2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sits mid-pack among Malibu Hybrid years: 31 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 22, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (39% of the total).
31
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2017 compare to other Malibu Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 12 | 39% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“Get "SHIFT TO PARK" after putting car in park to shut it off. I am unable to turn the car off - so do I leave it running in my garage? This is a known error that they charge to fix. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10186071-9999.pdf Attached is my bill to have this known error fixed. ”
“In order to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle must be in park. I have experienced several incidences where, despite being in park (shifter is moved all the way forward and the âPâ is red on the dash display), the vehicle will not turn off and states to shift to park to turn off. Sometimes I can…”
“Car accelerates on its own while Iâm driving. In addition , without warning the car engines suddenly reduced speed. This has accrued while Iâm on the freeway without any warnings. ”
“SOMETIMES WHEN I PARK, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE IS CLEARLY IN PARK, I RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT I NEED TO "SHIFT TO PARK". THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MANY GM VEHICLES AND IF YOU LEAVE THE CAR LIKE THIS, IT WILL DRAIN YOUR BATTERY. I HAVE TO REPEATEDLY SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND BACK IN TO GET THE…”
“THE CAR SOMETIMES HAS A HUGE DELAY AFTER YOU PUSH THE START BUTTON ON DASH TO ACTUALLY START, AND BEING A HYBRID THE CAR SHAKES BAD WHEN ENGINE STARTS, IT'S SOUNDA LIKE CRAP TO BE HONEST. I'VE GOT 12K MILES ON IT AND IT'S BEEN SERVICED AT CHEVY ONLY, AND THE [XXX] THING HAS A RATTLE IN THE DASH…”
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?
It is close to typical for the Malibu Hybrid: 31 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2017 Malibu Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), engine (3 complaints).
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.