2020 Chevrolet Malibu: The brakes stopped working
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2020 Malibu report: the brakes stopped working. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 35,000 miles.
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints for the 2020 Malibu in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11762742 (filed 09/08/2026): “The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. the contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11758956 (filed 08/23/2026): “I have a failed vacuum pump which caused my braking ability to be 100% reliant on my own strength to be able to “safely” stop the car. this is an ongoing and common problem with gm yet they have not recalled or given any solution. this is unsafe and should be …”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Pads and rotors are a common DIY job with hand tools and a jack; ABS/hydraulic faults need a scan tool. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .