Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers average reliability, but a critical powertrain concern regarding unintended vehicle rollaway while parked warrants close inspection.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2025 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 | 36 | 31 | 8.4 | 6.53 | 7.59 | — |
| 2024 | 28 | 36 | 31 | 8.4 | 6.53 | 7.59 | — |
| 2023 | 27 | 35 | 30 | 8.71 | 6.72 | 7.84 | — |
| 2022 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 | 22-32 mpg combined |
| 2021 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 | 22-32 mpg combined |
| 2020 | 22 | 32 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.35 | 9.05 | — |
| 2019 | 22 | 32 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.35 | 9.05 | — |
| 2018 | 22 | 32 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.35 | 9.05 | 22-36 mpg combined |
| 2017 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 | — |
| 2016 | 22 | 32 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.35 | 9.05 | — |
| 2015 | 21 | 29 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.11 | 9.8 | — |
| 2014 | 21 | 29 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.11 | 9.8 | — |
| 2013 | 21 | 29 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.11 | 9.8 | — |
| 2012 | 17 | 25 | 20 | 13.84 | 9.41 | 11.76 | — |
| 2011 | 17 | 25 | 20 | 13.84 | 9.41 | 11.76 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | LFV | Manual/Standard | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 160-250 hp | 184-260 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2021 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | LFV | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 160-250 hp | 184-260 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2020 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | — | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | — | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | LFV | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 160-250 hp | 184-260 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2017 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | — | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | hatchback | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | hatchback | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | hatchback | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | hatchback | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Trim: Premier (2LT) | Premier (2LT) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Trim: LT (1LT) | LT (1LT) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $23,400, MSRP range: $23,400 - $33,500, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Excludes destination charge., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/9/2026 | Trim: LS (1FL) | LS (1FL) | USD | $23,400 | $23,400 - $33,500 | 0.9 | Excludes destination charge. | llm_estimate | 5/9/2026 | — |
| 2021 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $22,140, MSRP range: $22,140 - $34,495, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Starting MSRP for L trim to Premier trim., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/9/2026 | Trim: LT (1LT) | LT (1LT) | USD | $22,140 | $22,140 - $34,495 | 0.9 | Starting MSRP for L trim to Premier trim. | llm_estimate | 5/9/2026 | — |
| 2020 | — | Base price: $33,320, Trim: RS | RS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $33,320 |
| 2019 | — | Base price: $27,495, Trim: RS | RS | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $27,495 |
| 2018 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $21,680, MSRP range: $21,680 - $31,895, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for L trim to Premier trim., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/9/2026 | Base price: $27,920, Trim: L (1VL) | L (1VL) | USD | $21,680 | $21,680 - $31,895 | 0.9 | MSRP for L trim to Premier trim. | llm_estimate | 5/9/2026 | $27,920 |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $27,875, Trim: LT (2LT) | LT (2LT) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $27,875 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Keyless ignition | GVWR | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg) | Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | 445 | 15.7 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 444 | 15.7 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 111.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 111.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 445 | 15.7 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 111.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 447 | 15.8 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 111.4 | 18 | 18 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 111.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 328 | 11.6 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 5 | 4 | 374 | 13.2 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 5 | 4 | 428 | 15.1 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | adaptiveCruiseControl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2025 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | — | optional | standard | — | optional |
| 2022 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | optional | — | — | standard | standard | optional |
| 2021 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | optional | — | optional | standard | standard | optional |
| 2020 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | optional | — | optional | optional | standard | optional |
| 2019 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | — | — | optional | optional | standard | optional |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | — | — | optional | optional | standard | optional |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | — | — | — | optional | standard | — |
| 2016 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
| Year | infotainment | Apple CarPlay | Android Auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — |
| 2022 | Apple CarPlay: Standard, Android Auto: Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 2021 | Apple CarPlay: Standard, Android Auto: Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 2020 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | Apple CarPlay: Standard, Android Auto: Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 2017 | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2025
NewestThe 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers average reliability, but a critical powertrain concern regarding unintended vehicle rollaway while parked warrants close inspection.
2024
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu earns an 'Average' reliability verdict, with a notable concern regarding its **service brakes** and forward collision avoidance systems.
2023
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu presents a mixed reliability picture.
2022
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to a significant number of 'shift to park' malfunctions and electrical system concerns.
2021
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to a recurring 'Shift to Park' system fault that prevents the vehicle from shutting off and can lead to rolling.
2020
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is rated below average for reliability.
2019
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is rated below average for reliability, with significant owner complaints concentrated in the **electrical system**, **powertrain**, and **engine**.
2018
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant complaints regarding engine power loss and stalling.
2017
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to frequent reports of engine power loss and electrical system failures.
2016
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is rated below average for reliability, with a significant concern being sudden engine power reduction or loss of acceleration.
2015
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu presents a below-average reliability outlook for used car shoppers.
2014
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is rated below average for reliability, primarily due to significant concerns with its **braking system** and **engine**.
2013
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is rated below average for reliability, with significant concerns around its steering and electrical systems.
2012
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu earns a below-average reliability verdict, primarily due to significant concerns with its electrical system and steering.
2011
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to significant concerns with its **electrical system**, **steering**, and **Electronic Stability Control (ESC)**.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Chevrolet Malibu?
Carfocal currently has 15 published Malibu reports, covering 2011 through 2025. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers average reliability, but a critical powertrain concern regarding unintended vehicle rollaway while parked warrants close inspection.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Chevrolet Malibu. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2025 chevrolet malibu offers average reliability, but a critical powertrain concern regarding unintended vehicle rollaway while parked warrants close inspection. and the 2025 chevrolet malibu can represent decent value if purchased at a fair price, especially considering its fuel economy and safety ratings. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
15 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Chevrolet Malibu?
Across Carfocal's published Malibu guides, recurring problem areas include Electrical System, Engine, and Fuel Pump. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Electrical System, Engine, and Fuel Pump.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 15
- Years tracked
- 15
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints