What year Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to the 2009 and 2016 model years, which have complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest among the years with data.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?

The 2016 has the highest complaint index (100) of any Malibu Hybrid year, with owners reporting engine stalling around a median of 15,000 miles and one recall for a high-voltage battery shut-off switch.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

The 2008 model year is the only one rated Good, with a low complaint index of 33 and no recalls.

Does the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have any recalls?

NHTSA lists one recall campaign across all model years, affecting the 2016 Malibu Hybrid's high-voltage battery shut-off switch installation.

Are the 2017 and 2018 Malibu Hybrid good years?

Both rate Caution, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, mostly tied to electrical system complaints.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2008–2019)

Avoid the 2009 and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, which have the highest complaint indexes (83 and 100) among the 7 model years with data. The 2008 is the only Good year, while 2017 and 2018 rate Caution.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2009 Avoid 2016

Model years: 7; 2008–2019
NHTSA complaints: 93
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Electrical System

Malibu Hybrid Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2008	Good	33	7	1	0	Electrical System	27	—
2009	Avoid	83	25	1	0	Brakes	29	—
2010	No verdict	0	2	0	0	Airbags	29	—
2016	Avoid	100	24	1	1	Engine	46	—
2017	Caution	67	22	1	0	Electrical System	46	—
2018	Caution	50	11	1	0	Electrical System	46	—
2019	No verdict	17	2	0	0	Electrical System	46	4★

Malibu Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Index 100 · 24 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2016 Malibu Hybrid has the highest complaint index of any year, 100. Engine problems drove half of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 15,000 miles, and electrical system issues made up 46% of complaints at a median 30,000 miles. Transmission and powertrain complaints followed at a median 49,000 miles. Owners described sudden stalling at highway speed, loss of brakes and steering after a collision, and dashboard warning lights accompanying the stalls. NHTSA recorded one recall (16V521000) covering a high-voltage battery shut-off switch installation issue.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Index 83 · 25 complaints · 0 recalls

Owners of the 2009 Malibu Hybrid most often reported brake problems, which made up 32% of complaints for the year at a median 118,000 miles. Electrical system and steering issues each accounted for 24% of complaints, with steering failures reported near 133,500 miles. Transmission and powertrain complaints appeared earlier, around 35,500 miles. Complaints describe brakes overheating or losing stopping power, unexpected engine stalling and restarting, and one report of a crash where the airbags did not deploy. NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year. With a complaint index of 83, the 2009 ranks as the second-worst Malibu Hybrid year.

Most common Chevy Malibu Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System36 (39%)
Engine23 (25%)
Transmission & Powertrain23 (25%)
Brakes14 (15%)
Other14 (15%)
Fuel System9 (10%)
Steering9 (10%)
Airbags6 (6%)
Structure & Body5 (5%)
Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to the 2009 and 2016 model years, which have complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest among the years with data.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?: The 2016 has the highest complaint index (100) of any Malibu Hybrid year, with owners reporting engine stalling around a median of 15,000 miles and one recall for a high-voltage battery shut-off switch.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?: The 2008 model year is the only one rated Good, with a low complaint index of 33 and no recalls.
Does the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have any recalls?: NHTSA lists one recall campaign across all model years, affecting the 2016 Malibu Hybrid's high-voltage battery shut-off switch installation.
Are the 2017 and 2018 Malibu Hybrid good years?: Both rate Caution, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, mostly tied to electrical system complaints.