The best and worst Chevrolet Malibu years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Chevrolet Malibus old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2014–2015, 2019 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2007 and 2009–2010 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2007 Chevrolet Malibu · 65.3 per 10,000 sold (1.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Electric power steering motor and module, typically around 107,000 miles; then power steering pump, rack and lines.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu · 92.1 per 10,000 sold (2.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Electric power steering motor and module, typically around 121,250 miles; then body control and other modules.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu · 68.3 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 80,000 miles; then electric power steering motor and module.
Years with the fewest complaints
2014 Chevrolet Malibu · 18.6 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Stalling and no-start, typically around 69,000 miles.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu · 13.9 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Stalling and no-start, typically around 59,000 miles.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu · 15.7 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Transmission control module and sensors, typically around 53,500 miles.
2022 Chevrolet Malibu · 8.3 per 10,000 sold (0.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Turbocharger and intercooler, typically around 77,157 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Chevrolet Malibu year: 38.5 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
Among Chevrolet Malibus old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2009 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 92.1, about 2.4× a typical Chevrolet Malibu year. The 2007 and 2010 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2022 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Chevrolet Malibus from 2005–2022: 8.3, against 38.5 for a typical year. The 2014–2015 and 2019 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is electric power steering motor and module, typically around 121,250 miles.
Why aren't the newest Chevrolet Malibu years ranked?
The 2023–2025 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.