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2015 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability
· 8th generationOne of the better Malibu years.
270 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2015 Malibu?The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has 270 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure or slipping: including total failure at 76k miles and partial failure with slipping in 2nd and 3rd at 96k miles.
Safety record for the 2015 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Malibu years only. How we score it
Is 2015 a good year for the Malibu?
Across the 29 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 69 (2023) to 3,043 (2009). With 270 complaints, the 2015 Malibu sits below the model's median of 848.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2015 Malibu
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 16V502000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
air bags:side/window
Campaign 15V666000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 15V164000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
What owners report on the 8th generation Malibu
Owner sentiment for this generation is mixed and leans cautious.
- RecurrentTransmission failure or slipping
Including total failure at 76k miles and partial failure with slipping in 2nd and 3rd at 96k miles.
- RecurrentTiming chain stretch, rattle, or timing issues on the 2.4L Ecotec
- RecurrentOil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec
- RecurrentElectrical problems and electrical gremlins generally
- RecurrentBluetooth and infotainment connectivity issues, including audio cutting out every few seconds
Owner insights for the 8th generation Malibu. Read the full 8th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Malibu listings typically run $13,498–$19,476 across 2016 to 2025 model years.
Other Malibu model years
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2015 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Malibu against its rivals
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