2018 Chevrolet Malibu LS (1LS)
VIN: 1G1ZB5ST8JF226848 | 2018 | General Motors LLC | KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
2018 Chevrolet Malibu LS (1LS) — 1.5L 4 Cyl, FWD, Automatic. Sedan/Saloon.
D
53/100
Safety & Recall Score: Caution
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 6 open recalls (high)
⚠ 694 owner complaints (high)
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: PASSENGER CAR
- Body: Sedan/Saloon
- Plant: KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
6 Open Recalls- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet...
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet...
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC...
Owner Complaints
694 filed with NHTSA- The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact...
- I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000...
Fuel Economy
25 MPG Combined- City: 22 MPG
- Hwy: 31 MPG
- Combined: 25 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
1G1ZB5ST8JF226848
Model Year
2018
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Malibu
Trim
LS (1LS)
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Doors
4
Seats
5
Seat Rows
2
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
1.5L 4 Cyl
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Plant Location
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Country of Origin
UNITED STATES (USA)
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
1 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
G → General Motors LLC
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
1 → PASSENGER CAR
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
ZB5ST → Malibu LS (1LS)
Position 9 — Check Digit
8 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
J → 2018
Position 11 — Plant Code
F → KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
226848 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
LFV - Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, GEN 1
Engine Manufacturer
GMNA
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
1.5 L
Displacement CC
1500.0
Displacement CI
91.53561614209
Engine Config
In-Line
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
Not available
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Yes
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
6
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
25 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
22 MPG
Hwy MPG
31 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,050
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$15,250
GHG Score
5/10
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
354 g/mi
Barrels/Year
11.9
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Included
Auto High Beams
Included
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st and 2nd Rows
Curtain Airbags
All Rows
Knee Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Not available
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
2
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
16
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Manufacturer ID
984
Make ID
467
Model ID
1834
Plant Company
Fairfax Assembly
Plant City
KANSAS CITY
Plant State
KANSAS
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
1G1ZB5ST*JF
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
6
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
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Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
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Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Chevrolet dealer with this VIN to confirm all 6 recall(s) are resolved.
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Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 6 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$7,500–$11,800
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
5 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly...
Risk: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018....
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper...
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact...
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from...
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Risk: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM...
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6...
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The...
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021....
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
$1,560/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$7,800
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$15,250
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$5,310
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
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Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Chevrolet dealer.
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Run Free NICB Check for 1G1ZB5ST8JF226848 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
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Common:
Owner Complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving...
I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000...
I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced...
A software error in 1.5L turbo model disable fuel...
A software error in 1.5L turbo model disable fuel injectors, preventing the engine from starting or causing a sudden stall while driving. It’s been confirmed to be an...
I’ve reported this problem but as I got into...
I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my...
When placed into park and try to turn the...
When placed into park and try to turn the car off, the vehicle's dashboard still says "shift to park". It's already in park but not registering. The vehicle...
JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE CAR IS RECEIVING...
JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE CAR IS RECEIVING ERROR: "SHIFT TO PARK". THIS APPEAR TO BE A KNOW ISSUE FOR 2018 CHEVY MALIBU HYBRID. CAR CUT OFF...
While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes...
While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I...
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu....
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of...
Showing 8 of 694 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Chevrolet recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2018
$9,700
2019
$8,500
-12%
2020
$7,600
-22%
2021
$6,600
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,560/yr
21%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
20%
Fuel/Energy
$3,050/yr
41%
Depreciation
$1,062/yr
14%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$7,422/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.9
/ 10
Rank #12 overall
41 issues / 100 vehicles
Chevrolet Reliability
Chevrolet trucks rank well; some car-based models and early EV platforms have had more issues. Strong dealer network.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
14/06/2018
30/08/2018
31/05/2018
06/09/2019
29/10/2020
20/08/2021
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu:
Private Party
$6,600–$10,900
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$7,900–$13,000
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$8,100–$13,600
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 6 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Chevrolet Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
6yr/100k
⚠ At 8 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 6 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 694 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →🔌 Carfax Recall Alerts
Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
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VIN 1G1ZB5ST8JF226848:
6 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,560/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1G1ZB5ST8JF226848 decode to?
VIN 1G1ZB5ST8JF226848 decodes to a 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu LS (1LS), assembled in KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu have?
This 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu has 6 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a CHEVROLET dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu LS (1LS) is estimated at $7,500–$11,800. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu get?
According to EPA data, the 2018 CHEVROLET Malibu gets approximately 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $3,050.
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