Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Chevrolet Malibu

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2015 Malibu has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Chevrolet Malibu owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Rear lithium battery kills front 12v battery and car loses all power, no brakes no power steering no motor. This happens even when driving down the interstate at 70mph with no control of the car and can't get GM to fix the problem. Car also starts when the key just touched the ignition switch and car jumps forward,this problem they warn you about in the manual. They tell you to make sure no one is standing i. Front of car"

Anonymous, KY (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Keyless entry

"Fob key came off in the ignition. Mechanic reprogrammed fob. Fob electronics destroyed permanently. Charged $300!"

Anonymous, PA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other electrical system problem

""Trunk lid latching system stopped functioning on Sunday, May 18, 2025.""

Anonymous, CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Remote engine starter

"Fob was reprogrammed and damaged by an idiot mechanic."

Anonymous, PA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"this doesn't always work"

Anonymous A., CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Warning lights

"I have had this dinging all the time and when I took it to a dealership they said nothing was wrong with it. it turns out that the passager seatbelt light came on and that dinging noise was that! this was problably from having the car for 1 year"

Anonymous A., CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Other in-car electronics problem

"Check engine light came on and code was that the electronic board needed to be replaced. It was the one that effects GPS, onstar etc. Took a while to get replacement but they disabled the old one which didn't effect the car working to drive or use radio, camera, etc. So really not a big problem for usage of the vehicle, just expensive piece to replace."

Anonymous, WI (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Radio presets froze up and quit working properly, but I only use a few so I got around this problem. ALSO the clock gets 10 to 30 minutes off the right time intermittently and I have to reset it about every 2 weeks or so -- a minor aggravation."

Anonymous, MO (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

""Pairing is sporadic. Sometimes, the playback from my phone just pauses and will not restart (play button does nothing), while sometimes it takes much more time than others to start playing.""

Anonymous, MI (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"COOLANT LEAK"

Anonymous A., WI (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The compressor didnt work or air is not enough the mechanic said the compressor is wic"

Anonymous, TX (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO Unsure)
Blower (fan) motor

"The original compressor stop to work I buy another and when I drive on the city the air delay like 10 minutes to cool"

Anonymous, TX (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO Unsure)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

""The only problem is a buzzing door speaker, The replacement is no longer available.""

Anonymous, IL (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"THE CAR HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT FENDER DAMAGED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER."

Anonymous, WA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

""Struts leaking causing clanking noise my when hitting bumps, etc.""

Anonymous, (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Sensors failed to fuel the vehicle properly"

Anonymous, TX (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08*
09
10
11
12
13*
14
15
16*
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Jul 05, 2016
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V502000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8367
AIR BAGS
Oct 16, 2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V666000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 395
VISIBILITY
Mar 23, 2015
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V164000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 87063
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle