2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, filed between 2021-04-15 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (29, 33%), power train (28, 31%) and engine (14, 16%). Owners reported 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 31 | 35% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 33% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 28 | 31% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 14 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 1% | 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.
Electrical system: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 89 (33%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Power train: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 89 (31%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Engine: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 89 (16%) name the engine.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 89 (9%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Air bags: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 89 (7%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Back over prevention: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 89 (3%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 3 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 29 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MALIBU, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's most common problem areas are the electrical system (29 of 89 complaints), power train (28 of 89 complaints) and engine (14 of 89 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, including 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu; 0 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.