2022 Chevrolet Malibu
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 34 of 96 complaints (35%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 88 in 2021 to 96 in 2022.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | vs. 2022 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950–3,000 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–3,000 | 2,100 | 2,000 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–32 | 26–32 | 26–32 | 30 | 31 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–29 / 32–36 | 22–29 / 33–36 | 22–29 / 33–36 | 27 / 35 | 28 / 36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 298–344 | 273–342 | 275–342 | 292 | 282 | |
| Complaints filed | 198 | 88 | 96 | 68 | 39 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 10 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 7 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 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 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
Engine: 34 of 96 NHTSA complaints (35%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA rates it 26–32 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
EPA estimates $1,950–$3,000 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 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $3,000 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | 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) | 275 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 32 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 29 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 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 (1)
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · Campaign 22V923000 · Dec 14, 2022
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
Consequence: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.