Model research hub
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car made from 1964 to 1983 and again from 1997 to 2025, when GM ended it. Federal data shows the 2016 with the most complaints (860) and 9 recalls, and Car Smite calls 2015 the finest sixth-generation year while naming 2004 to 2006 the worst years overall.
What the Chevrolet Malibu is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Malibu as a mid-size car made by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025, beginning as a trim level of the Chevelle before becoming its own model line in 1978, with the 1997 revival on a transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout replacing the Corsica. GM ended Malibu production after the 2025 model year.
Best and worst Malibu model years
Federal counts show the 2016 Malibu with 9 recalls and 860 complaints, both the most of any year, covering air bags, the electrical system, fuel system and stability control, and the 2017 and 2018 with 4 and 6 recalls and 723 and 694 complaints. The 2019 and 2020 have 1 recall each and about 190 complaints, and 2021 to 2025 run 1 to 2 recalls a year with complaints falling from 88 to 11.
Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says that by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports reliability scores from previous owners, 2015 stands out as the finest Chevy Malibu year of the sixth generation, that 2004, 2005 and 2006 are categorized as the Malibu's worst years to avoid, and that 2011 and 2012 are the Malibu's finest years in an earlier generation while 2008, 2009 and 2010 are years to avoid in that same span.
Choosing a year
The 2016 to 2018 years carry the heaviest recall and complaint load of the current generation and deserve the most VIN checking, while 2015 and the 2019-onward years show a cleaner record. With production ended after 2025, a used Malibu is now the only option.
Questions buyers ask
Is the Chevrolet Malibu discontinued?
Wikipedia gives its production span as 1997 to 2025, so GM ended the current Malibu after the 2025 model year.
Which Chevrolet Malibu year is considered the best of its generation?
Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says 2015 stands out as the finest Malibu year of the sixth generation.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is built around 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 163 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 Malibu seats 5 and is a Midsize sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 11 owner complaints for the 2025 Malibu.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Every 2025 Malibu uses the same 163-horsepower 1.5L turbo engine and CVT; the four trims separate by appearance and comfort equipment instead of powertrain.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Chevrolet Malibu model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 2025 record → | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Malibu | 2023 record → | |
| 2015 Chevrolet Malibu | 2015 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Chevrolet Malibu.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle before becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, General Motors revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
- Engines
- The Chevrolet Malibu Cruiser concept was built by GM Performance Division for the SEMA show in 2001.
- Safety
- The Malibu was extensively redesigned and reengineered for the 2008 model year, with styling by Bryan Nesbitt. GM vice chairman Robert Lutz was determined to make the nameplate competitive with Japanese mid-size cars. Trim levels were LS, LT, Hybrid (2008 and 2009 only), and LTZ.
- Powertrain
- The 2.4 L I4 and 3.6 L V6 engine have aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin balance shafts, and variable valve timing. The 3.5 L V6 has aluminum heads, an iron block, overhead valves, and limited variable valve timing.
- Reception
- The 2008 Malibu received critical praise from the automotive press, with The New York Times referring to it as being "like a super Accord, but from GM" and Car and Driver magazine declaring, "Camry, Beware." It also garnered high praise from Motor Trend magazine, who rated it higher than the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima in its 2008 Car of the Year competition.
Source: Chevrolet Malibu (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Malibu at a glance
- Model years
- 1964–1983, 1997–2025
- Class
- Mid-size car
- Layout
- Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1964–1983), Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1997–2025)
- Predecessor
- Chevrolet Chevelle (1964), Chevrolet Corsica (1997)
- Successor
- Chevrolet Celebrity (1980s)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- April 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image. Consequence: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 2024, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… Consequence: The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of…
- December 2022, Structure:Frame And Members. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail. Consequence: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about back over prevention (5), electrical system (4), unknown or other (4).
