2021 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
10/100
#19 most-complained of 21 Malibu years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 89 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 10 out of 100 — #19 highest of 21 Malibu model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is electrical system (29 complaints, 33% of the total). Complaints report 1 fire and 1 injury.
- Complaints
- 89
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25.5 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2021 Chevy Malibu problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other31 (35%)
- Electrical System29 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain28 (31%)
- Engine14 (16%)
- Fuel System10 (11%)
- Airbags6 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (3%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
- Brakes2 (2%)
2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V359000May 19, 2022Structure & Body221 vehicles
Seats
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
- 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.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 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.
2021 compared with other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu ranks #19 of 21 among Malibu model years (Complaint Index 10/100, verdict: Best). It has 89 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (29 complaints), transmission & powertrain (28 complaints), and engine (14 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 54,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, most recently reported 2022, covering structure & body and seat belts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
- EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu at 29 MPG combined (25.5 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,275. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.