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Chevrolet Malibu

2017–2021 only

3,099 classified complaints 8 recalls

592,729 sold in the US for 2017–2021.

32 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2017–2021 Chevrolet Malibu models have 3,099 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 8 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Body control and other modules, typically surfacing around 52,343 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2017–2021 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2006

2007–2011

2012–2016

2017–2021

2022–2025

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2017–2021 only

Body control and other modules · Electrical 939 complaints · 16/10k sold

Median onset: 52,343 miles. 0.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 554 complaints · 9.3/10k sold

Median onset: 49,330 miles. 1.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Transmission control module and sensors · Transmission 430 complaints · 7.3/10k sold

Median onset: 38,000 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 186 complaints · 3.1/10k sold

Median onset: 77,000 miles. 3.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 159 complaints · 2.7/10k sold

Median onset: 23,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Spark plugs, coils and ignition · Engine 102 complaints · 1.7/10k sold

Median onset: 51,123 miles. 1.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Water leaks and seals · Body and interior 71 complaints · 1.2/10k sold

Median onset: 35,202 miles.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 70 complaints · 1.2/10k sold

Median onset: 29,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2017–2021 compare with other Malibu years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2017–2021 model years. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year and full specs/safety data.