Model year
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 90 complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29), POWER TRAIN (28). NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 26–32 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,100–$2,600, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 922 complaints
- 2001 721 complaints
- 2002 567 complaints
- 2003 569 complaints
- 2004 1,147 complaints
- 2005 975 complaints
- 2006 1,117 complaints
- 2007 977 complaints
- 2008 989 complaints
- 2009 1,509 complaints
- 2010 1,363 complaints
- 2011 978 complaints
- 2012 907 complaints
- 2013 837 complaints
- 2014 351 complaints
- 2015 270 complaints
- 2016 841 complaints
- 2017 703 complaints
- 2018 700 complaints
- 2019 193 complaints
- 2020 199 complaints
- 2021 90 complaints
- 2022 99 complaints
- 2023 72 complaints
- 2024 43 complaints
- 2025 11 complaints
Recalls
22V359000 · May 19, 2022
SEATS
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.
21V649000 · Aug 20, 2021
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR; SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Complaints
90 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 1, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.103 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · 1.5L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 36 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| Malibu · 2L · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 33 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Chevrolet Malibu at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.