Year by year
The Chevrolet Malibu across 11 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 31 | $2,100 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | 31 | $2,000 | 1 | 2 | 39 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Chevrolet Malibu | 30 | $2,100 | 1 | 2 | 68 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–32 | $1,950–$3,000 | 2 | 1 | 94 | 4 stars |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–32 | $1,950–$2,400 | 2 | 2 | 88 | 4 stars |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–32 | $1,950–$3,000 | 2 | 1 | 195 | 4 stars |
| 2019 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–46 | $1,350–$3,000 | 3 | 1 | 189 | 4 stars |
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–46 | $1,350–$3,000 | 3 | 6 | 694 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–46 | $1,350–$3,000 | 3 | 4 | 723 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | 26–46 | $1,350–$2,400 | 4 | 9 | 860 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Chevrolet Malibu | 24–29 | $2,150–$2,600 | 2 | 3 | 270 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Chevrolet Malibu, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 to 2024 | 30.0 to 31.0 | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | 2 to 1 | 29.0 to 30.0 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd; Fuels: Premium | |
| 2021 to 2022 | Fuels: Premium | |||
| 2020 to 2021 | Fuels: Premium | |||
| 2019 to 2020 | 3 to 2 | 36.0 to 29.0 | Labels: Malibu Hybrid; Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid | |
| 2018 to 2019 | Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd | |||
| 2016 to 2017 | 4 to 3 | Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd; Fuels: Premium | Labels: Malibu Limited; Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) | |
| 2015 to 2016 | 2 to 4 | 26.5 to 36.0 | Labels: Malibu Hybrid, Malibu Limited; Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 1.8L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 6-spd |
Buying used
What the Chevrolet Malibu recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | equipment (other); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | structure (frame and members); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2022 | 1 | structure (frame and members) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | seat belts (critical fasteners); seats | None |
| 2020 | 1 | seat belts (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2019 | 1 | seat belts (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2018 | 6 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); air bags (sensor); service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); 3 more | None |
| 2017 | 4 | air bags (side/window); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); air bags (sensor); 1 more | None |
| 2016 | 9 | electrical system (software); air bags (frontal); air bags (side/window); 5 more | None |
| 2015 | 3 | visibility (sun/moon roof assembly); air bags (side/window); electrical system (ignition) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 1,095 | 34% | 2016 (310) |
| electrical system | 876 | 27% | 2016 (233) |
| power train | 707 | 22% | 2016 (174) |
| unknown or other | 681 | 21% | 2016 (180) |
| vehicle speed control | 467 | 14% | 2016 (158) |
| service brakes | 342 | 11% | 2016 (106) |
Trim by trim
Every 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | FWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | 184 | – | – | 31 | $26,995 |
| RS | FWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | 184 | – | – | 31 | $27,995 |
| 1LT | FWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | 184 | – | – | 31 | $29,295 |
| 2LT | FWD | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | 184 | – | – | 31 | $32,695 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2025 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Chevrolet Malibu model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | – | – | 15.8 |
| 2024 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | – | 1,000 | 15.8 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 | – | 1,000 | 15.8 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163–250 | – | 1,000 | 15.8 |
| 2021 | 5 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163–250 | – | 1,000 | 15.8 |
| 2020 | 5 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163–250 | – | 1,000 | 15.8 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 122–250 | – | 1,000 | 13–15.8 |
| 2018 | 5 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 122–250 | 3,103–3,366 | 1,000 | 13–15.8 |
| 2017 | 5 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 124–250 | – | 1,000 | 13–15.8 |
| 2016 | 5 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 124–250 | 3,086–3,388 | 1,000 | 13–15.8 |
| 2015 | 3 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 196 | 3,393–3,547 | 1,000 | 15.8–18.5 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Chevrolet Malibu.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | 0W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 0W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | 5W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2016 | 5W-20 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Chevrolet Malibu: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2018 Chevrolet Malibu : 6 recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags and brakes.
- 2016 Chevrolet Malibu : 9 recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags and electrical system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | 11 | backup camera |
| 2024 | 2 | 39 | equipment, backup camera |
| 2023 | 2 | 68 | structure, backup camera |
| 2022 | 1 | 94 | structure |
| 2021 | 2 | 88 | seat belts, seats |
| 2020 | 1 | 195 | seat belts |
| 2019 | 1 | 189 | seat belts |
| 2018 | 6 | 694 | airbags, brakes, fuel system, electrical system |
| 2017 | 4 | 723 | airbags, fuel system, seat belts |
| 2016 | 9 | 860 | airbags, electrical system, fuel system, stability control |
| 2015 | 3 | 270 | electrical system, airbags, visibility/wipers |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Chevrolet Malibu?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2018, 2016 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Chevrolet Malibu model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags, brakes, fuel system; The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 9 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags, electrical system, fuel system. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Chevrolet Malibu by model year?
2025: backup camera. 2024: equipment, backup camera. 2023: structure, backup camera. 2022: structure. 2021: seat belts, seats. 2020: seat belts.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Brakes, tires and steering.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling and Climate and electrical.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Climate and electrical and Engine and cooling and Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Chevrolet Malibu is most often compared with.
Nearest Chevrolet models
Other Chevrolet models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Malibu come in?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu (midsize sedan) comes in 4 trims: LS, RS, LT, 2LT.
Q02What are the 2025 Malibu trims?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trims are LS, RS, LT, 2LT, listed from the entry LS up to the top 2LT.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Malibu use?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is built around 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 163 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Malibu have?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is rated at 163 horsepower (1.5L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Malibu?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is offered with FWD.