from LS); all trims standardize on the 8-in Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, replacing the previous 7-in unit
• 2020–2022L dropped (2020 was its last year); lineup LS/RS/LT/Premier. 2022 was the final year for the Premier trim and 2.0T engine.

Known problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

2 of the 6 issues we track for the 2016–2025 generation are documented against the 2020 model year, and 1 carries a recall or service bulletin.

• 1.5T turbocharger failure and wastegate faults

  major

  The LFV's turbo is this generation's signature complaint: failed turbos (often oil-starvation related) show up from ~60k miles with whining/rattling, smoke, low boost, and check-engine lights, while the electronic wastegate regulator solenoid causes P0234 overboost or P0299 underboost codes without a dead turbo. A solenoid is a cheap fix; a turbo assembly is not. Religious oil changes with dexos1 full synthetic are the best prevention.

  Typical cost: $80–$250 (wastegate solenoid) / $1,200–$2,500 (turbo replacement)

• CVT shudder, whine, and failure (2019+)

  majorMultiple GM TSBs; no recall

  The VT40 CVT that replaced the 6-speed in 2019 draws complaints for shudder on light acceleration, whining, and outright failure (loss of drive). GM issued technical service bulletins covering fluid and valve-body/belt repairs but never recalled it; several lemon-law firms track it as a known defect. A fluid service with the exact DEXRON CVT spec sometimes cures early shudder.

  Typical cost: $400 (fluid/TSB service) to $3,500–$5,000 (replacement unit)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Chevrolet Malibu problems and years to avoid guide.