2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Malibu Hybrid year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 7 Malibu Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (33% of the total).
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Malibu Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 12 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 8% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 2 | 6% | new |
| Other | 2 | 6% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THERE IS A RECALL OF MY VEHICLES BATTERY HYBRID PACK. I BROUGHT IN THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO B/C THE ENGINE CEASES AND RESTARTS BY ITSELF AND JERKS FORWARD AT EVERY STOP SIGN AND RED LIGHT. THE DEALER SAID TODAY THAT THE PARTS WONT BE IN FOR ANOTHER 2 WEEKS. THE CAR IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AND THEY WONT…”
“MY ELECTRONIC OR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOES OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR A 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 3 YEAR OLD SON NOT SAFE AT ALL. VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE I ALREADY HAVE TO OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR BUT I NOTICED OTHER EXACT SAME MODEL OF CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND…”
“2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES. THE DASHBOARD WARNED TO SERVICE THE TRACTION CONTROL AND HYBRID. *JS”
“MY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT ME HITTING THE PEDAL AND STAY ON UNTIL I TAP THE BRAKE TO MAKE THEM GO OUT. I NOTICED THAT I COULDN'T USE MY CRUISE CONTROL.I NOTICED I WOULD SET MY CRUISE CONTROL BUT WHEN THE TAILLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON IT KICKED ME OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL.”
“ON MAY 18, 2018 ALL DOORS ON MY CHEVY MALIBU WERE WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN MY FIANCE LEFT TO LEAVE FOR WORK ON MAY 19, 2018 THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE; IT WASN'T UNTIL MAY 21, 2018 WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE DOOR TO OPEN AND FOUND THAT THE…”
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 7 Malibu Hybrid years. It is one of the Malibu Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Malibu Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), steering (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.
Which Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu Hybrid years to avoid are 2016, 2009. The cleanest record among Malibu Hybrid years belongs to 2010.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.