2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 361 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2014 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. 3 trims analysed.
2014 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
11.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.1% probability
Source: 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 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has 361 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 361
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Check the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and brake components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Check the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and brake components.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 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
Complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, with a notable number of transmission and brake issues. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, though the low confidence level warrants caution.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 130.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 88 complaints.
- Transmission/Drivetrain and Brake System complaints total 53 and 50 respectively.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission/Drivetrain
All 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 130 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 88 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 57 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 53 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 50 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 36 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 25 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 7 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| 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 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle mileage was 177,918. The contact had owned the vehicle since 2022. After scanning the vehicle with an OBD scanner, the mileage was discovered to be …
I haven’t been in an accident or even tapped anything with my vehicle but a system warning stating the airbags may be malfunctioning continuously flashed on the driver dashboard and now my “check engine” warning light is continuously lit.
2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS ECO , has a start/stop system that will shut off the engine at a traffic light or stop sign upon reaching a full stop and when the brake pedal is firmly pressed. Upon releasing the brake pedal the engine should immediately restart and driver can proceed. …
Car started shaking in the middle of driving it about 30 mph and all the electrical like door locks were going up and down car wasn’t accelerating and an alert came up for stabilizing wheels i believe. It happened for about a couple seconds and then everything went back to normal…
have a 2014 Malibu with 132,000 miles. . It stalls in traffic, at intersections and stop signs, which is a dangerous safety issue. The Auto Stop will engage and when I put my foot on the accelerator, it stalls out. Also does it right when I start the engine at times.
Unknown, The ignition switch turns on when off position or restart engine when in off selection on ignition switch And the radio is powered back on if key left in the ignition switch powered off When u leave vehicle
Received vehicle at roughly 181,000 miles. Operated fine for about 5,000 miles and then began to show problems. In most cases when pressing down hard on the accelerator pedal, transmission drops into a lower gear and revs up to 5k rpm, cancelling cruise control, and staying there…
I receive a message on my screen stated to shift to park when it is already in park. I have to wiggle the shifter as well as try multiple times before the screen clears. I looked at information stating this is a problem but not to the level of recall but fixed by the dealership. …
I have been an issue with my auto stop system past 6 months. While driving and coming to a complete stop the auto stop kicks into gear as it should but when I release the gas pedal to drive off it stalls for a about 20 seconds unlocking/locking doors and proceeds to kick into dri…
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the heater and A/C system were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for the repairs and for other unrelated repairs. The vehicle was not repaired due to the co…
Was in a bad wreck, other drivers car deployed airbags, mine did not but engine shut off and hazards stayed on. Crash was about 30 miles an hour or so at impact.
Automatic Start/Stop feature is faulty! When it activates, it prevents the engine from restarting for several minutes. This puts myself and others in my car at a major risk of getting in an accident. I have so far been lucky and avoided any accidents. Several thousand has ben spe…
Cant pass smog due to code P2646
The headlights burn out frequently the air conditioner does not work the ignition had to be replaced there's always a code of p0171 the start/stop feature does not work the brakes make the car shake. When does stuff takes place I have to pull the vehicle over cousin me to put oth…
Car rolls backwards when stopped on an incline until the brakes are pumped two to three times
I have to change sensor for the oil every year. Small battery in the back I have to replace it every year
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagn…
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 20-25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the rotors…
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon driving four miles at approximately 35 MPH, the engine overheated. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The temperature gauge increased to Hot. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The …
This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop ligh…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 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.
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 361 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Engine Problems (130 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (88 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (57 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 361 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 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 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2014 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 Engine Problems 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 2014 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.