2022 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Malibu years
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 13th of 16 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 20 and a "Best" verdict among Malibu years. It has 97 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no fires or deaths reported.
- Complaints
- 97
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25.5 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2022 Chevrolet Malibu problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine36 (37%)
- Electrical System33 (34%)
- Other29 (30%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (24%)
- Fuel System9 (9%)
- Brakes6 (6%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
- Seat Belts2 (2%)
- Steering2 (2%)
What owners report
- Some drivers describe the transmission failing to respond when pressing the accelerator, then lurching forward unexpectedly.
- Owners report the transmission jerking or slipping hard during acceleration, even after a transmission replacement.
- Some report a "shift to park" error message that prevents the transmission from properly engaging park, requiring repeated shifting between reverse and drive.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in low-speed crashes, including a rear-end collision at 20 mph with median mileage of 90,000 at failure for airbag complaints.
- Owners describe the engine check light coming on intermittently starting around low mileage, later diagnosed by some as an oil pump failure tied to electrical malfunctions.
- Some drivers report unintended acceleration while braking, with the engine revving over 3,000 rpm in a parking lot.
2022 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V923000Dec 14, 2022Structure & Body2,108 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
2022 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 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.
2022 compared with other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- Compared to other Malibu model years, 2022 ranks well. It has a complaint index of 20 and ranks 13th worst out of 16 years tracked, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Malibu years.
- What problems does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine (37% of complaints), Electrical System (34%), and Transmission & Powertrain (24%) as the top problem areas, with 36, 33, and 23 complaints respectively.
- Does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 Malibu, covering a front impact bar that may not be properly welded to the front frame rail. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Chevrolet Malibu should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2010 through 2013 Malibu years carry "Avoid" verdicts with complaint indexes from 80 to 100, far higher than the 2022 model's index of 20.
- How many complaints does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- NHTSA lists 97 complaints for the 2022 Malibu, including 4 crashes, 1 injury, and 0 fires or deaths.