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2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 72owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 1fire report
- 8injuries reported
72 complaints, against an average of 415 for the other 13 Chevrolet Malibu model years.
Every Chevrolet Malibu model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
The components named most often in the 72 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2023 Chevrolet Malibu owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 72 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?14 owners · 19.4% · Recall 26V212000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?7 owners · 9.7%
- Why won't my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu start?3 owners · 4.2%
- Why does my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu idle rough, misfire or hesitate?3 owners · 4.2%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?3 owners · 4.2%
Has the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Structure: Frame And Members 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.
Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
What do 2023 Chevrolet Malibu owners report?
12 of the 72 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
October 7, 2026 this vehicle hydroplaned and I lost control of the vehicle. To the best of my knowledge, the steering wheel locked and when attempted to step on the brakes, no braking occurred. The vehicle slid into grass which then hit the guard railing on the interstate. After being inspected by collision shop techs, they have reason to believe the airbag sensor defected or was not installed to signal the airbags to deploy. The driver side door panel airbag did attempt to deploy but was unsuccessful.
I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace their vacuum pumps multiple times, while others have described serious safety incidents involving brake problems. I am concerned that these reports may indicate a recurring safety defect that could put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. A vacuum pump failure that affects brake assist…
I own a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with an open safety recall. General Motors/dealership has refused to repair the recall. The vehicle has also had multiple safety-related problems, including Service ESC warnings, jerking/poor acceleration, Service Safety Restraint System and airbag warnings, and a “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” warning. On or about XXX, while driving, I experienced what felt like the brakes, wheel, and steering system locking up. I was unable to safely control the vehicle, resulting in a crash. During the incident, my head struck the steering wheel and I injured my…
camera blurred when backing up been having a recall no remedy or paper sent out for it yet
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to turn off. The “Shift to Park” message was displayed. Additionally, after the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle independently started. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer as per the manufacturer's request. However, the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where the portable diagnostic tester was attached to the vehicle. The diagnostic…
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blue or black image. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer three times; however, the parts were still unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had been waiting for the delivery of the parts for more than three months. The contact…
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
My rear view camera is fuzzy and today it went out completely and the screen was black. Sometimes it shows what’s behind the car when I’m backing and then suddenly the screen goes black and I’m unable to see anything. It just started today 6/15/26z . I believe this is a safety hazard and could cause an accident while backing up putting myself and others at risk . There was no warning before this happened, I just noticed the screen was fuzzy on one side, then the fuzziness would go to the other side of the screen . I wasn’t sure what was happening until it completely went black .
my back up camera stopped working it’s just a black screen now
Subject: Safety Complaint and Request for Assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Backup Camera Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this occurs, I am unable to clearly see objects, vehicles, or people behind my vehicle as intended by the safety system. This significantly increases the risk of…
This all started when i had my car serviced for an oil change and began to hear some clicking sounds when I would start my vehicle. The fuel sealant is defective, the fuel caps were corroded, leaks oil, and causes the turbo on the engine to lag. I found this out as I was driving and tried to make a turn. When pressing the accelerator the vehicle lagged almost causing me to be involved in an accident on more than one occassion. When conducting on-line research I am not the only owner that has experienced this issue. It would appear that Chevrolet is aware that this is happening in its turbo…
When I was in a car accident I was hit on the rear passenger side of my vehicle, right near where my side air bags are supposed to be located. I was hit at 50 mph and the airbags did not deploy.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu: questions owners ask
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu; the most common categories were back over prevention (16, 22.2%), engine (13, 18.1%), electrical system (12, 16.7%). There are 2 safety recalls. 5 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Across 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are back over prevention (22.2% of complaints), engine (18.1% of complaints), electrical system (16.7% of complaints), air bags (11.1% of complaints), power train (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu; the most recent (campaign 26V212000, 2026-04-02) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
14 of the 72 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (19.4%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 26V212000 (back over prevention: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. One owner wrote: "My back up camera just showing blank screen. It's a recall on my model. I was backing up it went blank. Causing me to hit a pole. I took it to Jerry's Chevrolet they said can fix it but out of pocket and reimbursed later. I can't afford that." (NHTSA complaint 11760696, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
7 of the 72 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (9.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light will come on entire car will shut off. Shuttering, braking locks up, all power is reduced, especially engine power. car will get towed to the Chevrolet dealership in temple, Tx and Killeen, Tx for repairs." (NHTSA complaint 11693054, October 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu start?
3 of the 72 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (4.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated P023F fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership." (NHTSA complaint 11672718, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 72 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (4.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11758216, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
3 of the 72 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (4.2%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "October 7, 2026 this vehicle hydroplaned and I lost control of the vehicle. To the best of my knowledge, the steering wheel locked and when attempted to step on the brakes, no braking occurred." (NHTSA complaint 11772773, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Malibu
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2023 only.