Hi this is Dusty, I'm one of the auto experts on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating situation with your Malibu suddenly refusing to go in reverse after a normal drive.
Given the abruptness of the issue and the fact that there were no warning signs prior to this incident, it could indeed be caused by several factors.
One possibility to consider is a broken or malfunctioning transmission cable, which could result in difficulty shifting gears, including into reverse.
Other potential causes could include issues with the transmission solenoid, linkage, or internal mechanical components.
Since your Malibu was running fine on the highway prior to this incident, it appears less likely to be a major transmission failure, though it's still a possibility.
As for the hesitation you experienced, that may or not be related to the shifting concern, a thorough diagnosis by a qualified technician will be able to pinpoint the issue.
They'll have the skills and tools to perform a thorough examination of the powertrain and conduct any necessary tests to identify the root cause of the problem.
Given that this problem has only been occurring for a day, it's best to address it promptly to prevent further damage.
If you have any other questions or would like to help with finding a RepairPal Certified shop in your area, give us a call!
877-913-1554
