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
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01
02
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04*
05
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07
08*
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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)
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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
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