According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 24 documented known issues, with 24 rated critical. The most serious are Shift-Cable Adjuster Can Disengage (Recall 14V092), Hybrid HVAC Can Stop and Disable Windshield Defrost (Recall 08V634), Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224), BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252), Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024), Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153), Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064), One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484), Hazard-Switch Solder Joints Can Disable Turn Signals (Recall 03V327), . at .
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
Campaign #18V40000014/06/2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Campaign #18V35800031/05/2018
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
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What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 24 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Shift-Cable Adjuster Can Disengage (Recall 14V092), Hybrid HVAC Can Stop and Disable Windshield Defrost (Recall 08V634), Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224). Of these, 24 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
The 1997-2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 24 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 24 issues are rated critical: Shift-Cable Adjuster Can Disengage (Recall 14V092) and Hybrid HVAC Can Stop and Disable Windshield Defrost (Recall 08V634) and Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224) and BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252) and Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024) and Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153) and Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064) and One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484) and Hazard-Switch Solder Joints Can Disable Turn Signals (Recall 03V327) and Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417) and Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566) and Four-Speed Shift-Cable Tabs Can Fracture (Recall 12V460) and Ignition Switch Can Move Out of Run (Recall 14V400) and Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502) and Rear Brake Rotors May Have Been Installed on the Front (Recall 14V240) and Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224) and Erratic Wheel-Speed Signal Can Cause Unexpected ABS Activation (Recall 04V190) and Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164) and Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486) and Brake Vacuum Assist Can Be Lost (Recall 14V247) and Shift-Cable Adjustment Clip Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 09V073) and Climate-Control Software Can Disable the Defroster (Recall 13V567) and Front Seat-Belt Anchor Can Disconnect (Recall 04V188) and Sun-Visor Air-Bag Labels Can Be Incorrect (Recall 04V094). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What year Chevrolet Malibu is the most reliable?
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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On the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, seventy-seven 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles can have an inoperative HVAC system, leaving the blower or mode selector unable to clear a fogged or frosted windshield.
Common Symptoms
HVAC blower does not work correctly
Mode selector remains at its last setting
Windshield cannot be defrosted
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 08V634. A Chevrolet dealer reprograms the HVAC control-head module.
On the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu body-control-module connections can develop resistance and disturb the brake-apply-sensor circuit. Brake lights, cruise cancel, shift interlock, traction control and stability control can behave incorrectly.
Common Symptoms
Brake lights stay on or fail to illuminate
Cruise control is difficult to disengage
Shifter leaves Park without the brake
Stability-control functions disable
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 14V252. A Chevrolet dealer secures and lubricates the BCM and brake-sensor connections and relearns the brake-pedal position.
On the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu front lamps use two turn-signal bulbs per side, but a single failed bulb may not trigger a driver warning even though only half the signal is illuminated.
Common Symptoms
Half of a front turn signal does not illuminate
No bulb-out warning appears
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 12V484. A Chevrolet dealer updates the body-control-module software.
On the 2000-2001 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2000-2001 Chevrolet Malibu hazard-switch solder joints can crack after rapid temperature changes. The turn signals and hazard lamps can become intermittent or inoperative.
Common Symptoms
Turn signals or hazard lamps work intermittently
Turn signals stop working
How to Fix
Check historical campaign completion. A Chevrolet dealer replaces the hazard-warning switch.
On the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the eight-way power front seat can chafe the seat wiring harness against the frame. Exposed wires can move the seat unexpectedly, spark, smoke or cause a fire.
Common Symptoms
Power seat moves unexpectedly or stops working
Flickering lights, sparks or smoke under the seat
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 13V566. A Chevrolet dealer inspects, repairs and secures the seat harness.
On the 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu ignition switches can move out of Run because of key-ring weight or a jarring event, shutting off the engine and preventing air-bag deployment.
Common Symptoms
Engine shuts off while driving
Electrical power is lost
Air bags may not deploy
How to Fix
Until repaired, remove other items and the fob from the key ring. Check the VIN for campaign 14V400; a Chevrolet dealer installs the specified key-ring and key-head remedy.
On the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu climate controls can become inoperative at startup and prevent the windshield defroster from working.
Common Symptoms
Climate controls are inoperative after startup
Windshield defroster does not work
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 13V567. A Chevrolet dealer updates the electronic climate-control-module software.
On the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu transmission shift-cable adjusters can disengage from the shift lever. The driver may be unable to select the intended gear and the vehicle can roll away after Park is selected.
