2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 270 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, filed between 2014-11-13 and 2026-08-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (70, 26%), electrical system (68, 25%) and air bags (49, 18%). Owners reported 18 crashes, 9 fires, 13 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Chevrolet Malibu complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 70 | 26% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 68 | 25% | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 49 | 18% | 8 | 1 | 7 |
| Unknown or other | 35 | 13% | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 31 | 11% | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 28 | 10% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 16 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 6% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 13 | 5% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 10 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 3% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 3% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 70 complaints
- 70 complaints of 270 (26%) name the engine.
- 21 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Electrical system: 68 complaints
- 68 complaints of 270 (25%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 21 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu; the recall, campaign 16V502000, says: “Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may…”
Air bags: 49 complaints
- 49 complaints of 270 (18%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire, 7 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu; the recall, campaign 15V666000, says: “The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.”
Power train: 31 complaints
- 31 complaints of 270 (11%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 270 (10%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 18 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 270 (7%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 40 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 8 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MALIBU, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu's most common problem areas are the engine (70 of 270 complaints), electrical system (68 of 270 complaints) and air bags (49 of 270 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA has 270 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, including 18 reported crashes and 9 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.