Chevrolet Malibu by year

Midsize cars. Every model year EPA has rated, with what owners and NHTSA have on file.

Owner complaints ran highest for the 2009 (1,534, most about steering) and lowest for the 2025 (11), among years with at least 10. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so a lower count doesn't mean a more reliable year.

Chevrolet Malibu, each model year
YearComplaintsMost named partRecall campaignsNHTSA overallCombined mpg
202511Back over prevention15 stars31
202443Electrical system25 stars31
202371Back over prevention25 stars30
202298Electrical system14 stars26–32
202190Unknown or other24 stars26–32
2020198Engine14 stars26–32
2019194Power train14 stars26–46
2018711Engine65 stars26–46
2017725Engine45 stars26–46
2016863Engine105 stars26–46
2015270Engine35 stars24–29
2014363Engine65 stars24–29
2013923Electrical system115 stars24–29
2012907Electrical system24 stars20–26
2011978Electrical system34 stars20–26
20101,365Steering3–20–29
20091,534Steering5–20–29
20081,017Steering4–20–27
20071,036Steering3–18–25
20061,386Steering6–19–24

Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales or for how long each year has been on the road: a newer year's lower count doesn't make it more reliable. NHTSA's overall rating is the lowest across the versions it tested that year. About the data