2019 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 185 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2019 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.
2019 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
10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.3% 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has 185 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 185
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 32
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 29 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, electrical, and engine systems, with a total of 185 complaints and 1 recall. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for 64 of the 185 total complaints.
- Electrical faults and engine problems each have 60 complaints.
- There is 1 recall for this model year.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most reported component.
- Electrical Faults are a recurring theme with 60 complaints.
- Engine Problems also appear frequently with 60 complaints.
All 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 64 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 60 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 60 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The vehicle experienced a serious and ongoing electrical and system malfunction shortly after being returned from repairs related to a prior accident. Within a short period of driving, multiple warning messages and system errors began appearing simultaneously, indicating failures…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. While investigating the failure online, the contact became aware that it was a common failure, and there w…
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously involved in accidents prior to my purchase and had known mechanical issues, including a gear shifting problem that was not properly repaired. In February 2024, while the vehicle was ins…
Year 2019, code P1101- vehicle hesitates while drive, will reduce power while driving, while sitting idle at a stop the car will die and I will have to restart the vehicle. Multiple times while driving on the highway at 70mph my car has all of a sudden either reduced power causin…
The brake booster vacuum pump went out in my car it broke which caused hard breaking while driving vehicle. When the brake booster vacuum pump broke a piece of it damage my camshaft as well as my timing chain in my motor.
- started shutting shutting off at while in drive. - started having reduced power - started idiling high while driving - initially there was no codes - last night I drove, I put in drive gear but it was delayed so I had to keep moving from park to drive for it to full go into dri…
The component that failed is the internal microswitch/sensor within the gear shifter assembly. The specific part that requires replacement is often documented in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-NA-206 or 23-NA-119. The faulty component is available for inspecti…
My 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has severe safety defects involving the engine, powertrain, and speed control. The vehicle will sometimes accelerate on its own with my foot off the gas, and other times it loses all power while pulling into traffic. This creates an immediate risk of a cr…
I was traveling down i-25 at 75 mph because that is what the speed limit here in Colorado. I was traveling south heading to Colorado Springs to visit family and i was entering near Castle Rock and my vechile would not go at all forward and it seemed as if I lost power to accelera…
Shift to Park engine light triggers when car is in Park. will not go away therefore causing it to drain the battery and being unable to lock or move the vehicle. This is the 2nd time this has occurred and is expensive to repair. this needs to be a recall and not limited to specif…
Shift to park issue. After putting the car into Park and attempting to shut off the vehicle, an alter to SHIFT TO PARK came up and the car could not be shut off. Vehicle stalls at lights and in traffic because of the START / STOP system GM has put in this 2019 Malibu. This is da…
Was driving on the freeway maneuvered over to exit vehicle lost power and engine completely shut off while in motion. Same incident occurred while on surface street as I was approaching a red light vehicle completely shut off while in drive and in motion.
Was on my way to work at stoplight and my 2019 Chevrolet Malibu lost all power and started back up and the next day I was about to leave for work and it wouldn’t start low battery came across screen then the check engine light came on and a few hrs later it started up but all int…
Sunday, September 21, 2025, while on my way to church around 8:40am, while driving in traffic, car began to slow and then stopped (CAR WAS IN DRIVE, NOT IN PARK). The "Shift to Park" and ABS light appeared on dashboard. After the car completely stopped, and with other motorists…
IN DECEMBER 2024, DRIVING TO WORK WHEN CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED (NO POWER). WAITED FOR A WHILE FOR MY HUSBAND TO ARRIVE. VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN, DROVE TO TROPICAL CHEVY AT 8880BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI SHORES, FL FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (PAID $160. RESULT - TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ESTIMATED AT…
Shift to park issue. After putting the car into Park and attempting to shut off the vehicle, an alter to SHIFT TO PARK came up and the car could not be shut off. This happened several times. Car was taken to the dealer where it was originally purchased. The issue was known t…
Throttlebody hose pops off of the throttlebody due to a missing gasket ring as well as the retention clip/spring clip. The plastic pieces on the spring clip have popped off since the issue has been presented. Cannot accelerate past 3 1/2 RPMs without throttlebody hose popping off…
Car was running fine then next day wont turn over. Code reader said fuel injectors weren’t injecting fuel. And ECM failed
After shifting the vehicle into park and then attempting to turn the vehicle off a message displays to shift into park, even though the vehicle is already in park.
When I put my car in park and turn it off, I get the message to "Shift to Park" My engine light is on and sporadically goes off. It is difficult to bring my car in as there is a fee to evaluate my car and the sporadic engine light. When it is on my Chevy App tells me it is Engi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 185 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (64 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (60 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (60 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 185 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2019 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2019 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.