Chevrolet Malibu research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Malibu is a comfortable, quiet midsize sedan and Chevrolet's last car of its kind. The 2016-2025 models are the roomiest and most efficient, with a 1.5L turbo (CVT from 2019), an optional 250-hp 2.0L turbo through 2022, and a 2016-2019 Hybrid rated around 46 mpg combined. Older 2013-2015 cars are cheaper but tighter in back. Many were rental cars, and several years have recalls to confirm by VIN.

Model years covered: 2011–2025. The Malibu was discontinued after the 2025 model year; production ended in November 2024. There is no 2026 Malibu.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Comfortable quiet ride
Roomy rear seat 2016 and later
Good highway fuel economy
Strong 2.0 liter turbo option 2013 2022
Hybrid efficiency 2016 2019
Low used prices

Things to know before you buy

1.5 liter turbo uses a CVT from 2019
Many were rental or fleet cars
Several years have important recalls
2016 includes both new malibu and malibu limited
Discontinued after 2025
Resale values trail camry and accord
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 7 (2008–2012)

The seventh-generation Malibu (2008-2012) was praised at launch for its quality. By 2011 every car used a 6-speed automatic with either a 169-hp, 160 lb-ft 2.4L four or a 252-hp 3.6L V6.

Buyer takeaway: Inexpensive and comfortable but older; confirm seat-belt, airbag and wiring recalls by VIN and check the 2.4L for oil consumption.

Generation 8 (2013–2016)

The eighth-generation Malibu (2013-2015, plus the 2016 Malibu Limited) is a global design with a 196-hp 2.5L four, a 2.4L eAssist mild hybrid (2013-2014) and a 259-hp 2.0L turbo, all with a 6-speed automatic. A quick 2014 refresh added stop-start on the 2.5L, more rear-seat room and new front styling.

Buyer takeaway: A good budget pick, especially a 2014-2015 2.5L; confirm brake-assist and suspension recalls. The 2.0L turbo is quick but rarer.

Generation 9 (2016–2025)

The ninth-generation Malibu (2016-2025) is larger and lighter, with a 1.5L turbo (6-speed automatic through 2018, CVT from 2019), a 250-hp, 260 lb-ft 2.0L turbo (8-speed for 2016, 9-speed 2017-2022) and a 1.8L Hybrid (2016-2019). The 2019 refresh added the RS trim and new infotainment; 2023-2025 are 1.5L only. Production ended in November 2024.

Buyer takeaway: The best all-round Malibus. Choose 2016-2018 for a conventional automatic, 2019-2022 for the refresh or the 2.0L turbo, and check every car's recall status by VIN.

Chevrolet Malibu by model year

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2025 Malibu is the last; GM ended production at its Fairfax plant in Kansas in November 2024 to build the next Bolt EV, leaving no Chevrolet sedan. It keeps the 1.5L turbo with CVT (about 28/36 mpg). Parts and service remain available through Chevrolet dealers. 2023-2025 cars are in a rearview camera recall; check the VIN.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final model year
Production ended november 2024 at fairfax kansas

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Rearview camera recall completion; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2024 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2024 Malibu continues with the 1.5L turbo and CVT (about 28/36 mpg) in LS, RS, LT and 2LT trims. It is a roomy, comfortable commuter. 2023-2025 Malibus are covered by a 2026 recall because the rearview camera image may be distorted or blank, so confirm the remedy by VIN.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
One of the last US midsize sedans from gm

2023 Chevrolet Malibu

For 2023 the Malibu became 1.5L turbo only, with a CVT (about 27/35 mpg). The Premier was replaced by a 2LT trim. Some 2022-2023 cars are in a front-structure weld recall (GM repurchases affected cars), and 2023-2025 cars in a 2026 rearview camera recall, so a VIN check is essential.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

2.0 liter turbo dropped
Premier replaced by 2lt
Lt loses standard leather

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Front impact bar weld recall completion; Rearview camera recall completion; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2022 Malibu drops the base L trim and adds a standard electronic parking brake. It is the last year of the 250-hp 2.0L turbo and the Premier trim; the 1.5L turbo with CVT (about 29/36 mpg) continues. Some 2022-2023 cars were recalled for a possibly incomplete front structural weld, so check the VIN.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Base l trim dropped
Electronic parking brake standard
Last year of the 2.0 liter turbo and premier

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Front impact bar weld recall completion; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2021 Malibu is a carryover with the 1.5L turbo and CVT (about 29/36 mpg) or the 250-hp 2.0L turbo on Premier. 2016-2021 Malibus are in a recall for rear seat-belt retractors that may be loosely secured, so confirm the repair by VIN. Many 2020-2021 cars were rental units, so check the history report.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Covered by 2016 2021 rear seat belt retractor recall

