Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid (and the best years)
7,624 NHTSA owner complaints and 36 recalls across 16 model years, 2010 to 2025. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 7,624complaints
- 36recalls
- 292reported crashes
- 84reported fires
- 250reported injuries
- 4reported deaths
Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2013, 2017 and 2018. The typical Chevrolet Malibu year has 310 complaints on file.
- 2010: 1,360 complaints, 4.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (33% of complaints) and the electrical system (22% of complaints).
- 2011: 977 complaints, 3.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (24% of complaints) and the steering (22% of complaints).
- 2012: 906 complaints, 2.9 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (32% of complaints) and the exterior lighting (22% of complaints).
- 2016: 837 complaints, 2.7 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (36% of complaints) and the electrical system (27% of complaints).
- 2013: 835 complaints, 2.7 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (45% of complaints) and the engine (26% of complaints).
- 2017: 702 complaints, 2.3 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (37% of complaints) and the electrical system (23% of complaints).
- 2018: 695 complaints, 2.2 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (41% of complaints) and the electrical system (27% of complaints).
What are the best Chevrolet Malibu years?
The Chevrolet Malibu years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (69), 2021 (88) and 2022 (96). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 0.0× | 1 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2024 | 39 | 0.1× | 2 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 69 | 0.2× | 2 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2022 | 96 | 0.3× | 1 | 4 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2021 | 88 | 0.3× | 2 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2020 | 198 | 0.6× | 1 | 10 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2019 | 190 | 0.6× | 1 | 8 | 7 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2018 | 695 | 2.2× | 6 | 23 | 17 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2017 | 702 | 2.3× | 4 | 16 | 14 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2016 | 837 | 2.7× | 9 | 23 | 14 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2015 | 270 | 0.9× | 3 | 18 | 13 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2014 | 351 | 1.1× | 6 | 19 | 17 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2013 | 835 | 2.7× | 10 | 33 | 32 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 906 | 2.9× | 3 | 50 | 35 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 977 | 3.1× | 4 | 40 | 41 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2010 | 1,360 | 4.4× | 4 | 41 | 47 | Approach with caution | Steering |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 2,856 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain868 (30%)
- Steering, suspension & tires695 (24%)
- Electrical & infotainment619 (22%)
- Airbags & seat belts239 (8%)
- Brakes214 (7%)
Recalls (36)
Safety · 26V212000 · Apr 2026 · model years 2023, 2024, 2025
A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V575000 · Aug 2024 · model year 2024
The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Structure · 22V923000 · Dec 2022 · model years 2022, 2023
An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Safety · 22V359000 · May 2022 · model year 2021
An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Suspension · 21V00F000 · Dec 2021 · model year 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 21V649000 · Aug 2021 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Suspension · 21V633000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V764000 · Dec 2020 · model year 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V668000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2018
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Electrical system · 19V642000 · Sep 2019 · model year 2018
Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 19V019000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2010, 2011
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Brakes · 18V576000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 18V400000 · Jun 2018 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 18V358000 · May 2018 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 16V870000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2017
Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 16V781000 · Oct 2016 · model year 2016
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Electrical system · 16V502000 · Jul 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 16V272000 · May 2016 · model year 2016
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V151000 · Mar 2016 · model year 2016
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 16V125000 · Mar 2016 · model year 2016
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 16V084000 · Feb 2016 · model year 2016
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 15V666000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Seat belts · 15V269000 · May 2015 · model years 2011, 2012
If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Transmission · 15V245000 · Apr 2015 · model year 2013
If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 15V164000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Steering · 14E044000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V252000 · May 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V247000 · May 2014 · model year 2014
If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V240000 · May 2014 · model year 2014
If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 14V092000 · Feb 2014 · model year 2014
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Electrical system · 13V566000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2013
If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Body & glass · 13V567000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2014
The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 13V024000 · Jan 2013 · model year 2013
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 12V484000 · Oct 2012 · model year 2013
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 12V460000 · Sep 2012 · model year 2010
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Electrical system · 12V224000 · May 2012 · model year 2013
IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.