Chevrolet Malibu problems by year
19,259 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 33 Chevrolet Malibu model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| 2024 | 33 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2023 Fewer complaints | 57 | 2 | Back Over Prevention | |
| 2022 | 91 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2021 | 81 | 2 | Unknown OR Other | |
| 2020 | 194 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2019 | 188 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 2018 | 693 | 6 | Engine | |
| 2017 | 698 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2016 | 835 | 9 | Engine | |
| 2015 | 268 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2014 | 349 | 6 | Engine | |
| 2013 | 835 | 10 | Electrical System | |
| 2012 | 905 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2011 | 976 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2010 | 1,359 | 3 | Steering | |
| 2009 | 1,509 | 5 | Steering | |
| 2008 | 987 | 4 | Steering | |
| 2007 | 977 | 3 | Steering | |
| 2006 | 1,115 | 6 | Steering | |
| 2005 | 975 | 3 | Steering | |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 6 | Steering | |
| 2003 | 569 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2002 | 567 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2001 | 721 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2000 | 922 | 2 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1999 | 789 | 1 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1998 | 976 | 3 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1997 | 443 | 3 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1989 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 1981 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 1980 Fewer complaints | 5 | 0 | — | |
| 1979 Fewer complaints | 4 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Chevrolet.