Malibu (10th)
Verdict Look for a 2017-2019 car with the 1.8L hybrid, the cleanest powertrain in the data, or a 2020-2023 1.5L turbo outside the early airbag recall window. The 1.5L scores 6.4 and the 2.0L scores 8.0; on a 1.5L car, verify that every recall is closed.
Data covers 4 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LFV - Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, GEN 1
1.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
LTG - SIDI, ALUM DOHC, VVT, DCVCP TURBO, E0-E100, ALUM
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet Malibu Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LKN - SIDI, VVT, HYBRID, FAM 1, GEN 4, GME
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LT1
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The 10th-generation Malibu is an end-of-life vehicle. GM discontinued production after the 2024 model year, ending the Malibu nameplate's 60-year North American run. Across the 9-year generation, owners filed 2,124 complaints, 18 recalls, 11 fires, and 1 death. The complaint pattern is dominated by the 1.5L LFV turbo four-cylinder, which accounts for 1,956 of those complaints (92.1 percent of the file) at 143.4 complaints-per-year. The main issues are recall-driven rather than fundamental design problems.
The 1.5L LFV is the engine most Malibu buyers will encounter. Engine, electrical, and transmission complaints lead the categories (698, 579, and 464 respectively). NHTSA campaign 19V642 covered an ECM software defect on 2018 1.5T cars that could disable the fuel injectors mid-drive; 18V358 covered high-pressure fuel pump detachment across the broader GM 1.5T fleet for 2016-2018 production. Two lower-volume options round out the lineup: the 1.8L LKN hybrid available only on 2017-2019 cars (33 complaints) and the 2.0L LTG turbo offered on 2017-2022 cars (88 complaints). The hybrid window is narrow but reads as the cleanest powertrain choice in the data.
The recall stack concentrates on early production years and centers on safety systems. 16V272 covered a memory chip in the Electronic Brake Control Module that could cause loss of ABS and electronic stability control on 2016 cars built in March 2016. 16V502 covered electronic park lock lever defects that allowed the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in Park, creating a rollaway risk on 2016-2017 cars. Multiple airbag recalls hit 2016-2017 production: 16V781 (side airbag fabric tear), 16V151 (front and rear side airbag weld stud fracture), 16V870 (right rear side airbag inflator weld), 18V400 (passenger presence system calibration), and 16V125 (frontal airbag improper inflation). 22V923 covered a structural weld defect on the front impact bar of 2022-2023 cars. 21V649 swept 2016-2021 cars for rear seat belt retractor fastener defects. None of those campaigns is a re-recall of an earlier campaign.
The reliability profile reads as a mid-tier used buy. The cleanest pick is either a 2018-2019 hybrid for owners who want the cleanest data, or a 2020-2023 1.5T outside the heaviest 2016-2017 airbag and EBCM recall window. The structural-weld recall on 2022-2023 cars (22V923) is the most important newer item to verify. Cross-shoppers should compare against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Hyundai Sonata for cleaner segment data. The Malibu's discontinuation removes any path to a current-production sibling within the Chevrolet sedan lineup; sedan-shoppers attached to GM will need to cross-brand to Cadillac or look elsewhere.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 9 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2017] The car completely lost power while being driven on a freeway in Sacramento, California. The car was towed to a Chevrolet dealer in Davis, California and they determined that the car lost power due to a faulty Auxiliary Battery Negative Cable Assembly (Part # 84085823). The Chevrolet dealer cannot find the part because GM has discontinued production of the part. Also, despite extensive internet se
- [2017] TWO TIMES IN 24 MONTHS AND APPROXIMATELY 62,000 MILES THE PRIMARY 12 VOLT BATTERY HAS FAILED. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE TRUNK LOCK TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE TRUNK CANNOT BE ACCESSED IN THIS SITUATION. BECAUSE THE TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE FAILED 12 VOLT BATTERY. ALSO THERE IS NO WAY TO FOLD THE REAR SEAT BACKS AS THE RELEASE LEVERS ARE LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THIS SITUATION IS BOTH
- [2017] WITHIN 1 YEAR I BOUGHT BRAND NEW HYBRID MALIBU CAR FROM CHEVY DEALER, I HAD EXPERIENCED DEAD 12V BATTERY. DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY WHICH I PAID EVEN THOUGH I THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE WITHIN WARRANTY. LAST NIGHT I EXPERIENCED 3RD DEAD BATTERY AGAIN AFTER I PARKED THE CAR FOR 7 HRS OFFICE WORK. THE 2ND TIME DEAD BATTERY OCCURED WAS LAST JUNE 2019 ONLY, DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE BATTRY. ITS A 3RD TIME
Electric Propulsion
- [2017] Car voltage stays very high (between 14.8 and 15 volts) for extended periods of time. At which point the windows have fogged up and there is a raw egg smell in the cabin - probably Sulfur. Both the hybrid and the 12v car battery are located in the truck and there are vents that draw air from the cabin to ventilate those batteries. The car voltage will also stay at 12.5 to 12.6 for extended periods
