2019 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has 189 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag premature wear items: front wheel bearings failing before 100,000 miles; various oil leaks; hvac control failures. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

189
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
8
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2019 a good year for the Malibu?

Across the 13 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 189 (2019) to 3,043 (2009). With 189 complaints, the 2019 Malibu sits belowthe model's median of 1,697.

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

power train
65
electrical system
62
engine
62
service brakes
24
fuel/propulsion system
17

Recalls affecting the 2019 Malibu

seat belts:critical fasteners

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

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…

  • Transmission failures: 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). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine problems: 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. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu. See the full Malibu owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Malibu listings typically run $10,900–$18,249 across 2013 to 2025 model years.

Other Malibu model years

Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Malibu against its rivals