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; CVT behavior and service records; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2020 Malibu makes the 8-inch touchscreen standard on every trim and gives the base L alloy wheels. The 1.5L turbo with CVT (about 29/36 mpg) and 250-hp 2.0L turbo with 9-speed (about 22/32 mpg) continue; the Hybrid is gone. It is a comfortable, efficient commuter at used prices below the Camry and Accord.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: CVT 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

8 inch touchscreen standard on all trims
Alloy wheels on base l
Hybrid discontinued

2019 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2019 Malibu was refreshed with a bigger grille, a sporty RS trim, LED headlights on Premier and Chevrolet's newer infotainment. The 1.5L turbo now uses a CVT (about 29/36 mpg); the 250-hp 2.0L turbo keeps its 9-speed. It was the final year of the Hybrid. Buyers who prefer a conventional automatic should look at 2016-2018 or the 2.0T.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft; 1.8 liter I4 hybrid 182 hp combined
Transmissions: CVT 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T; Hybrid electronic CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front styling and new rs trim
1.5 liter turbo switches to a CVT
New infotainment 3 system
LED headlamps on premier
Last year of the hybrid

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Malibu carries over the 1.5L turbo (6-speed automatic, about 27/36 mpg), 250-hp 2.0L turbo (9-speed) and Hybrid. Some 2018 1.5L turbos were recalled for engine-control software that could disable the fuel injectors, and some for the transmission stop-start accumulator, so check both by VIN.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft; 1.8 liter I4 hybrid 182 hp combined
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T; Hybrid electronic CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Some 1 5t cars in ecm software recall
Some cars in stop start accumulator recall

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Ecm software and accumulator recall completion; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

For 2017 the 250-hp 2.0L turbo switched to a 9-speed automatic and became exclusive to the Premier. The 160-hp 1.5L turbo with a 6-speed automatic (about 27/36 mpg) remains the main engine, and the Hybrid is rated about 49/43 mpg. A 2016-2018 Malibu offers the roomy redesign with a conventional automatic rather than the later CVT.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft; 1.8 liter I4 hybrid 182 hp combined
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 1.5T; 9 speed automatic 2.0T; Hybrid electronic CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

2.0 liter turbo gets 9 speed automatic
2.0 liter turbo limited to premier

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; 1.5 liter turbo hesitation and codes; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2016 Malibu was redesigned: longer, roomier and about 300 lb lighter. A 1.5L turbo (about 160 hp, 184 lb-ft; about 27/36 mpg) is standard, a 250-hp 2.0L turbo with an 8-speed is optional, and a new Hybrid is rated about 47/46 mpg. CarPlay, Android Auto and Teen Driver arrived. The old car continued as the 2.5L Malibu Limited.

Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 160 hp 184 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 250 hp 260 lb ft; 1.8 liter I4 hybrid 182 hp combined; Malibu limited 2.5 liter I4 197 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 1.5T; 8 speed automatic 2.0T; Hybrid electronic CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new ninth generation larger and lighter
1.5 liter turbo standard
First full hybrid malibu
Apple carplay android auto and teen driver
Previous generation sold as malibu limited

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2015 Malibu continues the refreshed eighth generation with the 196-hp 2.5L four with stop-start (about 25/36 mpg) or the 259-hp 2.0L turbo (about 21/29 mpg), both with a 6-speed automatic. The eAssist Eco was dropped. It is a solid, inexpensive midsize sedan, though less roomy in back than the redesigned 2016.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp 191 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 259 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Eassist eco dropped
Last full year of eighth generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Engine stop start and brake assist on 2.5 liter; Infotainment and mylink operation; Coolant and oil leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2014 Malibu got a quick refresh: new front styling, a revised console, more rear-seat room, and engine stop-start on the 196-hp 2.5L, improving it to about 25/36 mpg. The 2.0L turbo (259 hp) gained torque, and the eAssist continued. Some 2.5L stop-start cars were recalled for possible loss of power brake assist; confirm the remedy by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp 191 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 eassist mild hybrid 182 hp; 2.0 liter turbo I4 259 hp 295 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front styling
Engine stop start standard on 2.5 liter
2.5 liter rated about 25 36 mpg
Revised center console and more rear legroom
2.0 liter turbo torque increase

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Brake assist recall completion 2.5 liter; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Engine stop start and brake assist on 2.5 liter; Infotainment and mylink operation; Coolant and oil leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2013 Malibu was redesigned as a global car. Engines are a 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/33-34 mpg), the Eco's 2.4L eAssist mild hybrid (about 25/36 mpg) and, from early 2013, a 259-hp 2.0L turbo. All use a 6-speed automatic. Reviewers criticized its tight rear seat. Several first-year recalls apply, including rear suspension bolts.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp 191 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 eassist mild hybrid 182 hp; 2.0 liter turbo I4 259 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new eighth generation global malibu
New 2.5 liter base engine
Eco model with eassist mild hybrid
259 hp 2.0 liter turbo added later in the year
Mylink touchscreen on most trims

