Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid and best years
Newer Chevrolet Malibu years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 73 (697 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 2 (from 75 complaints), 2021 at 4 (from 89 complaints), and 2023 at 7 (from 69 complaints). The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is too early to compare, at 6 per year so far, from 11 complaints. On the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 74 of 697 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2016
2021
2023
2025
Chevrolet Malibu reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Chevrolet Malibu. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 → Too early | 6 | 11 | 1 | Back-over prevention | 31 |
| 2024 → | 13 | 39 | 2 | Back-over prevention | 31 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 7 | 69 | 2 | Back-over prevention | 30 |
| 2022 → | 10 | 97 | 1 | Electrical system | 29 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 4 | 89 | 2 | Powertrain | 29 |
| 2020 → | 15 | 198 | 1 | Powertrain | 29 |
| 2019 → | 13 | 190 | 1 | Powertrain | 34.7 |
| 2018 → Most | 73 | 697 | 6 | Engine | 34 |
| 2017 → | 71 | 724 | 4 | Powertrain | 34 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 2 | 75 | 9 | Service brakes | 32.3 |
| 2015 → | 16 | 270 | 3 | Air bags | 26.5 |
| 2014 → | 25 | 363 | 6 | Engine | 27 |
| 2013 → | 57 | 922 | 10 | Electrical system | 26.3 |
| 2012 → | 36 | 906 | 3 | Exterior lighting | 24 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (most engines); 5W-20 (2.4L where specified) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/60R16 to 235/50R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 15V-164 covers certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles: the slide or tilt switch for the roof panel may not be recessed enough, so the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly and increase pinch-injury risk; dealers update Body Control Module software to remove auto-close for certain switch positions. Recall 13V-024 covers certain 2013 Malibu vehicles: one or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to specification, which can cause sudden handling changes; dealers inspect and retighten the bolts.
_front_3.25.18.jpg){kind=link}
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (1.5L turbo and 2.0L turbo); 5W-30 (hybrid where equipped) · 5.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/65R16 to 245/45R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles among other GM models: the start/stop transmission accumulator end cap may have missing bolts, which can lead to a transmission fluid leak and possible loss of propulsion. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing. The published unit count for this campaign is shared across multiple GM nameplates, not Malibu alone.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 2 (from 75 complaints), 2021 at 4 (from 89 complaints), and 2023 at 7 (from 69 complaints).
Which Chevrolet Malibu year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 73 (697 complaints). On the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 74 of 697 complaints name Engine.
How do Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Chevrolet Malibu years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years are too early to compare?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is too early to compare, at 6 per year so far, from 11 complaints.
When did the current Chevrolet Malibu body style debut?
The 9th-generation Malibu launched for the 2016 model year (2016-2025).
What engine oil does a Chevrolet Malibu use?
5W-30 (most engines); 5W-20 (2.4L where specified)
What does NHTSA recall 15V-164 cover on the Chevrolet Malibu?
Recall 15V-164 covers certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles: the slide or tilt switch for the roof panel may not be recessed enough, so the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly and increase pinch-injury risk; dealers update Body Control Module software to remove…