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Chevrolet Malibu recalls by year & common problems

NHTSA safety recalls and owner-reported complaints for every Chevrolet Malibu model year from 2010 to 2025. Real, government-sourced figures — use them to gauge how common a problem actually is before you spend on parts.

Mid-size Sedan Model years 2010–2025 35 NHTSA recalls 7,715 owner complaints
35 NHTSA recalls
7,715 owner complaints
16 model years covered
296 citing a crash
84 citing a fire
256 citing an injury

Chevrolet Malibu recalls & complaints by model year

Every Malibu model year from 2010–2025. Pick yours to jump to its recall list.

Model year Recalls Complaints Details
2010 Chevrolet Malibu 3 1,365 2010 recalls ↓
2011 Chevrolet Malibu 3 978 2011 recalls ↓
2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2 907 2012 recalls ↓
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 10 836 2013 recalls ↓
2014 Chevrolet Malibu 6 351 2014 recalls ↓
2015 Chevrolet Malibu 3 270 2015 recalls ↓
2016 Chevrolet Malibu 9 865 2016 recalls ↓
2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 725 2017 recalls ↓
2018 Chevrolet Malibu 6 711 2018 recalls ↓
2019 Chevrolet Malibu 1 194 2019 recalls ↓
2020 Chevrolet Malibu 1 199 2020 recalls ↓
2021 Chevrolet Malibu 2 90 2021 recalls ↓
2022 Chevrolet Malibu 1 99 2022 recalls ↓
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2 71 2023 recalls ↓
2024 Chevrolet Malibu 2 43 2024 recalls ↓
2025 Chevrolet Malibu 1 11 2025 recalls ↓

A recall campaign that covers several model years is counted in each of them, so the yearly figures add up to 56 while NHTSA lists 35 separate campaigns.

Most-reported systems on the Chevrolet Malibu

The component categories Chevrolet owners file the most complaints about with NHTSA, summed across model years 2010–2025.

Recent recalls on the Chevrolet Malibu

The most recent NHTSA recall campaigns on file across every model year. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your specific vehicle is affected and unrepaired.

Every Chevrolet Malibu recall, year by year

Each NHTSA recall campaign listed for that model year, newest first. A recall applies to specific VINs, so enter yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your vehicle is included and still unrepaired.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (3)

  • AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › DRIVER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE Jan 2019

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.

    NHTSA campaign 19V019000 · also 2011
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › WIRING May 2014

    In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit.

    NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · also 2011–2012
  • POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION › GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Sep 2012

    On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

    NHTSA campaign 12V460000

2011 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (3)

  • AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › DRIVER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE Jan 2019

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.

    NHTSA campaign 19V019000 · also 2010
  • SEAT BELTS May 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle.

    NHTSA campaign 15V269000 · also 2012
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › WIRING May 2014

    In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit.

    NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · also 2010 and 2012

2012 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

  • SEAT BELTS May 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle.

    NHTSA campaign 15V269000 · also 2011
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › WIRING May 2014

    In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit.

    NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · also 2010–2011

2013 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (10)

  • SUSPENSION › REAR Dec 2021

    These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris.

    NHTSA campaign 21V00F000
  • SUSPENSION › REAR Aug 2021

    These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris.

    NHTSA campaign 21V633000
  • SUSPENSION › REAR Dec 2020

    These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris.

    NHTSA campaign 20V764000
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › IGNITION Jul 2016

    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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · also 2014–2016
  • POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION › GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Apr 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected.

    NHTSA campaign 15V245000
  • VISIBILITY › SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Mar 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed.

    NHTSA campaign 15V164000 · also 2014–2015
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › WIRING Nov 2013

    The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.

    NHTSA campaign 13V566000
  • SUSPENSION › REAR Jan 2013

    One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.

    NHTSA campaign 13V024000
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING › TURN SIGNAL Oct 2012

    These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver.

    NHTSA campaign 12V484000
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › SOFTWARE May 2012

    AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF.

    NHTSA campaign 12V224000

2014 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (6)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › IGNITION Jul 2016

    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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · also 2013 and 2015–2016
  • VISIBILITY › SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Mar 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed.

    NHTSA campaign 15V164000 · also 2013 and 2015
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC › POWER ASSIST › VACUUM May 2014

    The affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. As such, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    NHTSA campaign 14V247000
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC › FOUNDATION COMPONENTS › DISC May 2014

    The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.