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Rear suspension bolt recall completion; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Engine stop start and brake assist on 2.5 liter; Infotainment and mylink operation; Coolant and oil leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2012 Malibu is the last seventh-generation car, with the 169-hp 2.4L four (about 22/33 mpg) or 252-hp 3.6L V6 (about 17/25 mpg) and a 6-speed automatic. It is roomy and comfortable but dated compared with the 2013 redesign. 2011-2012 cars are in a seat-belt cable recall, and older Malibus a wiring recall, so confirm both by VIN.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 169 hp 160 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 252 hp 251 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final year of seventh generation
Largely carryover

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Seat belt and airbag recall completion; Brake lights and electrical function; Oil consumption and timing chain noise on 2.4 liter; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2011 Malibu is a late seventh-generation midsize sedan. Every one now has a 6-speed automatic: the 2.4L four (169 hp, about 22/32-33 mpg) or a 252-hp 3.6L V6 (about 17/25 mpg). The base LS gained Bluetooth, USB and remote start. Several recalls apply, including seat-belt cables and a driver airbag inflator, so check the VIN.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 169 hp 160 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 252 hp 251 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

6 speed automatic now standard on every malibu
More standard features on ls
Paddle shifters replaced by rocker switch

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Driver airbag inflator recall completion; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Seat belt and airbag recall completion; Brake lights and electrical function; Oil consumption and timing chain noise on 2.4 liter; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Fleet or rental history check; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

2011-2012 Seat Belt, Airbag and Wiring Recalls (2011–2012)
Seventh-generation Malibus have several recalls: 2011-2012 front seat-belt anchor cables that can fatigue and break (15V-269), a 2010-2011 driver airbag inflator that may rupture (19V-019), and a wiring recall covering 2004-2012 Malibus (14V-252). Applicability depends on the VIN.
What to do: Confirm every applicable recall is complete before buying a 2011-2012 Malibu.
2013-2014 Suspension and Brake-Assist Recalls (2013–2014)
Early eighth-generation Malibus have build-specific recalls, including 2013 rear suspension bolts that may not have been properly tightened (13V-024, plus later corrosion-related rear suspension campaigns in some states) and 2014 2.5L stop/start cars that could lose power brake assist (14V-247).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm these recalls are complete.
1.5L Turbo Engine Inspection (2016-2025) (2016–2025)
The 1.5L turbo is the most common Malibu engine. Check for hesitation, misfires, coolant loss and warning lights, and confirm on-time oil changes with the correct oil. Some 2018 cars were recalled for engine-control software that could disable the fuel injectors (19V-642).
What to do: Road test, scan for codes and review oil-change records on any 1.5L turbo Malibu.
CVT Operation and Service (2019-2025) (2019–2025)
From 2019 the 1.5L turbo is paired with a continuously variable transmission. Check for shudder, slipping, whining or delayed engagement and ask for fluid-service records, especially on high-mileage or former rental cars.
What to do: Test drive from a stop and up hills, and ask for transmission service records.
2016-2021 Seat Belt Retractor and Transmission Accumulator Recalls (2016–2021)
Recall 21V-649 covers 2016-2021 Malibus whose rear seat-belt retractors may be loosely secured or missing fasteners. Recall 20V-668 covers some 2018 Malibus whose transmission stop/start accumulator cover may be missing bolts, which can leak fluid.
What to do: Confirm these recalls are completed on an affected Malibu.
2022-2023 Front Structure Weld and 2023-2025 Rearview Camera Recalls (2022–2025)
Recall 22V-923 covers some 2022-2023 Malibus whose front impact bar may not be properly welded to the frame rail; GM inspects the welds and repurchases cars found with the condition. A 2026 recall (26V-212) covers certain 2023-2025 Malibus whose rearview camera image may be distorted or blank.
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm the status of both recalls before purchase.
Hybrid and Generation/Configuration Disambiguation (2011–2025)
Malibu engines and transmissions vary widely: 2.4L/V6 (2011-2012), 2.5L, eAssist or 2.0L turbo (2013-2015), and 1.5L turbo, 2.0L turbo or 1.8L Hybrid (2016-2019). The 2016 Malibu Limited is the older generation. Hybrid models use a battery pack and electronic transmission that should be checked for warnings and service history.
What to do: Confirm the generation, engine and transmission by VIN; on a Hybrid, scan the hybrid system.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Chevrolet Malibu?
Does this Malibu have a CVT?
What engine does this Malibu have?
Is this a Malibu or a Malibu Limited?
What fuel economy does the Malibu Hybrid get?
What recalls should I check on this Malibu?
When was the Malibu discontinued?
Was this Malibu a rental car?
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