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Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 14 model years, NHTSA lists 51 recalls and 5,474 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Chevrolet Malibu by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 1 | 11 | |
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | 2 | 43 | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Malibu | 2 | 72 | |
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu | 1 | 99 | |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 2 | 90 | |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 1 | 199 | |
| 2019 Chevrolet Malibu | 1 | 195 | |
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | 6 | 711 | |
| 2017 Chevrolet Malibu | 4 | 725 | |
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | 9 | 865 | |
| 2015 Chevrolet Malibu | 3 | 270 | |
| 2014 Chevrolet Malibu | 6 | 363 | |
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | 10 | 924 | |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 3 | 907 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Chevrolet models.
Chevrolet Malibu: questions owners ask
Which Chevrolet Malibu year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most are the 2013 (924), 2012 (907) and 2016 (865). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (43), 2023 (72) and 2021 (90), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 14 Chevrolet Malibu model years, 51 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2013 (10), 2016 (9) and 2014 (6). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most stalling complaints?
682 owner complaints across 11 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2013 (179), 2012 (99) and 2018 (84) model years, out of 11 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most check engine light complaints?
679 owner complaints across 12 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2016 (140), 2017 (130) and 2018 (127) model years, out of 12 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most ABS and stability control complaints?
172 owner complaints across 5 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. The most were filed for the 2012 (113), 2017 (25) and 2014 (14) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most no-start complaints?
140 owner complaints across 6 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2012 (56), 2013 (35) and 2018 (27) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most airbag complaints?
116 owner complaints across 4 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2012 (47), 2013 (38) and 2015 (28) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most power steering complaints?
109 owner complaints across 3 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. The most were filed for the 2013 (52), 2012 (50) and 2020 (7) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
65 owner complaints across 5 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2016 (27), 2014 (19) and 2019 (8) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most infotainment screen complaints?
32 owner complaints across 2 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. The most were filed for the 2013 (28) and 2024 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most backup camera complaints?
30 owner complaints across 3 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. The most were filed for the 2023 (14), 2024 (13) and 2025 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most start-stop system complaints?
26 owner complaints across 2 Chevrolet Malibu model years describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. The most were filed for the 2014 (17) and 2019 (9) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.