Chevrolet Malibu 9th generation (2016–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 141+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
5,295
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2026
29
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2016-2026 Malibu is mixed but leans positive among long-term owners, who describe it as a comfortable, quiet, fuel-efficient commuter that is often overlooked because sedans have fallen out of favor.
10 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 6 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentInfotainment and connectivity failures
Including CarPlay and Android Auto not connecting over USB while still charging, and Bluetooth audio cutting out.
- RecurrentBattery and charging system problems
Including shorted or failed batteries, faulty alternators, and voltage irregularities causing multiple unrelated codes.
- RecurrentTransmission failure or replacement at low mileage
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins and multiple diagnostic trouble codes
Sometimes traced to low voltage or communication line issues.
- IsolatedDriver information center screen going blank or losing menu access
- IsolatedEngine internal failure, including shattered pistons attributed to a factory defect
- IsolatedVVT solenoid, rear knuckle, and PCV valve replacements
- IsolatedAcceleration sluggishness in hot weather resolved by switching to premium fuel
- IsolatedWheel bearing or hub assembly failure
- IsolatedRadio and antenna failure requiring replacement under warranty
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the 2.0L turbo (found in Premier and 2LT trims) as the more desirable powertrain, with owners calling it a great motor with good power and a real transmission, and one owner recommending a 2022 Malibu Premier over the 1.5L cars. The 1.5L is the volume engine and draws both praise for smoothness and economy and criticism as a weak point.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.
Is a 2016–2026 Malibu right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2016-2026 Malibu is mixed but leans positive among long-term owners, who describe it as a comfortable, quiet, fuel-efficient commuter that is often overlooked because sedans have fallen out of favor. Praise centers on ride smoothness, seat comfort, gas mileage, and the 1.5L turbo's responsiveness, with several owners reporting trouble-free ownership past 100,000 miles. Criticism focuses on the 1.5L engine and transmission as weak points, electrical and infotainment glitches, and steep depreciation that makes high-mileage asking prices hard to justify. Later model years (2021-2024) draw positive comments about the improved MyLink system and backup camera, while early 2016-2018 cars generate more discussion of infotainment, battery, and electrical quirks.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners generally position the Malibu as the value and comfort pick rather than the reliability leader, repeatedly acknowledging that Toyota and Honda are the safer long-term bets while arguing the Malibu is a better deal used and rides more smoothly than a comparable Camry or Civic. Several owners note the Malibu depreciates harder than almost anything in the segment, which they frame as an opportunity for used buyers. Against the Nissan Rogue, owners overwhelmingly preferred the Malibu, citing the Rogue's CVT as a serious liability. Against the Camry specifically, opinions split: some say the Malibu will fall apart while the Toyota runs forever, while others argue the 2016+ Malibu is a legitimate alternative to contemporary Asian sedans.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise avoiding former rental fleet cars, particularly 1.5L examples, and suggest a 2022 Premier with the 2.0L as a better buy if one can be found. For the 1.5L, owners recommend shorter oil change intervals than the factory recommendation, with several changing oil every 3,000-5,000 miles to protect the small turbo. Owners also advise using premium fuel in hot weather on the turbo engine to avoid power loss and knock-related timing pull. Buyers are told to insist on a vehicle history report, confirm maintenance records, and have a pre-purchase inspection done.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want an inexpensive, comfortable, quiet commuter and are willing to accept below-average resale value and a higher chance of small electrical and infotainment problems. Owners suggest favoring later model years for the improved infotainment and camera, and treating the 2.0L turbo as the more robust powertrain choice. Buyers should avoid high-mileage 1.5L cars with unknown service history and former rental fleet vehicles, verify the 100,000-mile GM recommended service was performed, check the battery and charging system, and test drive for transmission behavior and turbo health. Owners repeatedly warn that asking prices near $13,000 for a 2019 with over 120,000 miles are far above fair value.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that this generation is underrated and overlooked, with owners arguing that careful maintenance matters more than brand. Several owners report high-mileage examples running well past 100,000 and even 200,000 miles with only routine maintenance, while others report early transmission and engine failures, so outcomes appear highly dependent on individual car and upkeep. Owners also frequently note that the Malibu's poor resale value makes it a strong used bargain but a poor new purchase. Analysis based on approximately 141 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 1 | back over prevention |
| 2024 | 39 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 69 | 2 | back over prevention |
| 2022 | 97 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 89 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2020 | 198 | 1 | engine |
| 2019 | 192 | 1 | power train |
| 2018 | 708 | 6 | engine |
| 2017 | 1,411 | 4 | engine |
| 2016 | 2,481 | 9 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V212000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2024 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 24V575000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V212000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2023 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 22V923000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V212000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2022 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 22V923000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
2021 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 21V649000
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.
2021 · seatscampaign 22V359000
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.
2020 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 21V649000
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.
2019 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 21V649000
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.
2018 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V400000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V576000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
10 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.