Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2025) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2018 Malibu. It draws far more owner complaints than any other year, mostly a false "Shift to Park" message and sudden power loss, and it carries the most recalls. The 2023 model is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 62/100
Buy
2023 81/100
Model average
76/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Malibu Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Malibu average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201862/100Good6673Power Train (157)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Owners filed 673 complaints on this year, the most of any, at 46.6 per 10,000 sold. A false "Shift to Park" message keeps the car from shutting off, and power drops at highway speed with "Engine Power Reduced" on the dash. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Four fire reports also appear.

6 recalls673 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (157), Electrical System (120), Unknown Or Other (91), Engine (87), Vehicle Speed Control (68), Steering (37)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Malibu Problems?

POWER TRAIN

308 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: A false "Shift to Park" message is the most common complaint.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

242 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Sudden power loss at highway speed is the main complaint.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

168 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: This is a mix of problems, led again by the false "Shift to Park" message that keeps the car from shutting off, in some cases daily.

ENGINE

126 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Reduced engine power is the main failure.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

81 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Power cuts out without warning, usually with the check engine and traction control lights and an "Engine Power Reduced" message.

SERVICE BRAKES

72 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: The brake pedal suddenly goes hard and the car barely stops.

Best Chevrolet Malibu Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2023 model has one recall and 23 owner complaints, against 673 for 2018, and it has been on the road long enough to collect real reports. Its complaints center on stalling at stop lights and electrical faults, not the shifter and power loss pattern that dominates 2018. Airbag and turbocharger reports exist, so check service history.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)1 recalls23 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Malibu Years by Generation

Ninth generation (2016) (2016–2025)

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Chevrolet Malibu

1 recalls · 23 complaints

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

1 recalls · 66 complaints

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Chevrolet Malibu

1 recalls · 8 complaints

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

0 recalls · 3 complaints

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Chevrolet Malibu

1 recalls · 181 complaints

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Chevrolet Malibu

1 recalls · 178 complaints

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

2 recalls · 61 complaints

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

6 recalls · 673 complaints

Weakest Year

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Malibu year is the worst?
The 2018 model is the worst. It has 673 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 4 fire reports. The site flags it as well below the model's own average. Complaints focus on the "Shift to Park" message and sudden loss of engine power.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have power loss problems?
Power loss complaints appear across the Malibu's run, but 2018 is by far the heaviest, with 157 power train complaints. The 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 years also list power train as their top complaint area, just at much lower volumes. The 2023 pattern leans toward stalling at stop lights.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a year to avoid?
No. The 2021 is among the lowest-rated years, but the site does not flag it as one to avoid. It has 61 owner complaints and 2 recalls. Power train and electrical faults lead, the same pattern as other years, at a much lower rate than 2018.
Should I buy a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Malibu instead?
Be careful reading their low numbers. The 2024 has 8 complaints and the 2025 has 3, but both are recent and have had little time to collect reports. Neither is a proven pick. The 2023 has more road history and is the site's recommended year.
Which Chevrolet Malibu year should I buy instead of 2018?
Buy the 2023. It rates excellent, has one recall, and has far fewer complaints than 2018. Owners still report stalling at stop lights and some airbag and turbocharger issues, so inspect the car and check its service history. The 2022 is a solid second choice.

How we score every Chevrolet Malibu model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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