Chevrolet Malibu owners filed 3,192 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu drew the most complaints (837); across all years, owners complain most about engine (34% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 837 complaints, led by engine (302) and 9 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,082 complaints but no recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2016 (4.4 times as many complaints), 2017 (3.7 times as many complaints), 2018 (3.7 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 44k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 22 complaints mention a fire and 109 a crash, with 78 injuries and 3 deaths reported.
Chevrolet Malibu complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 3 recalls | 267 | Electrical system (68), Engine (68), Air bags (49) median 53k mi · 18 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2016 9 recalls | 837 | Engine (302), Electrical system (222), Transmission / powertrain (166) median 50k mi · 23 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2017 4 recalls | 702 | Engine (253), Electrical system (161), Transmission / powertrain (139) median 48k mi · 16 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2018 6 recalls | 695 | Engine (279), Electrical system (191), Transmission / powertrain (169) median 45k mi · 23 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2019 1 recall | 190 | Transmission / powertrain (66), Engine (63), Electrical system (61) median 42k mi · 8 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2020 1 recall | 198 | Engine (59), Transmission / powertrain (58), Electrical system (57) median 68k mi · 10 crashes |
| 2021 2 recalls | 88 | Electrical system (29), Transmission / powertrain (28), Engine (14) median 54k mi · 1 fire |
| 2022 1 recall | 96 | Electrical system (32), Engine (29), Transmission / powertrain (23) median 65k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2023 2 recalls | 69 | Backup camera / rear sensors (16), Electrical system (12), Engine (12) median 66k mi · 3 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2024 2 recalls | 39 | Electrical system (17), Backup camera / rear sensors (10), Transmission / powertrain (5) median 45k mi · 3 crashes |
| 2025 1 recall | 11 | Backup camera / rear sensors (5), Electrical system (4), Transmission / powertrain (1) median 21k mi · 1 crash |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 32, more than the 19 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Chevrolet Malibu problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,082 | 34% | 0 | 52k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 854 | 27% | 3 | 47k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 693 | 22% | 1 | 46k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 464 | 15% | 0 | 57k mi | — |
| Brakes | 312 | 10% | 1 | 50k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Fuel system | 264 | 8% | 1 | 44k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 169 | 5% | 1 | 53k mi | — |
| Steering | 166 | 5% | 0 | 54k mi | Power steering repair cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Chevrolet Malibu owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated P023F fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed same fuel pump error code. Confirmed no recall.
2023 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11672718
I purchased the vehicle in 2018 with 20,000 miles on it. My check engine light has been on more than 7 times in the past 2 years. I had to have the fuel injector worked on, sometimes it won't shift completely into park, I had it decrease in speed from 70 on the highway to no more than 20 MPH with over $400 in repairs just that time. I do not drive fast or deprive my car of regular maintenance.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11404256
None of these 1,082 engine complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
1,082 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
When vehicle is engaged in auto stop, it stalls out completely or bucks forward when at a complete stop(sign or red light). Upon review, two mechanics stated it has to do with the transmission and tork converter. Repair is upwards of $4000-$6000. 2017 Malibu has less than 75000 miles. Will be contacting dealership today 4/10/22.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11460235
Upon stopping and shifting the transmission into park, the instrument display gives a "shift to park" warning and when the "stop / start" button is pushed to shut off the engine, the engine stops, but the electrical system remains energized.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11243342
Related recalls: 16V502000 (2015–2016): If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. 16V084000 (2016): An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash. 19V642000 (2018): Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
854 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Dic intermittently displays "shift to park" when shutting down engine beginning at about 30,000 miles. Dealership states this is not covered by power train warranty. Well known problem with two tsbs issued but no recall. Research shows owners paying $200 to $700 for repairs when out of warranty. I replaced "park" switch with pn: 653-D2HW-BL221H at 31,000 miles. $12 including shipping.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11338458
2018 Chevrolet Malibu premier with approximately 50,000 miles displayed a persistent “shift to park” message. The vehicle would not consistently recognize that it was in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off properly and creating a safety concern. Dealer diagnosed a faulty transmission shifter assembly that was not sending a strong signal to the body control module (bcm).
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11717394
Related recalls: 20V668000 (2018): 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 risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
693 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V212000 | 2026-04-02 | 2023–2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V575000 | 2024-08-01 | 2024 | Equipment / accessories | The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 22V923000 | 2022-12-14 | 2022–2023 | Body structure | An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 22V359000 | 2022-05-19 | 2021 | Seats | An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 21V649000 | 2021-08-20 | 2016–2021 | Seat belts | An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V668000 | 2020-10-29 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | 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 risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. |
| 19V642000 | 2019-09-06 | 2018 | Electrical system | Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V576000 | 2018-08-30 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V400000 | 2018-06-14 | 2016–2018 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. |
| 18V358000 | 2018-05-31 | 2016–2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 16V870000 | 2016-12-02 | 2017 | Air bags | Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V781000 | 2016-10-26 | 2016 | Air bags | If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 16V502000 | 2016-07-05 | 2015–2016 | Electrical system | If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V272000 | 2016-05-05 | 2016 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V151000 | 2016-03-11 | 2016 | Air bags | Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V125000 | 2016-03-02 | 2016 | Air bags | An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury. |
| 16V084000 | 2016-02-11 | 2016 | Electrical system | An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash. |
| 15V666000 | 2015-10-16 | 2015 | Air bags | In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury. |
| 15V164000 | 2015-03-23 | 2015 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
3,192 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Chevrolet models in the index
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (7,160)
- Chevrolet Equinox (3,023)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2,644)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2,306)
- Chevrolet Colorado (2,241)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.