- [2018] Engine lost power on interstate highway. While this did not result in a crash/ rear end collision, the potential for such injury seems high. 1-2 days prior there were some warning lights (check engine light). Called a dealership Tuesday morning and earliest service appointment was in one week but they assured me that the car was drivable in the meantime. On Wednesday afternoon my son was driving
Thermal Events
- [2017] the secondary battery that sits in the trunk, above the back driver side tire had a short. the cable bunt out and my car reduced speed and it had me pull over. I did not know this is what had happened until i drove it again and i could no longer start it. the shift knob is locked and cant put it on drive or neutral. initializing wait to shift, theft deterrent system, transport mode on, stabilitrak
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2017] HYBRID BATTERY CORROSION DUE TO FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT LETTING WATER INTRUDE INTO TRUNK. I WAS OUT OF COUNTRY FOR MOST OF 2019 AND WHEN I RETURNED I WENT THROUGH MAIL AND DISCOVERED A LETTER FROM GM STATING THAT WATER CAN GET INTO TRUNK AND CABIN FROM A CHMSL. I CHECKED MY TRUNK AND IT WAS FULL OF WATER AND METAL ITEMS ARE AND WERE OXIDIZED AS WELL AS THE HYBRID BATTERY IN THE TRUNK. THIS CORROSION WI
High-Voltage Battery
- [2018] Noticed the rear center mounted stop lamp was cracked on the left side and found there was a substantial leak of water into the trunk from said lamp. This particular vehicle is the hybrid which makes this dangerous as the water is dripping over the high voltage battery. Vehicle has not yet been inspected.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Malibu, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
A 2017-2019 hybrid Malibu or a 2020-2023 1.5T outside the heaviest early-generation airbag recall window represents the strongest reliability pick in this discontinued generation. The 1.8L LKN hybrid (offered only on 2017-2019 cars) shows the cleanest data of any powertrain option. The 2.0L LTG turbo on 2017-2022 cars has 88 complaints. The 1.5L LFV turbo is the engine on most Malibus; it is acceptable with full recall verification but not a standout choice. The Malibu nameplate was discontinued after 2024, so there is no equivalent current-production replacement on the Chevrolet lot.
Before buying any 2016-2017 Malibu, run the VIN through recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov and confirm 16V272 (EBCM memory chip causing loss of ABS and ESC on March 2016 builds), 16V502 (electronic park lock lever rollaway risk), 16V125 (frontal airbag improper inflation), 16V781 (side airbag fabric tear), 16V151 (side airbag weld stud fracture), 16V084 (radio warning audio failure), and 16V870 (right rear side airbag inflator weld) campaigns are completed. On 2016-2018 1.5T cars, verify 18V358 (high-pressure fuel pump detachment) work. On 2018 1.5T cars, also confirm 19V642 (ECM software disabling fuel injectors) is closed. On 2016-2021 cars, verify the sweep 21V649 (rear seat belt retractor fastener) campaign. On 2022-2023 cars, verify 22V923 (front impact bar weld defect, a structural safety item) is completed. On 2024 cars, confirm 24V575 (wrong owner's manual in glove box) work.
Used pricing on the Malibu sits well below the Camry or Accord at similar mileage, driven by both Chevrolet's brand discount in the segment and the discontinuation announcement. The lower price reflects market reality, not a flaw in the data; the 1.5T workhorse is a workmanlike commute engine. Cross-shoppers committed to a sedan should compare against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Hyundai Sonata. Cross-shoppers willing to consider a small crossover should look at the Toyota Corolla Cross or Mazda CX-30.
What to check on a used 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu
On a used 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (742), the electrical system (628) and the transmission and drivetrain (507). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 742 owner complaints on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 628 owner complaints on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 507 owner complaints on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 229 owner complaints on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu about the brakes.
Recalls (18)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
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.
Show 13 older recalls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.
General 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."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Malibu vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to March 5, 2016. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu complaints?
Owners have filed 2,124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA has 2,124 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA lists 18 recalls covering some 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Malibu?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Malibu?
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,124 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.