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2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Verified July 23, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
4
of 5 stars
Recalls
2
on record
MPG
32
combined

Open recalls on record

2 safety recalls. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer — check the VIN before you buy.

Recalls2
Complaints78
Safety
Fuel

Vehicle Summary

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

2 recalls
78 complaints
32 MPG combined
4/5 safety rating

Before You Buy

Check all recalls are completed
Review consumer complaints
Verify no crash-related complaints
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
2
Owner complaints
78
Complaints citing a crash
0

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalised by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

2 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 21V649000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

  • 22V359000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEATS

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

Consumer complaints

78 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

78
Total
0
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries

Most reported components

  • ENGINE35
  • ELECTRICAL13
  • OTHER13
  • AIR BAGS5
  • FUEL SYSTEM4

Notable Issues

78 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 1 report involves injuries.

Most reported problems

engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)35
electrical issues (battery, wiring, infotainment)13
miscellaneous issues13

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Sedan
Drive type
FWD
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5

Fuel economy

29

City

36

Hwy

32

Comb

Annual cost
$1,900
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

NHTSA crash ratings

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Data sources

Explore related

Adjacent model years

All Chevrolet Malibu years

Common problems

Chevrolet Malibu problems

3,169 owner complaints analysed

Systems recalled

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 22V359000

    An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

  2. Recall

    Recall 21V649000

    An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.