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    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Malibu Change Vehicle

    You'll appreciate the redesigned Malibu if you prize a plush, comfortable ride and a very quiet cabin. That's where this solid, easygoing sedan excels. It also has simple controls, decent fuel economy and sound handling (although the Malibu is clearly no sports sedan). You'll probably come away disappointed, however, if you need a roomy rear seat.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Malibu

    Reliability

    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, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

    Overall Reliability
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot
    See all 2015 Potential Trouble Spots
    The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Research Years *Redesign year
    Worse Better
    00
    01
    02
    03
    04*
    05
    06
    07
    08*
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13*
    14
    15
    16*
    17
    18
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Potential Trouble Spots
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Integrity
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Power Equipment
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Show More Trouble Spots
    Show Fewer Trouble Spots
    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 500,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2018 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

    Learn more about car Reliability.

    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.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    “When shifting into reverse the camera stays on as I drive forward. A few minutes later the system turns itself off and starts again. While the camera is on or the screen is blank I cannot change radio stations or volume. But if I increase the volume while the system is in limbo when the system comes back on the volume increase occurs and blasts. The dealer has not been able to fix this and system updates also have not helped. I had no such problems with my Buick”

    Michael J., TX (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen difficult to see

    “The light source for the electronics goes dull and then bright again throughout operation from time to time”

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

    “First the screen freezes and then goes blank and then resets”

    Ron V., AL (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “First the screen freezes then goes blank and then resets”

    Ron V., AL (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    “Pairing cuts off after 5 minutes”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Load more

    Transmission Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    “Car would shake when attempting to downshift on a hill or incline. Disentangle seem to shift to a lower gear and would start to shake. Dealer adjusted the computer and it still occurs on occasion but not frequently like in the past”

    Dennis G., OH (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    “Sometimes will not shift from 5 gear to 6th gear”

    Anonymous, VA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Transmission computer

    “Transmission computer was modified to make the car downshift when ina higher gear and the itmneeds to downshift to handle and incline or hill”

    Dennis G., OH (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    “Engine began missing, running rough. 'Check Engine' light came on. Under warranty. Took to dealer. Service Order said 'reset ECM'. Asked what was wrong. Was told they did not know, just followed service suggestions”

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

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    “Constant pressure on brakes as if they were being constantly used. Also a squeak -- Road salt also can cause this but I was on the highway very little & car was kept in a garage.. The car was quickly repaired but I was told the car needed to be driven more and to slam on the brakes once in awhile”

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Unsure)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    “The car is equipped with a device which essentially shuts down the motor when brake is put on to stop vehicle. This is an economy feature that cannot be overridden or shut off (on a Malibu). When engine restarts it shakes the car and sounds like th”

    Willard P., CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    “One of the key fobs completely fell apart. even though it had not been abused or crushed. Two different dealerships snapped it back together; however it kept falling apart and a replacement had to be ordered”

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

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel gauge/sender

    “When gas tank was filled all the way, the gas gauge would not show full. If you tried to add fuel, the tank would overflow. Dealer found that entire fuel gauge and sender system was defective and replaced it at no charge”

    Willard P., CA (2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Power Equipment

    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, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Body Integrity

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

    Engine Major

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

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    Suspension

    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.

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    Engine Cooling

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

    Exhaust

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    Compare 2015 Models

    No Data Available
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
    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.
    Read Recall Details
    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
    Hide Recall Details
    AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
    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.
    Read Recall Details
    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
    Hide Recall Details
    VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
    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.
    Read Recall Details
    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
    Hide Recall Details
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