Avoid: 2016, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2021
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 29 model years, the Chevrolet Malibu has 30,657 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 130 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system. 2009 drew the most complaints (3,043), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (69).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,498–$19,476.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2022 | 97 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2020 | 198 |
| 2019 | 192 |
| 2018 | 708 |
| 2017 | 1,411 |
| 2016 | 2,481 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2014 | 713 |
| 2013 | 1,817 |
| 2012 | 906 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2010 | 1,363 |
| 2009 | 3,043 |
| 2008 | 3,017 |
| 2007 | 2,013 |
| 2006 | 2,770 |
| 2005 | 1,393 |
| 2004 | 1,697 |
| 2003 | 611 |
| 2002 | 597 |
| 2001 | 749 |
| 2000 | 979 |
| 1999 | 848 |
| 1998 | 1,084 |
| 1997 | 514 |
Highest: 2009 (3,043 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (69).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on model year. The 2013 model year is universally panned, described as so poorly received that it required an emergency refresh for 2014 and was replaced by a new generation for 2016.
Hard shifting, slipping, or total failure reported around 100,000 miles in older generations (2010 cited); CVT transmission in newer models raises concerns about lifespan (75,000-90,000 miles mentioned).
Timing chain wear (2010–2016) leading to potential catastrophic damage; oil consumption/loss; turbocharger failures on 1.5L/2.0L engines; vacuum pump explosions; faulty sensors causing poor fuel economy and rough idle.
Includes "shift to park" errors draining battery (2016 cited), infotainment/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues, failure to start, key fob system resets, low-beam headlight failures due to corroded harnesses (2009–2012).
Power steering failures, especially in 2004–2007 models around 81,600 miles.
Front wheel bearings failing before 100,000 miles; various oil leaks; HVAC control failures.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu. Individual model years are broken down above.
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