Chevrolet Malibu common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles have filed 3,169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (92% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 3,169
- Owner complaints
- 32
- Recall campaigns
- 108
- Crash-related reports
- 82
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2023 malibu
A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 malibu
A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 malibu
A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened2020 malibu
NHTSA opened investigation EA25005
DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- Recall2024 malibu
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.
- Recall2022 malibu
An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
- Across 3,169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (92%), airbags (5%), steering (2%).
- Which Chevrolet Malibu model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the most owner complaints, with 859 filed.
- Are Chevrolet Malibu problems dangerous?
- Of the 3,169 complaints on record, 108 mention a crash, 22 mention a fire and 82 mention an injury, and 3 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2016 accounts for the most complaints (859). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.