Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Report
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 61 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
61
Complaint Rate
15.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$532
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (22)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
- STRUCTURE (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 6 of the Ninth generation (2016).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 9th generation Malibu (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Ninth generation (2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 6 of the Ninth generation (2016).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
At 74/100, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 6 of the Ninth generation (2016).
Owners log 61 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (22). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN: "Shift to Park" error message (22 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: "shift to park" message (15 complaints)
Compare 2021 Chevrolet Malibu With

2021 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 82/100

2021 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 79/100

2021 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 64/100

2021 KIA K5
Reliability: 71/100

2021 Honda Accord
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (22)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.9
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Consequence
An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
SEAT BELTS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Consequence
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu? Check its history first
Every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Chevrolet Malibu NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.3%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet MalibuRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$532
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Chevrolet Malibu Resale Value
The Chevrolet Malibu is estimated to retain about 58.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Malibu model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 58.3%
- Depreciation
- 41.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 351
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chevrolet Malibu depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,400–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
22–29 city / 33–36 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 36 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Malibu 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
Test for 'Shift to Park' error message when turning off the vehicle
Check for transmission jerking or failure to engage gears
Inspect for any electrical system malfunctions, such as unexpected shutdowns
Verify windshield integrity for chips or cracks
Ensure power steering functions properly without noise
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems by Component
61 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
22 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's power train, particularly involving the "Shift to Park" error message. This issue commonly occurs when the vehicle is placed in park but fails to recognize the gear, preventing the car from turning off completely. Symptoms include the need to repeatedly wiggle the gear shifter to clear the message and avoid battery drain. Complaints also describe transmission problems, such as jerking, grinding noises, and failure to engage gears properly, sometimes leading to vehicle stalling or loss of acceleration. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some emerging as early as 6,300 miles. Safety implications include potential vehicle stalling in traffic, which poses a risk of accidents. This information is relevant for used car buyers considering the 2021 Malibu, as these issues could affect usability and safety.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly related to the "shift to park" message. This problem often prevents the car from fully powering down, leading to battery drain and potential safety concerns such as the vehicle rolling away. Complaints also describe instances where the car unexpectedly shuts off while in motion, causing a loss of power brakes and steering, which poses a significant safety risk. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Additionally, there are reports of transmission-related malfunctions, including the inability to accelerate and the transmission not recognizing gear positions, further complicating the vehicle's reliability.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu frequently report an issue where the vehicle displays a "Shift to Park" message even when the gear shifter is in the park position. Typical symptoms include the car not turning off, electrical systems remaining active, and the need to repeatedly adjust the shifter to resolve the issue temporarily. These complaints often emerge at various mileage points, with some reports noting the problem as early as 15,000 miles and others around 40,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the inability to fully turn off the vehicle can lead to battery drain. Prospective buyers should be aware that this issue may require dealer intervention, and some owners have incurred repair costs.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's structure, specifically concerning water leaks and windshield integrity. One complaint describes moisture accumulation due to a leaking upper center brake light, which poses a safety concern for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. Another issue involves a windshield cracking after a sandstorm encounter, with a small chip noted at the onset of the crack. This incident occurred at a low mileage of 5,360, suggesting potential vulnerability in the windshield under certain conditions. These structural problems highlight safety implications related to visibility and health, which prospective buyers should consider.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's steering, particularly involving a loss of power steering accompanied by a grinding noise and illuminated warning lights when the vehicle stalls. These symptoms are noted at approximately 68,000 miles. Additionally, there is a reported issue with the vehicle displaying a "Shift to Park" alert, making it difficult to turn off the car. The combination of stalling and power steering failure may have safety implications, such as potential loss of control while driving. Buyers considering a used Malibu should be aware of these reported issues, especially at higher mileages.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintWhile driving when coming to a stop, my brakes became stiff causing me to almost hit the vehicle in front of me. Also, the car has been stopping while I am driving and on busy roads when I am at a stop light and press the accelerator to proceed, the vehicle just stop and cuts off completely leaving me stranded while trying to restart the vehicle. Also the vehicle has a long crank before it starts. I have been without my vehicle for a month now and it’s very inconvenient due to these issues. It has been to the dealership where they quoted me over 8,000 to fix the problem.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P1101 (Throttle body failure). The contact was informed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where DTC: P1101 was retrieved, and the dealer informed the contact that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was serviced; however, the failure recurred less than a month later. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Manufacturer's warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintRear differential keeps going out and transmission keeps failing every 10k miles, apple car play doesn’t work and lags out. So hand free doesn’t work
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintMy 2021 Chevy Malibu's transmission is shredding. The car does not go into D right away, it acts like the engine is completely disengaged. If I go from R to D several times, the engine sometimes revs very high when I step on the gas and then lurches the car forward a few feet. Sometimes, when I try to get the car into first gear, the car will completely shut down with the vehicle in D, and I have to put it in P and restart it. Other times, I can put it in different gears a few times until R engages very sharply (the whole vehicle moves), and then it will engage into D just as sharp. My check engine light will come on and go off, although it never did before this problem started, and whenever it comes on, the car will stop working whenever I stop the vehicle and try to go again (i.e. red lights). I only have one car and am forced to continue to drive this vehicle while I wait on repairs. I have two kids and I am terrified that my transmission is going to completely give out while we're driving, or the engine is going to start shutting down while the vehicle is in motion! The dealership told me that two other Malibus were in with the same exact issue within days of each other. A GM inspector confirmed the transmission is shredding. My friend had a Chevy Impala that did the exact same thing
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. After approximately 45 minutes of driving, the vehicle was turned off and restarted without the key fob. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle lost communication with the transmission, brakes, and engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that di-electric grease was needed on the wires. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
When Do 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Malibu Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Malibu Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Malibu year is 2023 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (80/100) and 2024 (80/100).
Chevrolet Malibu Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Malibu year is 2018 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to power train (157) issues.
Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Malibu reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 80/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Malibu.
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