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P2646 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
6
Most Affected
2014, 2015

What P2646 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"P2646 diagnostic code - rocker arm control solenoid In June 2020, GM issued "Special Coverage Adjustment N192289160 Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve Inoperative" for the coverage of the repair for rocker arm oil control valve, (OCV) for 10 years after the purchase date, or 120,000 miles for the 2014 Ma"

— 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • POWER TRAIN • Filed 11/30/2022

"The vehicle stops while in motion and in driving gear then wheel lock up. making it unable to proceed to turn or drive. this does not matter if on highway or public street."

— 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE • Filed 06/22/2020

"Code P2646 (among others) came up. This impacts driveability, safety and mileage performance. Problem was diagnosed by 2 separate mechanics, including Chevrolet dealer. First mechanic replaced recommended part twice but issue persists. No warning prior to the issue appearing."

— 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • POWER TRAIN • Filed 08/09/2023

"I own a 2015 malibu lt 2.5l, i have not been able to pass the state required inspection due to a faulty oil control solenoid."

— 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE • Filed 10/01/2019

"In sept of 2019, my check engine light came on for my 2015 chevy malibu. i took it to the dealership and it ran the code p2646, and the they told me that i needed the gm part 12633613."

— 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • POWER TRAIN • Filed 09/12/2019

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P2646 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

50%
16.7%
16.7%
16.7%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2014
3
2015
3

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P2646 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026