2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
83/100
#2 most-complained of 7 Malibu Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid ranks 2nd-worst of 7 model years, with a complaint index of 83 and 25 complaints centered on brakes (32%), electrical system (24%), and steering (24%). NHTSA lists no recalls for this year, but the verdict is Avoid relative to other Malibu Hybrid years.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 26 city / 34 hwy
Top 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (32%)
- Electrical System6 (24%)
- Steering6 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (20%)
- Engine3 (12%)
- Airbags2 (8%)
- Other2 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)
What owners report
- Brakes can suddenly apply themselves on one side, causing the car to lose power and not exceed 20 to 30 mph after a stop.
- The hybrid engine cuts off and restarts unexpectedly, jerking the car forward at stop signs and red lights.
- Power steering assist cuts out mid-drive and only returns after the vehicle is turned off and restarted.
- The automatic transmission's shift cable can detach, leaving the vehicle stuck in gear.
- Condensation builds up inside the headlights, and the defroster/defogging system has failed to clear the windshield.
- Mildew odor develops in the air vents, which some owners linked to allergy and asthma symptoms.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Malibu Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2009 Malibu Hybrid has a complaint index of 83, the second-highest among 7 model years tracked, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years of the model.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Malibu Hybrid?
- Owners most often reported brake issues (32% of complaints, median mileage 118,000), followed by electrical system problems (24%) and steering failures (24%).
- Does the 2009 Malibu Hybrid have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls specifically logged for the 2009 model year in this dataset, though some owner complaints reference a windshield defrosting campaign affecting a small number of these vehicles.
- How does the 2009 Malibu Hybrid compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 83 is worse than the 2008 (33, Good) and 2010 (0) model years, but slightly better than the 2016 model year, which has the highest index at 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Malibu Hybrid?
- EPA rates the 2009 Malibu Hybrid at 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250.