    NHTSA campaign 14V240000
  • POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 2014

    In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever.

    NHTSA campaign 14V092000
  • VISIBILITY › DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM Nov 2013

    The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working.

    NHTSA campaign 13V567000

2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (3)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › IGNITION Jul 2016

    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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · also 2013–2014 and 2016
  • AIR BAGS › SIDE/WINDOW Oct 2015

    The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

    NHTSA campaign 15V666000
  • VISIBILITY › SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Mar 2015

    In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed.

    NHTSA campaign 15V164000 · also 2013–2014

2016 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (9)

  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2017–2021
  • AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Jun 2018

    During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.

    NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · also 2017–2018
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE › DELIVERY › FUEL PUMP May 2018

    The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

    NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · also 2017–2018
  • AIR BAGS › SIDE/WINDOW Oct 2016

    The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

    NHTSA campaign 16V781000
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › IGNITION Jul 2016

    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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · also 2013–2015
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) May 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).

    NHTSA campaign 16V272000
  • AIR BAGS › SIDE/WINDOW Mar 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.

    NHTSA campaign 16V151000
  • AIR BAGS › FRONTAL Mar 2016

    The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

    NHTSA campaign 16V125000
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › SOFTWARE Feb 2016

    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.

    NHTSA campaign 16V084000

2017 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (4)

  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2016 and 2018–2021
  • AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Jun 2018

    During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.

    NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · also 2016 and 2018
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE › DELIVERY › FUEL PUMP May 2018

    The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

    NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · also 2016 and 2018
  • AIR BAGS › SIDE/WINDOW Dec 2016

    The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.

    NHTSA campaign 16V870000

2018 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (6)

  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2016–2017 and 2019–2021
  • POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Oct 2020

    The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

    NHTSA campaign 20V668000
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM › SOFTWARE Sep 2019

    An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.

    NHTSA campaign 19V642000
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC › FOUNDATION COMPONENTS › DISC › CALIPER Aug 2018

    The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

    NHTSA campaign 18V576000
  • AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Jun 2018

    During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.

    NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · also 2016–2017
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE › DELIVERY › FUEL PUMP May 2018

    The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

    NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · also 2016–2017

2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)

  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2016–2018 and 2020–2021

2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)

  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2016–2019 and 2021

2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

  • SEATS May 2022

    The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

    NHTSA campaign 22V359000
  • SEAT BELTS › CRITICAL FASTENERS Aug 2021

    The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

    NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · also 2016–2020

2022 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)

  • STRUCTURE › FRAME AND MEMBERS Dec 2022

    The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

    NHTSA campaign 22V923000 · also 2023

2023 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION › SENSING SYSTEM › CAMERA Apr 2026

    The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

    NHTSA campaign 26V212000 · also 2024–2025
  • STRUCTURE › FRAME AND MEMBERS Dec 2022

    The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

    NHTSA campaign 22V923000 · also 2022

2024 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION › SENSING SYSTEM › CAMERA Apr 2026

    The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

    NHTSA campaign 26V212000 · also 2023 and 2025
  • EQUIPMENT › OTHER › OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL Aug 2024

    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."

    NHTSA campaign 24V575000

2025 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION › SENSING SYSTEM › CAMERA Apr 2026

    The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

    NHTSA campaign 26V212000 · also 2023–2024

More on the Chevrolet Malibu

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Chevrolet Malibu recalls: frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Malibu across model years 2010–2025 (16 model years covered here). The 2013 model year has the most, with 10. A recall is an official safety action with a free remedy at a franchised dealer.

Which Chevrolet Malibu year has the most recalls?

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has the most NHTSA recalls (10), followed by 2016 (9) and 2018 (6). A campaign that covers several model years counts toward each of them.

Which Chevrolet Malibu year has the most complaints?

Owners have filed the most NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (1,365), followed by 2011 (978) and 2012 (907). Older and higher-volume model years collect more reports simply by being on the road longer.

What are the most common problems on the Chevrolet Malibu?

Across 7,715 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2025, the most-reported systems on the Chevrolet Malibu are Electrical System (2,169), Engine (1,809), Steering (1,236), Power Train (1,116), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (805) and Vehicle Speed Control (776).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public recalls and complaints databases, model years 2010–2025, as of October 2026. Counts combine the records NHTSA files under “MALIBU” and “MALIBU HYBRID”. A complaint is an unverified owner report; a recall is an official safety action with a free remedy. High complaint counts often reflect high sales volume.