2007 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 991 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2007 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu has 991 owner complaints, 37 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 991
- Crash-related complaints
- 37
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, complaints are heavily concentrated in steering defects, which account for the majority of reports. Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions also appear as recurring themes, though with lower frequencies. The data suggests potential issues with the steering system, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Steering defects dominate the complaint data for the 2007 model year.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component, though far fewer than steering.
- Airbag malfunctions and fuel system issues are also noted but with lower complaint counts.
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 674 | 19 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 114 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 77 | 12 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 53 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 51 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 47 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 47 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 39 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 22 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | — | 2 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The power steering on my vehicle is not working. I believe it may be a malfunction with the torque sensor. It is available for inspection upon request. This was a safety risk because the steering wheel was shaking as I was driving. Thankfully, it never locked up on me while on th…
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle became difficult to steer, requiring extra effort in maneuvering the vehicle. The co…
After several years of instability, the power steering on my 2007 Chevy Malibu has started to lock up while driving. Turning of the vehicle is then difficult. The issue resolves only by turning the engine off and then on again, but does not remain resolved.The readout on the dash…
The power steering fails. Chevrolet (manufacturer) and Pine Belt Chevrolet (NJ) both claim that our vehicle was in for the recall and did not have an issue. The power steering has failed since we bought the car new in 2006. The problem was intermittent for years, but recently …
My electrical power steering motor is no good on car it is at risk of causing harm to me
The contact's mother owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist intermittently failed to operate as needed with the "Power Steering Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the power st…
My 2007 Chevy Malibu began experiencing intermittent power steering failure at around 103,000 miles. This issue makes the vehicle extremely dangerous to drive, even though it is not classified as an official recall because it only affects certain VIN numbers. However, I see multi…
UNKNOWN Power steering randomly shakes and turns and goes out even if fire is stealing is in the common fluid. It is super dangerous and stops working on the highway periodically and I cannot turn it. I’ve saw other safety concerns about this and it has been recognized so I’m ho…
Hello, my 2007 Malibu has a problem with the power steering. The steering wheel becomes hard. This is a problem that has already been detected, but why does this campaign not appear on my car? I am attaching a link to the information: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE …
I was driving and lost power randomly it came back in less than a minute but just lost power could certainly cause an accident... And the service airbag light is on and seemingly has the same issues as the 2010 Malibu Maxx which was recalled and replaced free of charge and frankl…
Vehicle loses power steering at times, turn vehicle off, it works for a bit, then loses power again making if very difficult to steer, on going problem and every time take to mechanic, it is working fine, and told to bring when it is malfunctioning, hard to do that, for never k…
MY GAS GAUGE HASN'T BEEN WORKING FOR A FEW YEARS AND I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT, IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM
On [XXX] we experienced sudden loss of electronic power steering while driving, at the same time the power steering indicator light came on the dash. We were not able to turn the wheel and had to stop in the middle of the road. We had the vehicle brought to Chevrolet of Turnersvi…
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact immediately pulled to the side of the roadway. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off…
The steering wheel start shaking and then on the middle console it showed “POWER STEERING”. Now whenever I drive it it’ll pop up and the steering wheel locks up and it is scary because it doesn’t move. And when I turn of the car it’ll unlock but as soon as I start driving it agai…
I bought the car and the next day it randomly locked up my steering in the middle of traffic. If I turn my car off then turn it on while jerking the wheel side to side it will allow me power steering for just a short moment. Once it worked for a month continuously without shuttin…
Inherited this car with only 5000 original miles. Power steering fault comes on display constantly. Power steering completely cuts out occasionally rendering the steering nearly impossible to turn.
Steering failure! steering locks up while driving light comes on. I have to restart engine several times so the steering works. I have replaced the steering sensor 4 times. i have heard this problem from many people and the gm dealer will no longer address this problem. when the …
The contact's daughter owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failu…
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The steering wheel was uncontrollable and became inoperable. Additionally, there was an engine o…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu.
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 991 owner complaints, 37 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Steering Defects (674 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (114 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (77 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 37 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 991 total complaints. 34 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.