2019 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#11 most-complained of 16 Malibu years
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has a complaint index of 33, ranking 11th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Malibu years. NHTSA lists 190 complaints, 1 recall, 8 crashes, and 1 fire, with Engine as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25.5 city / 34 hwy
Top 2019 Chevrolet Malibu problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine70 (37%)
- Transmission & Powertrain66 (35%)
- Electrical System63 (33%)
- Other37 (19%)
- Brakes28 (15%)
- Fuel System18 (9%)
- Airbags6 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (2%)
- Structure & Body3 (2%)
- Steering2 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report the auto stop/start feature has a delay that causes the engine to lurch or surge forward unexpectedly when the accelerator is pressed.
- Some drivers describe the engine losing power and shutting off while stopped, with the vehicle rolling backward and the emergency brake failing to hold.
- Brake pedal has been reported as going to the floor or locking up with no warning light illuminated, resulting in loss of stopping ability.
- Airbag and wiring harness faults have been reported after collisions, including warning lights and restraint system errors appearing post-repair.
- Apple CarPlay and infotainment systems have been reported freezing or lagging during navigation use.
- One owner reported a fire starting from electrical wiring inside a door panel that damaged the vehicle interior.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V649000Aug 20, 2021Seat Belts402 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other:retractor
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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.
2019 compared with other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- Relative to other Malibu model years, the 2019 ranks 11th worst out of 16 with a complaint index of 33 and a "Good" verdict. It has fewer complaints (190) than most earlier Malibu years like 2010 through 2013.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 37% of reports, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 35% and Electrical System at 33%. Median mileage at failure across all issues is 40,743.5 miles.
- Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 21V649000) covers rear seat belt retractors that may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2019 Malibu compare to other years?
- The 2019 model has a complaint index of 33, much lower than the worst years like 2010 (index 100) and 2011 (index 93), but higher than the best years like 2021, 2024, and 2025.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
- EPA rates the 2019 Malibu at 29 mpg combined, 25.5 mpg city, and 34 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550.