2021 Chevrolet Malibu
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical is the largest identified problem area: 29 of 88 complaints (33%) mention it. 30 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Body, Seats & Latches include more reported injuries (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 198 in 2020 to 88 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,350–3,000 | 1,950–3,000 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–3,000 | 2,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–46 | 26–32 | 26–32 | 26–32 | 30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–49 / 32–43 | 22–29 / 32–36 | 22–29 / 33–36 | 22–29 / 33–36 | 27 / 35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 194–344 | 298–344 | 273–342 | 275–342 | 292 | |
| Complaints filed | 191 | 198 | 88 | 96 | 68 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA rates it 26–32 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 29 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 273 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
SEATS · Campaign 22V359000 · May 20, 2022
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS; SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR · Campaign 21V649000 · Aug 20, 2021
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.