Chevrolet Malibu problems by year
2016 Malibu vs. Malibu Limited: NHTSA lists the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU and MALIBU LIMITED as separate models. These pages cover the MALIBU (including the MALIBU ECO name where NHTSA uses it); Malibu Limited recalls and complaints are not included, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: NHTSA model list, 2016 Chevrolet.
| Year | Common issues | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 | 5 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 | 3 |
| 2012 | 4 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 | 3 |
Top NHTSA complaint areas (2010–2025)
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2215 |
| Engine | 1830 |
| Steering | 1253 |
| Power Train | 1122 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1016 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 822 |
| Service Brakes | 783 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 778 |
Source: NHTSA complaints API, per model year (linked on each year’s issue pages).
Chevrolet Malibu problems by system (all years)
Systems with sourced problem pages in two or more model years. Pages list NHTSA owner complaints and CarComplaints.com reports for that year.
Electrical (13 model years)
- 2024: Electrical System complaints (18 NHTSA reports)
- 2023: Electrical System complaints (12 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Electrical System complaints (33 NHTSA reports)
- 2021: Car will not shut off while in park
- 2021: Electrical System complaints (30 NHTSA reports)
- 2020: Electrical System complaints (57 NHTSA reports)
- 2019: Electrical System complaints (62 NHTSA reports)
- 2018: Shift to park warning message
- 2017: Shift to park
- 2015: Electrical System complaints (68 NHTSA reports)
- 2014: Electrical System complaints (88 NHTSA reports)
- 2013: Loss of power while driving
- 2012: Electrical System complaints (291 NHTSA reports)
- 2010: Stalls out while driving
Engine (11 model years)
- 2023: Engine complaints (17 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Code P0299 indicated a turbo charger underboost
- 2022: Engine complaints (34 NHTSA reports)
- 2020: Engine complaints (61 NHTSA reports)
- 2020: Engine failure
- 2019: Engine complaints (66 NHTSA reports)
- 2018: Loses power stalls
- 2018: Poor acceleration
- 2017: Check engine light on
- 2016: Check engine light is on
- 2016: Loss of power
- 2015: Engine complaints (71 NHTSA reports)
- 2014: Engine complaints (129 NHTSA reports)
- 2012: Engine knocking
- 2012: Timing chain tensioner failure
- 2011: Check engine light on
- 2011: Timing chain broke
Transmission (9 model years)
- 2024: Power Train complaints (6 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Power Train complaints (24 NHTSA reports)
- 2021: On a hill press throttle and serious sluggish response
- 2021: Power Train complaints (28 NHTSA reports)
- 2020: Power Train complaints (58 NHTSA reports)
- 2019: Power Train complaints (68 NHTSA reports)
- 2019: Shift to park issue
- 2017: Shift to park alert
- 2015: Transmission failure
- 2011: Transmission went out broken gear
- 2010: Transmission stopped working
- 2010: Won't go into gear
Brakes (4 model years)
- 2020: The brakes stopped working
- 2019: Service Brakes complaints (26 NHTSA reports)
- 2016: Brake failure multiple problems
- 2014: ABS traction control lights on
Back Over Prevention (3 model years)
- 2025: Back Over Prevention complaints (5 NHTSA reports)
- 2024: Back Over Prevention complaints (10 NHTSA reports)
- 2023: Back Over Prevention complaints (16 NHTSA reports)
Page last updated .