2025 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu ranks as the Best year among 21 model years, with a complaint index of 0, 11 complaints, and just 1 recall for a rearview camera issue. Owners mainly reported blank or distorted backup camera images and some electrical glitches.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 Malibu years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31
- 28 city / 36 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2025 Chevy Malibu problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (45%)
- Electrical System4 (36%)
- Other4 (36%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Steering1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rearview camera screen shows a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Backup camera sometimes turns on unexpectedly while driving and displays a "Service Camera" message.
- Radio and infotainment screen glitch or flicker out intermittently.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) light illuminates repeatedly, sometimes accompanied by temporary steering lockup.
- Vehicle reportedly rolled forward on its own while parked with the key out and doors closed.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V212000Apr 2, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras276,879 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,100
- 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.
2025 compared with other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2025 Malibu is rated Best among 21 model years, with a complaint index of 0 and only 11 complaints logged.
- Does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall, campaign 26V212000, for a rearview camera that may show a distorted or blank image; dealers inspect and replace the camera if needed.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2025 Malibu?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area, accounting for 5 of 11 complaints, or 45%, mostly tied to the rearview camera recall.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2025 Malibu?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires, injuries, or deaths reported for the 2025 Malibu.
- How does the 2025 Malibu compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 0, the 2025 Malibu ranks 21st out of 21 years in complaint volume, making it the lowest-risk year in the lineup.