Common Symptoms
Unable to select gear
Indicated gear does not match the transmission
Vehicle rolls after Park is selected
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 14V092. A Chevrolet dealer inspects and replaces an affected shift-cable adjuster.
On the 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu four-speed automatic shift-cable end tabs can fracture and separate. The indicated gear may not match the transmission and the vehicle can roll away.
Common Symptoms
Shift lever does not match the transmission gear
Vehicle cannot restart
Vehicle rolls after occupants exit
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 12V460. A Chevrolet dealer installs a cable-end retainer or replaces the shift cable as necessary.
On the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, and some 2013-2015 vehicles serviced with affected replacement parts, can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park.
Common Symptoms
Ignition key can be removed outside Park
Vehicle rolls after occupants exit
How to Fix
Check the VIN and service history for campaign 16V502. A Chevrolet dealer inspects and replaces the key-cylinder lock housing when necessary.
On the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with four-speed automatic transmissions can fracture the shift cable. The indicated gear may not match the transmission, causing unexpected movement or rollaway.
Common Symptoms
Gear selection does not match the indicator
Vehicle moves unexpectedly
Vehicle rolls after Park is selected
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 14V224. A Chevrolet dealer replaces the shift-cable assembly and mounting bracket.
On the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2009 Chevrolet Malibu shift-cable adjustment clips may not be fully engaged. The lever can show Park while the transmission is not in Park, allowing rollaway.
Common Symptoms
Shift lever does not match the actual gear
Key can be removed outside Park
Vehicle rolls after occupants exit
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 09V073. A Chevrolet dealer inspects the clip and replaces the cable if the clip will not engage.
On the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sensing and diagnostic modules can reset after hard braking. Air bags or pretensioners may fail in a severe crash, or a roof-rail air bag can deploy unintentionally during a later maneuver.
Common Symptoms
Air-bag warning or unintended roof-rail deployment
Air bags or pretensioners may not deploy
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 12V224. A Chevrolet dealer reprograms the sensing and diagnostic module.
On the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles originally built with cloth seats were reupholstered with aftermarket leather that can make the passenger-sensing system enable or disable the frontal air bag incorrectly.
Common Symptoms
Passenger-air-bag indicator does not match the occupant
Passenger air bag may be enabled or disabled incorrectly
How to Fix
Check the VIN and conversion history for campaign 06V417. Because a compatible replacement cover was unavailable, GM offered to repurchase covered vehicles under the recall terms.
On the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu tire labels specify a 15-inch spare where a 16-inch spare is required. The 15-inch spare cannot clear the front brake caliper.
Common Symptoms
Tire label specifies a 15-inch spare
Listed spare will not fit the front axle
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 05V486. GM supplies and installs a corrected tire-information label.
On the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004 Chevrolet Malibu front outboard belt anchors can contact the seat trim at the lowest seat position and disconnect in a crash.
Common Symptoms
No reliable warning before a crash
Outboard belt anchor can disconnect
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 04V188. A Chevrolet dealer installs retainers on both front belt anchorages.
On the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles without an advanced occupant restraint system received sun-visor labels intended for vehicles with that system and omitted required warnings.
On the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 17-inch front rotors may have thinner rear rotors installed on the front. A front brake pad can detach and suddenly reduce braking.
Common Symptoms
Front brake pad detaches
Sudden reduction in braking
Longer stopping distance
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 14V240. A Chevrolet dealer inspects the front rotors and installs the correct rotors and new pads when necessary.
On the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004 Chevrolet Malibu ABS controllers can interpret an erratic rear-wheel-speed signal as a higher vehicle speed and activate or extend ABS near 3 mph, increasing stopping distance.
Common Symptoms
Unexpected ABS activation near a stop
Stopping distance increases
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 04V190. A Chevrolet dealer reprograms the ABS controller.
On the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L with automatic stop/start, certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the 2.5L engine and automatic stop/start can completely lose brake-vacuum assist, increasing pedal effort and stopping distance.
Common Symptoms
Hard brake pedal
Loss of hydraulic boost assist
Longer stopping distance
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 14V247. A Chevrolet dealer updates the electronic brake-control-module software.
On the 2004-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing low-speed steering effort.
Common Symptoms
Power-steering warning
Sudden loss of steering assist
High steering effort at low speed
How to Fix
Check the VIN and bulletin assignment for campaign 14V153. A Chevrolet dealer completes the applicable motor, torque-sensor or controller remedy.
On the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing steering effort at low speeds.
