Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Malibu

1 Chevrolet Malibu Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Malibu average of 76/100

The Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best Chevrolet Malibu year to buy is 2023 81/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 62/100 due to power train (157) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 80/100.

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

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 673 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (157), Electrical System (120), Unknown Or Other (91).

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 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Malibu Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Malibu model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

308 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

242 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

145 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ENGINE

126 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

81 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

72 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Chevrolet Malibu Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (20), Unknown Or Other (18), Electrical System (14).

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)1 recalls66 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

All Chevrolet Malibu Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

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

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Malibu years: 2018 (score: 62/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Malibu average of 76/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
The best year for the Chevrolet Malibu is 2023, with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 23 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Malibu has a total of 13 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Malibu worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 81/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
The most common Chevrolet Malibu problems are power train (308 complaints), electrical system (242 complaints), unknown or other (145 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Malibu has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Chevrolet Malibu generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Malibu generation is the Ninth generation (2016) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Malibu?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Malibu is $532 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 23 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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