Enduring six decades is no easy feat, but the Chevrolet Malibu is one of those nameplates that stood the test of time. Starting out as a Chevrolet Chevelle trim, the Malibu has a reputation as a solid, affordable car – stylish enough for the daily drive without taking a big hit to your wallet. However, despite being a decent seller in the Chevrolet lineup, the long-running nameplate isn’t long for the world, with production of the ninth-generation Malibu ending this month.
Base MSRP $24,700
Base Trim Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower 163 HP @5700 RPM
Base Trim Torque 184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
The Malibu will be exiting with a lineup exclusively powered by a GM’s Small Gasoline Engine, specifically the turbocharged 1.5-liter LFV power plant. While earlier 2016–2017 versions of the Malibu’s LFV had problematic reliability, newer ones were claimed to have been improved. However, this recent engine teardown of a 2020 Malibu shows that there may still be underlying conditions, especially when proper maintenance was thrown out the window.
The data and information listed here were sourced from the manufacturer’s website and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as reputable websites and forum sites that recorded submissions from owners.
What Does A Failed 2020 Chevy Malibu Engine Look Like?
In the video, I Do Cars, a YouTube channel that religiously puts out engine teardown content for educational purposes, dives into a busted 1.5-liter LFV engine from a 2020 Malibu with only 98,000 miles on the clock – a little too soon for things to hit sideways. Information about the car or the engine was scarce, with the presenter only obtaining its maintenance service records and mileage through due diligence (aka running a Carfax using the VIN).
Right away, things are looking rough. There were signs of neglect, while the sparse maintenance history might indicate either unreported or missed oil changes. From the get-go, one of the spark plugs soaked in fuel (not exactly confidence inspiring) but every new part taken off reveals a fresh horror story.
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Here’s a quick rundown of the damage found:
Fuel-soaked spark plug: Cylinder three’s spark plug looked like it had just swum through a fuel bath, which would be a sign of a misfire. The presence of fuel can lead to a buildup of unburned fuel, carbon deposits, and a drop in performance. Oil pooling where it doesn’t belong: The turbo area and exhaust ports had way too much oil hanging around. When oil leaks into the turbo, it not only kills efficiency but can leave a sticky mess that clogs things up over time. Melted pistons: Significant damage is found on multiple pistons, with cylinder two being the most severely affected. This piston was partially melted and showed extensive pockmarks from detonation. The other cylinders displayed similar damage, with melted areas and severe scoring. More importantly, aluminum particles from the melted pistons were found throughout the engine’s oil system, causing extensive wear on various components, including the oil pump. Slight problems with timing components: Timing chain components showed signs of wear but were surprisingly intact, given the engine’s condition. However, the engine appeared to lack sufficient oil pressure during the teardown, possibly because of an oil-fed timing tensioner that wasn’t active without engine operation. Unwanted debris around the camshafts and rockers: Scoring and metal debris were found on the cam lobes and rockers. The wear patterns indicated that the engine might have been run with dirty or low-quality oil for extended periods, exacerbating wear on these components. Blown head gasket: There were scorch marks on the head gasket, suggesting the engine overheated at some point. The head itself was potentially salvageable but would require re-machining due to warping from the excessive heat.
While we can’t be certain about the exact causes of the engine failure, what was discovered during the teardown can conclude that this particular LFV suffered poor maintenance and high-load operation. However, we must say that the engine’s design leaves minimal tolerance for user neglect, which led to the catastrophic failure of the relatively young power plant.
The GM LFV “Ecotec” Engine In Detail
GM LFV Engine Specs (Ninth-Generation Chevrolet Malibu)
Configuration
Turbocharged Inline-4
Displacement
1,490 cc
Bore
74 mm
Stroke
86.6 mm
Power
163 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque
184 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
Compression
10.0:1
The Malibu’s 1.5-liter LFV engine is part of GM’s compact, fuel-efficient lineup, built to be light on fuel and easy on the wallet. This turbocharged inline-four engine, which made its debut in the mid-2010s in Opel products, punches out a respectable 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in the midsize sedan. Also referred to as Ecotec, it’s designed to run on regular gas (87 octane), with its most powerful iteration churning out up to 181 hp and 210 lb-ft of pull.
However, it’s worth pointing out that GM’s LFV engine (and the whole SGE lineup) is used in various models outside the American automaker’s range of brands. It’s also found in MG models through SAIC and GM’s partnership in China. The British marque is currently owned by SAIC, one of the biggest state-owned automakers in the People’s Republic. MG vehicles with this engine are sold globally.
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Reliability Issues
So, how does the Malibu’s LFV engine stack up on reliability? It’s kind of a mixed bag. Car Complaints reports fewer problems for the 2020 model compared to older ones like the 2016 Malibu, which had a reputation for oil-guzzling and piston trouble. But the teardown video raises some red flags on the durability front, especially since this engine didn’t even make it to 100k miles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists a handful of complaints about the 2020 Malibu, though not all of them are about the engine itself. However, again, earlier versions racked up complaints about overheating, oil consumption, and piston issues – problems that seem to stick around in the newer models, too. So, while the 2020 Malibu isn’t the worst in its class, the LFV engine may still be a bit of a gamble for anyone hoping to hit a high-mileage milestone.
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Common Issues Of GM’s LFV Engine
The LFV engine on ninth-generation Malibu units has encountered several recurring problems, as reported by owners across the 2016-2021 model years. Based on forum insights, here are the most frequently discussed issues and what Malibu drivers might expect:
Acceleration and lagging issues: Many ninth-gen Malibu owners report a lag in acceleration, particularly at low RPMs or under heavy loads. Known as “lugging,” this puts extra strain on the engine and increases the risk of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI). LSPI can lead to detonation, a potentially damaging issue that causes unusual wear on spark plugs. Some owners suggest keeping RPMs above 1,800 to reduce strain on the engine and avoid triggering LSPI. Premature piston damage: Since the LFV engine’s pistons can be vulnerable to damage from LSPI or heat, owners have reported cracked or melted pistons in severe cases, sometimes at low mileages, as shown by this engine teardown. Turbocharger oil leaks: Oil leaks around the turbo are another commonly reported issue, often caused by worn seals or delayed oil changes. This leads to oil pooling in the turbo and exhaust, which can decrease performance and sometimes requires a costly turbo replacement. Some owners recommend more frequent oil changes and high-quality oil to reduce strain on the turbocharger. Sensor and electrical problems: Issues with sensors, such as the knock sensor, have also been reported, leading to piston damage over time. Electrical issues, particularly around battery voltage, have also been reported, sometimes causing acceleration problems and poor fuel economy. Timing chain wear: Early wear on the timing chain has been flagged by multiple Malibu owners, which can result in engine misalignment if left unchecked. Since the timing chain synchronizes the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft, ignoring this issue can escalate into more significant damage, potentially requiring an overhaul.
Sources:
Car Complaints
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NHTSA
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Chevy Malibu Forum