Chevy Malibu Transmission Problems & Cost

Aside from the rare and potent Malibu SS, there is not much that can be said about the Chevrolet Malibu. It’s a very competent car, and is one of General Motors’ best selling models. A number of engine and transmission combinations were offered throughout the years, so we’re just going to focus on the most recent Chevy Malibu transmission problems.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Malibu Transmission Models

Chevy Malibu: 4T45E Transmission (Earlier Models)
Chevy Malibu: 6T70 Transmission  (Later Models)
Chevy Malibu: 6T45 Transmission  (Later Models)

Chevy Malibu Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4T45E Transmission:

Replacement 6T40 Transmission:

Replacement 6T70 Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Malibu transmission problems?

Chevy Malibu Transmission Recalls

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Recall 09V073000 / 09041

Summary – On some 2009 Chevy Malibu, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may come loose, causing the gear indicator to display the wrong gear.
Consequence – If this problem occurs, the driver could remove the ignition key and exit the vehicle thinking the transmission is in Park, even though it isn’t. This can lead to a rollaway, which can cause injury and/or property damage. A lesser consequence would be the inability to start the vehicle because the transmission is not in Park.
Remedy – This recall began on March 24, 2009, and Chevrolet dealers were instructed to inspect Chevy Malibu Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

Chevy Malibu Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs

TSB 05-07-30-015 – Difficultly selecting a gear / shifter jams – Chevrolet Malibu 4T45E
Problem – On some vehicles, the gear selector may become inoperable.
Solution – Replace defective shifter handle.

TSB 99-07-30-031 – No third or fourth gear – 4T40E Transmission & 4T45E Transmission
1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier – 1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Malibu – 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass – 1999 – 2000 Oldsmobile Alero – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Grand Am – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Problem – Drivers may experience the complete loss of third and fourth gears
Solution – Replace direct clutch piston assembly

TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness

TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector

TSB PI0324F – No forward, no reverse, engine will not crank, engine will not start – 6T30 Transmission | 6T40 Transmission | 6T45 Transmission | 6T50 Transmission
2011-2014 Buick LaCrosse – 2011-2014 Buick Regal – 2012-2014 Buick Verano – 2013-2014 Buick Encore – 2011-2013 Chevrolet Malibu – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Equinox – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Orlando – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco – 2013-2014 Chevrolet Trax – 2011-2014 GMC Terrain
Problem – Some of the symptoms of this problem include; the transmission will not engage, the engine cranks but will not start, transmission fluid leaks, unusually harsh shifts, transmission slipping, certain transmission gears will not engage. These diagnostic trouble codes may also be present; P0776, P0796, P2714, P2723.
Solution – These problems may be caused by low line pressure due to a damaged transmission pump.

TSB PI0376A – Flare or slipping on the shift from 2nd or 6th gear – Chevrolet Malibu 6T40
Problem – When this common Malibu transmission problem occurs, the driver may experience slipping and/or a sudden flare/surge when the transmission shifts into or out of 2nd/6th gear.
Solution – This problem is often caused by debris blocking the opening on the channel plate and spacer plate that provides oil to the 2-6 clutch regulator valve. To correct the issue, the channel plate, spacer plate and valve body will have to be cleaned.

TSB 13120A – Torque converter clutch sticking – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2013 Buick Enclave – 2013 Cadillac SRX – 2013 Cadillac XTS – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu – 2013 Chevrolet Traverse – 2013 GMC Acadia – 2013 GMC Terrain
Problem – The torque converter clutch solenoid can stick due to debris in the transmission. When the vehicle is at the end of a coast-down, as the vehicle is coming to a stop, a stuck solenoid will fail to release the torque converter clutch. This keeps the engine directly connected to the driven wheels. As the vehicle stops, the engine speed will be pulled down below normal idle speed and the engine may stall. The vehicle can be immediately restarted and driven.
Solution – The valve control solenoid should be replaced, and the transmission control module will have to be reprogrammed in order to correct the problem.

Common Chevy Malibu Transmission Problems

Slipping in forward or reverse gears – Chevrolet Malibu 4T45E
Problem – The vehicle may slip in-and-out of forward or reverse gears. There may also be a lack of engine braking, lubrication of the forward clutch, and the DTC P0730.
Solution – One of the oil feed tubes may have developed cracks in one of its welds

Input/Output Speed Sensor Issues – Chevrolet Malibu 6T70E
Problem – When repairing a failed input speed sensor or output speed sensor, steering system damage could occur.
Solution – To avoid damage to the clock springs, the splined steering knuckle must be prevented from falling out of the steering rack when dropping the subframe to access the valve body.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Of course you could drive with Chevy Malibu transmission problems, but that could wind up costing you a lot more money in the long run. You see, transmission problems usually start out small, like the car not wanting to go into a gear, or maybe it will slip out of gear momentarily. But these are signs of much bigger problems that could quickly escalate into a much more expensive issue if you don’t get it seen about immediately.

How often does a Chevy Malibu transmission need to be replaced?

As long as you have it serviced on time, and don’t drive like a maniac, a Chevrolet Malibu transmission can last for many miles. Factory design flaws however, can sometimes cut the service life short due to poorly designed transmission parts. A good average for these transmissions in stock form is 120,000-180,000 miles. But a good quality remanufactured transmission will often last for a lot longer.

How are Chevy Malibu transmission issues diagnosed?

To determine the source of your Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems, a mechanic will usually start by connecting an OBDII code scanner to download the diagnostic trouble codes. After figuring out where to look, a visual inspection can be performed to verify the problem.

How is a Chevy Malibu transmission replaced?

Because the later models are all front wheel drive, the engine may have to be partially removed in order to gain access to the transmission. Newer cars may also need an ECU reflash in order for the new transmission to work.

Recommendations for Chevy Malibu transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy Malibu transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Malibu Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Malibu Transmission

For many people, the most logical solution to major Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems would be to buy a used 4T45E / used 6T70E / used 6T45 transmission from the local junkyard. There are relatively cheap, and many will come with a 30-90 day warranty that will give you a replacement transmission if the first one goes bad. But if you have problems with that used Malibu transmission, you’ll probably have to pay for the labor charges if it has to be replaced.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Malibu Transmission

Getting a rebuilt 4T45E / rebuilt 6T70E / rebuilt 6T45 transmission is probably a better idea. But the problem here is, most rebuilders don’t address the factory design flaws. That means, most of the problems associated with the poor design will return. And, the warranty may give you will likely only be honored by the shop that built it. Leaving you to pay for transmission repairs, if they occur while you are out of town.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Malibu Transmission

If you are suffering from serious Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems, one of the best ways to solve them is a remanufactured 4T45E / remanufactured 6T70E / remanufactured 6T45 transmission from a reputable manufacturer. These are process built in a factory and typically have much higher quality components. This can sometimes allow a remanufactured transmission to outlast the OE gearbox (especially if the design flaws have been addressed). Plus, you may be able to get a nationwide warranty as well.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Malibu Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!