Common Symptoms
Power-steering warning
Loss of steering assist
High low-speed steering effort
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 15V064. A Chevrolet dealer replaces the torque-sensor assembly.
On the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles have one or more rear suspension bolts below specified torque, allowing a sudden handling change.
Common Symptoms
Sudden change in vehicle handling
Loose rear suspension attachment
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 13V024. A Chevrolet dealer inspects and retightens the rear suspension bolts as necessary.
On the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu roof-panel switches are not recessed enough and can be pressed accidentally, making the panel auto-close unexpectedly and creating a pinch risk.
Common Symptoms
Sunroof closes unexpectedly
Pinch-injury risk
How to Fix
Check the VIN for campaign 15V164. A Chevrolet dealer updates the body-control-module software to remove auto-close for specified switch positions.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Malibu vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to March 5, 2016. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Campaign #16V15100011/03/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Malibu. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1997-2016 Chevrolet Malibu with 24 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Shift-Cable Adjuster Can Disengage (Recall 14V092)?
Certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu transmission shift-cable adjusters can disengage from the shift lever. The driver may be unable to select the intended gear and the vehicle can roll away after Park is selected. Severity: high.
What is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid HVAC Can Stop and Disable Windshield Defrost (Recall 08V634)?
Seventy-seven 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles can have an inoperative HVAC system, leaving the blower or mode selector unable to clear a fogged or frosted windshield. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224)?
Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sensing and diagnostic modules can reset after hard braking. Air bags or pretensioners may fail in a severe crash, or a roof-rail air bag can deploy unintentionally during a later maneuver. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252)?
Certain 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu body-control-module connections can develop resistance and disturb the brake-apply-sensor circuit. Brake lights, cruise cancel, shift interlock, traction control and stability control can behave incorrectly. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024)?
Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles have one or more rear suspension bolts below specified torque, allowing a sudden handling change. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2009 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153)?
Certain 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing low-speed steering effort. Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064)?
Certain 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing steering effort at low speeds. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484)?
Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu front lamps use two turn-signal bulbs per side, but a single failed bulb may not trigger a driver warning even though only half the signal is illuminated. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2001 Chevrolet Malibu Hazard-Switch Solder Joints Can Disable Turn Signals (Recall 03V327)?
Certain 2000-2001 Chevrolet Malibu hazard-switch solder joints can crack after rapid temperature changes. The turn signals and hazard lamps can become intermittent or inoperative. Severity: high.
What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417)?
Certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles originally built with cloth seats were reupholstered with aftermarket leather that can make the passenger-sensing system enable or disable the frontal air bag incorrectly. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566)?
Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the eight-way power front seat can chafe the seat wiring harness against the frame. Exposed wires can move the seat unexpectedly, spark, smoke or cause a fire. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu Four-Speed Shift-Cable Tabs Can Fracture (Recall 12V460)?
Certain 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu four-speed automatic shift-cable end tabs can fracture and separate. The indicated gear may not match the transmission and the vehicle can roll away. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Ignition Switch Can Move Out of Run (Recall 14V400)?
Certain 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu ignition switches can move out of Run because of key-ring weight or a jarring event, shutting off the engine and preventing air-bag deployment. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)?
Certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, and some 2013-2015 vehicles serviced with affected replacement parts, can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park. Severity: high.
What is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Rear Brake Rotors May Have Been Installed on the Front (Recall 14V240)?
Certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 17-inch front rotors may have thinner rear rotors installed on the front. A front brake pad can detach and suddenly reduce braking. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224)?
Certain 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with four-speed automatic transmissions can fracture the shift cable. The indicated gear may not match the transmission, causing unexpected movement or rollaway. Severity: high.
What is the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Erratic Wheel-Speed Signal Can Cause Unexpected ABS Activation (Recall 04V190)?
Certain 2004 Chevrolet Malibu ABS controllers can interpret an erratic rear-wheel-speed signal as a higher vehicle speed and activate or extend ABS near 3 mph, increasing stopping distance. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164)?
Certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu roof-panel switches are not recessed enough and can be pressed accidentally, making the panel auto-close unexpectedly and creating a pinch risk. Severity: high.
What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486)?
Certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu tire labels specify a 15-inch spare where a 16-inch spare is required. The 15-inch spare cannot clear the front brake caliper. Severity: high.
What is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Brake Vacuum Assist Can Be Lost (Recall 14V247)?
Certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the 2.5L engine and automatic stop/start can completely lose brake-vacuum assist, increasing pedal effort and stopping distance. Severity: high.
