Chevrolet Malibu Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid are 2008-2012 and 2016, driven by steering, electrical, and engine complaints with complaint indexes from 75 to 100. The best years are 2021-2025, each with a complaint index of 15 or below, while 2009 ranks worst overall with an index of 100.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2008Avoid 2009Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2016Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 21
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 13,193
- Recall campaigns
- 42
- Crashes reported
- 487
- Fires reported
- 140
- Top problem area
- Steering
Malibu 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.
Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 60 | 975 | 46 | 34 | 3 | Steering | 24 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 55 | 1,115 | 41 | 6 | 6 | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 65 | 977 | 37 | 2 | 3 | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 80 | 987 | 30 | 5 | 4 | Steering | 23.5 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 100 | 1,509 | 41 | 9 | 5 | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 95 | 1,361 | 41 | 14 | 3 | Steering | 25 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 90 | 978 | 40 | 17 | 3 | Electrical System | 26 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 85 | 906 | 50 | 13 | 2 | Electrical System | 26 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 70 | 835 | 33 | 10 | 10 | Electrical System | 26 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 40 | 351 | 19 | 8 | 6 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 30 | 270 | 18 | 9 | 3 | Engine | 26.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 75 | 837 | 23 | 2 | 9 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 45 | 702 | 16 | 4 | 4 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 50 | 697 | 23 | 4 | 6 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 25 | 190 | 8 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 29 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Good | 35 | 198 | 10 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 29 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Best | 10 | 89 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 29 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Best | 15 | 97 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 29 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Best | 20 | 69 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 5 | 39 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 31 | 5★ |
Malibu years to avoid: what went wrong
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Index 100 · 1,509 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2009 Malibu has the highest complaint index of any year, 100, and ranks worst of the 21 model years covered. Steering complaints make up 51% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 120,000. Electrical System issues follow at 31% (median 90,500 miles), and Brakes at 24% (median 108,625 miles). Five recall campaigns cover brakes, steering, and transmission shift cables. Owners reported airbags not deploying in crashes, a chemical smell inside the cabin, and shift cable failures requiring dealer repair under recall.
2009 steering problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 brakes problems →
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Index 95 · 1,361 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2010 Malibu carries a complaint index of 95, the 2nd worst year. Steering complaints lead at 33% (median 100,000 miles), followed by Electrical System at 31% (median 85,250 miles) and Brakes at 27% (median 80,000 miles). Three recall campaigns address airbag inflators, brakes, and transmission shift cables. Owners described engine smoke leading to rear-end crashes, steering wheels locking up mid-drive, engine fires while parked, and delayed brake response during stops.
2010 steering problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 brakes problems →
2011 Chevrolet Malibu Index 90 · 978 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2011 Malibu has a complaint index of 90, ranking 3rd worst. Electrical System complaints top the list at 33% (median 88,129 miles), with Engine at 23% (median 73,000 miles) and Steering at 22% (median 89,500 miles). Three recall campaigns cover airbags, seat belts, and brakes. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes, fuel pump connectors burning inside the fuel tank, and rollover incidents where airbags did not fire despite significant impact speeds.
2011 electrical system problems →2011 engine problems →2011 steering problems →
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Index 85 · 906 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2012 Malibu has a complaint index of 85, the 4th worst year. Electrical System complaints dominate at 45% (median 93,000 miles), with Steering at 21% (median 103,794 miles) and Brakes at 21% (median 78,000 miles). Two recall campaigns cover seat belts and brakes. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy during crashes, unintended acceleration without pedal input leading to a crash, and seat belts failing to lock during a multi-vehicle collision.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 steering problems →2012 brakes problems →
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Index 80 · 987 complaints · 4 recalls
NHTSA lists a complaint index of 80 for the 2008 Malibu, ranking it 5th worst of 21 model years. Steering issues make up 47% of complaints, including reports of the steering column locking up while driving, with a median failure mileage of 83,000. Electrical System problems account for 29% of complaints at a median 86,315 miles. GM issued 4 recall campaigns for this year covering brakes, transmission shift cables, and steering. Owners also reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and brake chatter tied to traction-control warnings.
2008 steering problems →2008 electrical system problems →2008 brakes problems →
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Index 75 · 837 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2016 Malibu has a complaint index of 75, ranking 6th worst despite fewer recalls than several earlier years. Engine complaints make up 45% of the total (median 55,500 miles), Electrical System 28% (median 45,612 miles), and Brakes and Transmission & Powertrain each 20%. Nine recall campaigns cover seat belts, airbag passenger sensing systems, and fuel pumps. Owners reported brake pedals traveling to the floor, transmissions sticking in neutral and rolling backward, and sudden unintended acceleration while parking.
2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 brakes problems →
Most common Chevy Malibu problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Steering4,444 (34%)
- Electrical System3,876 (29%)
- Engine2,759 (21%)
- Brakes2,194 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1,456 (11%)
- Other1,204 (9%)
- Fuel System830 (6%)
- Airbags793 (6%)
- Structure & Body706 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires460 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What Chevrolet Malibu years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, avoid the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016 Malibu. The 2009 model has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2010 at 95 and 2011 at 90.
- What are the best Chevrolet Malibu years?
- The 2021 through 2025 Malibu are rated Best, with complaint indexes ranging from 15 down to 0. The 2025 model has the lowest complaint index of any year covered, at 0.
- What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Malibu?
- Across all 21 model years, Steering complaints are the largest category at 4,444 complaints (34% share), followed by Electrical System issues at 3,876 complaints (29%) and Engine problems at 2,759 complaints (21%).
- Does the Chevrolet Malibu have a lot of recalls?
- Chevrolet has issued 42 recall campaigns across Malibu model years covered by NHTSA data. The 2013 model year alone had 10 recall campaigns and the 2016 model year had 9.
- Is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- The 2009 Malibu has the worst complaint index (100) of all 21 model years tracked, ranking 1st worst overall, with Steering complaints making up 51% of its total complaints.