Chevrolet Malibu Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Malibu options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Malibu has 2,026 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,026
- Safety recall campaigns
- 20
- Crash-related complaints
- 68
- Fire-related complaints
- 11
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (719 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (7 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Malibu: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET MALIBU has 2,026 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. 68 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,026 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 20 federal recall campaigns
- 68 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
20 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEATS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,026 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,026 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blank image. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were unavailable, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,700.
The car screen blanks in and out while driving. This has happened multiple times, i was only able to catch it on video once.. The video is too long to upload but i do have proof
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention) through Turo Car Rental Marketplace; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Vehicle was parked, all windows and doors closed. Key remained out of the vehicle. Car parked for several hours without being touched, when suddenly it began to roll forward on its own. The car continued forward and quickly went down a short hill into a rocky area of a field before coming to a stop.
Backup camera has blurred vision when in R, the view on the dashboard is extremely blurry and seems to be condensed/ wet. Please check and advise.
Read 14 more owner reports
Chevy sold me a vehicle knowing that the radio was faulty and known to glitching out. I took it to the dealer and they replicated the problem. GM has known about the issue since 9/2024 when the issued the bulletin about the problem. They sold me the vehicle knowing that the problem existed and did not disclose that to me. That is a violation of CA law.
3 times during rainy weather my backup camera would display an odd view. The screen would malfunction and turn off. The radio wouldn't work. Climate control wouldn't work. The first time I pulled the fuse and put it back. Other times I turned off the screen for a while. It has returned to working all 3 times.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and turned off in front of the hotel lobby. Moments after entering the hotel, the contact informed that the vehicle had rolled down the hotel driveway and crashed into two parked vehicles located in the hotel parking area. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 45,000.
There is a frequency coming from the front of the driver's seat, steering wheel, and under the instrument panel that sends a electrical shock as you drive. If you have aluminum foil or any type of material that blocks electrical signals in the driver's seat it will shock you as well. This could definitely cause an accident while driving . This happens daily. It started in April 2026.
Back up Camera has a recall and there has not been a fix for over 3 months. The back up camera shows a black screen
The contact rented a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was an Uber driver. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V575000 (Equipment). The contact believed that the vehicle should not have been rented with the open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was not available.
My 2024 Chevy Malibu has lost power and is not shifting properly yet it’s not displaying any codes. It shifts and jerks very hard when on a cold start but also will not get up and go when I pull into traffic. This has caused me to almost get hit numerous times. It’s like it freezes and won’t go! The dealership could not recreate the problem (shocker), and since no codes they sent me away. Said last time it was due to the battery so I paid to replace that yet that did nothing to the engine/transmission problem. In addition to this issue, I think there’s an electrical issue. My rear view camera will often be distorted like I’m looking through a fish bowl and it has also come on while I’m driving on the freeway. I often lose my infotainment system too. It loses connection all the time and the screen goes black and disconnects from CarPlay. My onstar button will sometimes go red when this occurs but not all the time. Even when I lose the CarPlay, I can’t even get the Bluetooth to work. I purchased this vehicle used at 40k miles and my power train warranty will expire in less than 5k miles yet I can’t get any help with making it safe.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
There have been numerous days that I press brake to start car in which it does not start. I wait until it will. The trunk seems unaligned as there's more gap on right side. Carpet in front floor is not correct as I have to tuck under trim by door constantly. Backup camera seems distorted and has been not correct in lines to park but remains distorted by the unclear view and awkward angle. While driving at times it feels like going into another gear and it's an automatic. The breaking at times is very hard and pushing passengers forward.
The rear camera does not always show the yellow pattern for me to drive in reverse. I intend to have the camera replaced with the recall. The camera is in the weather and not under chrome as my Chevy Equinox 2012. The size of drink holder is smaller than Equinox. No lighting in console as my Equinox. No lighting in glove box. No CD player as my Equinox. The fabric is cut too short in the front floor. I have to manually cover the carpet with edging. There are other nice features in the 2024 Malibu. I am grateful it was built in KANSAS!
Telematics module failure.
The rear camera frequently does not work when the vehicle is put into reverse. This creates a major safety concern and makes it difficult for me, especially as an older driver, to safely back out of parking spaces and avoid hitting someone or something. The rear camera is an important safety feature that I rely on daily. I am requesting that the vehicle be properly repaired, or bought back if the issue cannot be permanently fixed.
My rearview camera froze while I was reversing. Also when I put the vehicle into drive, the screen stayed on the backup camera after it eventually unfroze, showing the road behind me, it was very distracting. I have no photos or videos available because I was driving no warning lamps were visible, no auditory signals were present
The backup camera is malfunctioning and will not display anything behind me. Just a black screen saying “service vision system.” There are far too many blind spots when it comes to reversing with this car that I feel unsafe when I have to back out of parking spots or driveways. I have taken the vehicle to a GM dealership and they refuse to replace the camera because there is “no remedy” available even though they, themselves seen the camera was inoperable. The camera was going in and out for about three weeks prior to it completely being unusable about three weeks ago.
Showing 20 of 2,026 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Malibu
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Malibu, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Malibu has 2,026 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Malibu has 20 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 68 of the Chevrolet Malibu's 2,026 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Malibu vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Malibu vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Malibu has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Chevrolet Malibu by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Malibu.
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Keep researching before you buy
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Chevrolet Malibu reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Malibu has 2,026 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (719 complaints), 2018 (687 complaints), 2020 (191 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (697 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (554 complaints); POWER TRAIN (490 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?
Yes — 20 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Malibu. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.