Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 80/100 (EXCELLENT)

2025 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Report

Name: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Brand: Chevrolet

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu scores 80/100 ("Excellent"), but its complaint rate of 3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the 2025 Sedan segment average of 1.9.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$532

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,950

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity73/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (1)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2025 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2016).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
1 year after the last refresh (2024).
9th generation Malibu (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2016: Ninth generation (2016) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2025: This Model Year

2025 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2016).

Should You Buy the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score. 2025 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2016).

However, its complaint rate of 3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 1.9, driven largely by power train (1) reports.

If buying used, confirm recall repairs are complete and inspect power train (1) carefully on the test drive.

See also the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Strong reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (11%)
+No recalls issued
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
−POWER TRAIN (1)

Compare 2025 Chevrolet Malibu With

2025 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2025 Nissan Altima

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2025 KIA K5

Reliability: 79/100

Good

2025 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2025 Honda Accord

Reliability: 84/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Other

MODERATE

POWER TRAIN (1)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 1.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu? Check its history first

Every 2025 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

2025 Chevrolet Malibu NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver,Roof)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet MalibuRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based 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

Malibu

$532

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

31 MPG

Running cost: $2,500/yr

Fuel + repair

28 city / 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 2025 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)	28	36	31	$1,950

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu.

Test backup camera for clarity when in reverse
Inspect vehicle for unintended movement when parked
Check radio for glitches or malfunctions
Verify if any service bulletins or recalls are issued for electrical system issues

2025 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems by Component

3 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2025-10-17

Vehicle was parked, all windows and doors closed. Key remained out of the vehicle. Car parked for several hours without being touched, when suddenly it began to roll forward on its own. The car continued forward and quickly went down a short hill into a rocky area of a field before coming to a stop.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2025-08-15

Backup camera has blurred vision when in R, the view on the dashboard is extremely blurry and seems to be condensed/ wet. Please check and advise.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2025-02-28

Chevy sold me a vehicle knowing that the radio was faulty and known to glitching out. I took it to the dealer and they replicated the problem. GM has known about the issue since 9/2024 when the issued the bulletin about the problem. They sold me the vehicle knowing that the problem existed and did not disclose that to me. That is a violation of CA law.

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 score

The 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).

Top Pick

Excellent

2023

1Recalls

23Complaints

Excellent

2025

(Current Model)

0Recalls

3Complaints

Excellent

2024

1Recalls

8Complaints

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.

Good

2018

6Recalls

673Complaints

See full Chevrolet Malibu years-to-avoid analysis

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.

Chevrolet Malibu reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025(selected)	80/100	0	Excellent	0	3
2024	80/100	-1	Excellent	1	8
2023	81/100	+1	Excellent	1	23
2022	80/100	+6	Excellent	1	66
2021	74/100	0	Good	2	61
2020	74/100	0	Good	1	178
2019	74/100	+12	Good	1	181
2018	62/100	—	Good	6	673

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu scores 80/100 ("Excellent"), which is strong. However, its complaint rate is above the Sedan segment average (notably power train). The high score reflects good build quality, but shoppers should investigate the complaint patterns before buying.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu include: POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu has estimated annual costs of $532/year, which is $6 more than the midsize cars average of $526. Its reliability score of 80/100 is strong, but its complaint rate is above the segment average (notably power train). Pay extra attention to commonly reported areas during inspection and test drive.

Don’t buy a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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