If you drive a Chevy Malibu from 2013 to 2022, there is something you should know before your next trip across Fort Worth. Over the past few years, we at Rick & Ray’s Auto Plaza have been seeing more and more Malibus come into the shop with the same troubling issue: a failing brake vacuum pump.
This is not just a small nuisance. A bad brake vacuum pump can make it harder for you to stop your car safely, and in some cases, it can even cause serious damage to your engine. If the issue is ignored, you could be looking at an expensive repair bill, not to mention the risk to your safety.
As a trusted shop for Chevrolet repair in Fort Worth, we’ve seen this problem often enough to know it’s not something to ignore. Our goal is to help you understand the problem so you can take action before it gets out of hand.
What the Brake Vacuum Pump Does and Why It Matters
The brake vacuum pump plays a key role in how your power brakes work. It creates the vacuum pressure that makes it easy to press down on the brake pedal and bring your vehicle to a smooth stop. When it is working correctly, you probably never think about it. But when it starts to fail, you might notice several warning signs.
Here are the most common symptoms:
- The brake pedal feels stiff or hard to press
- Your stopping distance becomes noticeably longer
- The “Service Brake Assist” light comes on
- You hear grinding or whining noises from under the hood
- The engine feels like it is losing power or running rough
Unfortunately, the problem can get much worse. When the pump begins to fail internally, it can shed tiny metal fragments into the engine oil. Those fragments can circulate through the engine and cause severe damage to critical components. In the worst cases, this can lead to complete engine failure.
Why This Problem Happens in Many Malibus
General Motors has issued a technical service bulletin for this issue, which means they are aware of the problem. However, there has been no official recall.
The root of the issue lies in the way the pump is designed. In 2013–2022 Chevy Malibus, the vacuum pump is mechanically connected to the engine’s camshaft. That means it runs constantly whenever the engine is on, even if the additional vacuum is not needed. Over time, that constant operation causes the pump to wear out much faster than it should.
If the wear becomes severe, the pump can seize completely. When that happens, it can damage the camshaft itself, turning what could have been a simple part replacement into a major engine repair.
What We Do at Rick & Ray’s to Fix It the Right Way
Replacing the pump is only part of the solution. Our approach is thorough because we want to protect not just your braking system but also your engine. When you bring your Malibu to us with brake vacuum pump issues, here is what we do:
- Full Brake System Evaluation – We start by confirming whether your brake problem is truly caused by the vacuum pump or by another part of the braking system. This ensures we are not replacing parts unnecessarily.
- Quality Pump Replacement – If your pump needs to be replaced, we install an original-equipment or high-quality upgraded pump that is built to last.
- Engine Inspection – We check your engine for any signs of metal contamination or early damage that may have occurred as a result of the failing pump.
- Oil and Filter Service – If we find debris, we flush the engine, replace the oil, and install a new filter to help protect against further damage.
- Safety and Reliability Guarantee – All of our work is backed by a warranty, so you can drive away with confidence, knowing the repair was done right.
We believe in going beyond quick fixes. By looking at the bigger picture, we can help prevent you from facing another costly repair in the near future.
Why You Should Act Before It Gets Worse
If you own a 2013–2022 Chevy Malibu, the safest choice is to get your brake system inspected as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed earlier. Even if your brakes feel fine right now, having the pump checked during routine maintenance can save you from much bigger problems later.
Waiting until the pump fails can put your safety at risk, since a stiff brake pedal means you might not be able to stop as quickly in an emergency. In addition, delaying the repair can turn an affordable part replacement into a major repair involving your engine.
How to Get Your Malibu Checked in Fort Worth
At Rick & Ray’s Auto Plaza, we have been helping Fort Worth drivers stay safe on the road since 1993. Our ASE-certified technicians have the training, tools, and experience to diagnose and repair issues like this quickly and correctly.
If you are experiencing braking problems, dashboard warning lights, or strange noises from your Malibu, we recommend scheduling an inspection right away. Even if you have not noticed symptoms yet, we can check the pump during your next oil change to give you peace of mind.
You can call us at (817) 335-2073 or schedule an appointment online. We will walk you through what we find, explain your options, and make sure you understand the repair process before we get started.
A Local Shop You Can Trust
We are more than just an auto repair shop. We are a team of professionals who care about keeping our community safe on the road. That is why we take the time to educate drivers about potential issues like this brake vacuum pump problem.
When you choose Rick & Ray’s, you are getting more than just a repair. You are getting honest advice, high-quality workmanship, and a commitment to your safety. Whether it is routine maintenance or a complex repair, we stand behind every job we do.
Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today
If you drive a 2013–2022 Chevy Malibu, be aware of the brake vacuum pump issue. The earlier you catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to fix. Give us a call or stop by, and we will make sure your Malibu is safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.
