2020 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Malibu years. It has 198 complaints, 1 recall, 10 crashes, and 1 death reported to NHTSA.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 Malibu years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 198
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25.5 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 1
Top 2020 Chevy Malibu problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine70 (35%)
- Electrical System58 (29%)
- Transmission & Powertrain58 (29%)
- Brakes51 (26%)
- Other44 (22%)
- Fuel System18 (9%)
- Steering16 (8%)
- Airbags4 (2%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (1%)
- Structure & Body2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy or deploy improperly during moderate to high-speed crashes, in some cases with fatal or severe injury outcomes.
- Steering wheel support components have sheared or metal parts have separated during airbag deployment, causing facial injuries.
- Brake systems reportedly fail to reduce speed or stop the vehicle even when the pedal is pressed, leading to collisions.
- Electrical system issues near very low mileage include battery error codes and the engine failing to turn over after sitting overnight.
- Engine problems near very low mileage include sudden power loss while driving and difficulty starting.
- Some owners report city fuel economy lower than the advertised rating despite the vehicle being new.
2020 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.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- Relative to other Malibu model years, the 2020 has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst out of 21 years, which earns a Good verdict. It has fewer complaints (198) than most earlier Malibu years.
- What are the biggest problem areas for the 2020 Malibu?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 70 complaints (35% share), followed by Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain, each at 58 complaints (29% share), and Brakes at 51 complaints (26% share).
- Does the 2020 Malibu have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 21V649000) for 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 2020 Malibu compare to other years?
- The 2020 model's complaint index of 35 is much lower than Avoid-rated years like 2009 (index 100) and 2010 (index 95), but higher than the 2021-2025 Best-rated years, which range from index 0 to 20.
- What mileage do Malibu problems typically appear at?
- Median mileage at failure across problem areas ranges widely: Electrical System issues appear around 23,000 miles, Steering around 61,000 miles, and Fuel System issues around 100,200 miles.