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Lion Lemon

2020-2024 · Midsize Sedan

Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law Attorney

Repeated problems with your Chevrolet Malibu? See whether California lemon law may provide a buyback or refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Tell us about your Malibu's repair history. We'll review whether a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement may be available.

Get Your Free Chevrolet Malibu Case Review

Free 60-second check · no cost, no obligation.

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How many times has it been in the shop for the same problem?
When you win, the manufacturer pays our fees — not you. That's California law, and your case review costs you nothing either way.

Trusted by California drivers · 5.0

Free consultation. No obligation. We don't charge unless you win.

A quick eligibility check

Your Malibu may qualify if…

These are common indicators under California's Song-Beverly Act. An attorney reviews the full repair and warranty history before determining whether the firm can take a case.

You bought or leased the vehicle in California.

The problem arose while a manufacturer warranty covered the vehicle.

The dealer has had repeated repair opportunities, or the vehicle has spent significant time in the shop.

The defect continues and substantially affects the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

What clients say

“I had an excellent experience working with this lawyer. They were incredibly prompt with every response, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free. I always felt heard, and they were genuinely helpful in making sure my needs were met every step of the way. What stood out most was how kind and approachable they were—never intimidating, always willing to explain things clearly and patiently.”
Yael S. · Google review

Individual results vary and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.

What happens next

Three straightforward steps

  1. 1

    Share your repair history

    Tell us about the defect, dealer visits, warranty, and time your Malibu spent in the shop.

  2. 2

    An attorney reviews it

    A licensed California attorney reviews the submitted information within 24 hours. The review is free and carries no obligation.

  3. 3

    We explain your options

    If the firm accepts the case, our attorneys handle manufacturer communications and pursue the remedy supported by the facts.

Why Chevrolet Malibu Owners Choose Lion Lemon

Attorney-Led Review

Every case is reviewed by a licensed California attorney within 24 hours — not a call center.

$0 Cost to You

Under California Civil Code §1794(d), the manufacturer pays our attorney fees when we win — not you.

California Focus

We only practice California lemon law. Every attorney on our team works on Song-Beverly Act cases daily.

We Handle the Paperwork

We draft your demand letter, negotiate with Chevrolet, and handle the filing — you focus on driving.

Why a warranty isn't enough

Your warranty vs. the lemon law

A warranty is a promise to attempt repairs. The lemon law is what protects you when those repairs never stick.

The manufacturer's warranty

  • The manufacturer decides which repairs to attempt.
  • It only obligates them to keep trying — not to actually fix the problem.
  • When the warranty ends, the manufacturer's repair obligation ends.

California's lemon law

  • Kicks in when repeated repairs don't fix a substantial defect.
  • Can require a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
  • Your legal claim can survive after the warranty ends — if the defect was reported while it was in force.
  • When you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees — not you.
Explore Malibu defects, rights & FAQs

Common Chevrolet Malibu Problems

The 1.5L LFV turbocharged engine suffers from a known piston ring defect that causes excessive oil consumption, often exceeding one quart per 1,000 miles, leading to low oil level warnings, fouled spark plugs, and premature catalytic converter failure.
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in 2019+ models develops a shuddering sensation during acceleration, accompanied by a whining noise from the transmission, linked to premature belt and pulley wear inside the variator assembly.
The electronic power steering assist fails intermittently while driving, displaying a 'Power Steering' warning on the instrument cluster, caused by a defective torque sensor inside the steering column-mounted EPS motor.
The trunk latch assembly fails to secure the trunk closed, causing it to pop open while driving. The issue stems from a defective trunk latch striker plate alignment and a weak latch spring mechanism.
The 1.5L turbo engine develops coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers through a cracked cylinder head or failed head gasket, resulting in white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leaks, and eventual engine overheating.

Your California Lemon Law Rights

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if your Chevrolet Malibu has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

  • Full refund of the purchase price
  • Replacement vehicle of comparable value
  • Cash compensation (cash-and-keep settlement)
  • Attorney's fees paid by the manufacturer

Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law FAQ

Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu in 2024. Does this affect my ability to file a lemon law claim on my 2024 Malibu?

The discontinuation of the Malibu does not affect your lemon law rights under the Song-Beverly Act. Your claim is based on the manufacturer's warranty that existed at the time of purchase, and GM remains obligated to honor that warranty. If anything, discontinuation may strengthen a replacement claim since GM cannot provide you with a comparable new Malibu and may need to offer a replacement vehicle of equal or greater value. Your right to a repurchase refund remains fully intact regardless of the model's production status.

My Malibu's 1.5L turbo engine is losing coolant internally and the dealer says it needs a new engine. Can I demand a buyback instead of an engine replacement?

Under the Song-Beverly Act, the manufacturer has the right to attempt repairs before you can demand a buyback. However, if this is not the first repair attempt for engine-related issues, or if the vehicle has been out of service for an extended period, you may already qualify for a buyback. An engine replacement is a major repair that signals a fundamental manufacturing defect, and the repaired vehicle may have diminished resale value. Consult a lemon law attorney to evaluate whether your repair history supports an immediate buyback demand.

My Malibu's power steering has failed while driving twice, creating a dangerous situation. Does this qualify as a safety defect with enhanced protections?

Absolutely. An intermittent loss of power steering while driving is one of the most serious safety defects recognized under the Song-Beverly Act. For defects that could cause death or serious bodily injury, California law creates a presumption of a lemon after just one repair attempt if the defect persists. With two documented incidents of steering failure, you have an extremely strong case for an immediate vehicle repurchase. File a complaint with NHTSA and demand a buyback from GM in writing immediately.

I bought my Malibu as a certified pre-owned vehicle with GM's CPO warranty. Am I covered by the California Lemon Law?

Yes, certified pre-owned vehicles with a manufacturer-backed warranty are covered under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. GM's CPO warranty constitutes an express warranty that triggers lemon law protections. The same standards for repair attempts and days out of service apply to your CPO Malibu as they would to a brand-new vehicle. Any defect that arose during the CPO warranty period and was not resolved after reasonable repair attempts qualifies for a potential buyback or replacement.

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