Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid
More than twice the Malibu's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Chevrolet Malibu years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Chevrolet Malibu complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Chevrolet Malibu problems
All model years combined.
- Steering5,560
- Electrical4,723
- Engine3,094
- Brakes2,514
- Lights1,936
- Transmission1,669
- Driver assistance1,388
- Acceleration1,182
- Fuel system1,140
- Airbags1,025
- Suspension609
- Visibility411
Most reported problems on the Chevrolet Malibu
Stalling 999Headlights 809Won't start 680ABS 353Grinding brakes 234Wipers 159Ball joint 140Premature wear 123Coil spring 69
Chevrolet Malibu problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | - | 12 | Driver assistance | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2024 | - | 46 | Electrical | 2 | 3 | ||
| 2023 | - | 73 | Driver assistance | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | |
| 2022 | 94 | 99 | Engine | 67,506 | 1 | 4 | Fewest complaints |
| 2021 | 94 | 90 | Electrical | 54,000 | 2 | 0 | Fewest complaints |
| 2020 | 90 | 202 | Engine | 70,000 | 1 | 10 | |
| 2019 | 91 | 193 | Transmission | 42,000 | 1 | 8 | Fewest complaints |
| 2018 | 72 | 700 | Engine | 45,780 | 6 | 23 | |
| 2017 | 73 | 705 | Engine | 48,000 | 4 | 16 | |
| 2016 | 63 | 841 | Engine | 50,000 | 9 | 23 | |
| 2015 | 83 | 270 | Engine | 50,000 | 3 | 18 | |
| 2014 | 79 | 351 | Engine | 60,000 | 6 | 19 | |
| 2013 | 63 | 837 | Electrical | 69,900 | 10 | 33 | |
| 2012 | 65 | 907 | Electrical | 86,000 | 2 | 50 | |
| 2011 | 62 | 978 | Electrical | 80,000 | 3 | 40 | |
| 2010 | 51 | 1,363 | Steering | 82,000 | 3 | 41 | |
| 2009 | 45 | 1,511 | Steering | 100,000 | 5 | 41 | Avoid |
| 2008 | 62 | 989 | Steering | 80,000 | 4 | 30 | |
| 2007 | 63 | 977 | Steering | 100,000 | 3 | 37 | |
| 2006 | 55 | 1,119 | Steering | 85,000 | 6 | 42 | |
| 2005 | 59 | 975 | Steering | 89,000 | 3 | 46 | |
| 2004 | 54 | 1,148 | Steering | 79,000 | 6 | 47 | |
| 2003 | 78 | 569 | Electrical | 70,167 | 2 | 35 | |
| 2002 | 80 | 567 | Electrical | 70,000 | 2 | 18 | |
| 2001 | 74 | 720 | Electrical | 73,000 | 2 | 36 | |
| 2000 | - | 919 | Brakes | 69,000 | 3 | 45 | |
| 1999 | - | 785 | Brakes | 66,249 | 1 | 44 | |
| 1998 | - | 975 | Brakes | 80,461 | 3 | 34 | |
| 1997 | - | 443 | Brakes | 85,000 | 4 | 22 |
Recalls 53
Chevrolet Malibu warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
Compare the Malibu
Malibu vs Honda AccordMalibu vs Ford FusionMalibu vs Toyota CamryMalibu vs Hyundai SonataMalibu vs Nissan AltimaMalibu vs Volkswagen PassatMalibu vs Kia OptimaMalibu vs Subaru LegacyMalibu vs Mazda MAZDA6
Questions about the Chevrolet Malibu
What years of the Chevrolet Malibu should you avoid?
2009. It has more than twice the Chevrolet Malibu's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2009 alone has 1,511, mostly about steering and electrical.
What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Malibu?
2021, 2022 and 2019 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (90, 99 and 193).
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Malibu?
Steering, with 5,560 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (4,723) and engine (3,094).
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?
53 recalls between 1997 and 2025. The 2013 model year has the most, with 10.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used Chevrolet Malibu?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history