P0556 on CHEVROLET MALIBU — Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Q: "What does P0556 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"P0556 indicates: Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. This is a vehicle speed and idle control code. 6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0556 on CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Service Brakes, Service Brakes,Engine, Service Brakes, Hydraulic. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0556 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows P0556?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0556 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

P0556 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. This code relates to the vehicle speed and idle control system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2016-2020. Most reports come from the 2019, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Service Brakes (50.0% of reports).

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet malibu. while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal traveled to the floorboard and there was a grinding noise. there was no warning indicator illuminated. in addition, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate."

— 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · SERVICE BRAKES · Filed 05/08/2019

"As I was driving in a 45 MPH two-lane road, the car in front of me wanted to turn left and when I stepped on the brake pedal, it was stiff. The car wouldn't slow down. So, I quickly stepped on the parking brake which helped and possibly saved my life and the life/lives of those I could have hit."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · SERVICE BRAKES · Filed 06/29/2022

"Vehicle was being driven at 60 mph on the highway when the brakes weren't responding as I was entering a sharp curve. Had to stand on the brakes and manually lower the gears to keep from hitting a tree head-on. Check engine light was on."

— 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE · Filed 03/21/2025

"The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was stiff and could not be depressed. The contact stated he heard a grinding noise coming from the front tires."

— 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · Filed 12/06/2022

"I purchased a 2019 chevy malibu on April 9th 2022. Car seemed to be fine at first drove car for two month experienced frequent shift to park issues as car would not recognize itself in park Until multiple attempts at parking."

— 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 09/05/2022

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'16

1

'17

3

'19

1

'20

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

SERVICE BRAKES 50%

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 16.7%

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 16.7%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 16.7%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0556 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

P0556 indicates: Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. This is a vehicle speed and idle control code. 6 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0556 on CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Service Brakes, Service Brakes,Engine, Service Brakes, Hydraulic. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0556 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows P0556? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

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