VehicleVerdict

2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu sits mid-pack among Malibu years: 395 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 476, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (83), engine (70), and airbags (48), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

395

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

18

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Malibu years?

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8321%
Engine7018%
Airbags4812%
Other349%
Transmission318%
Speed Control287%
Fuel System185%
Brakes154%
Visibility & Wipers144%
Body & Structure133%
Seats103%
Steering92%
Seat Belts82%
Tires & Wheels51%
Lighting41%
Suspension31%
Driver Assistance10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. 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 have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

15V666000AirbagsOctober 16, 2015 · 395 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

15V164000Visibility & WipersMarch 23, 2015 · 87,063 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Consequence

The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 14, 2019 · fire

CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 2019 · fire

2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG. DURING AN AUTO ACCIDENT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *LD *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE AIRBAGS OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT SHARE THE AIRBAGS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 14, 2017 · crash

CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS MADE TO THE CAR AT ALL. STANDARD MAINTENANCE ONLY HAS BEEN DONE INCLUDING NEW TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE IS NO REASON A PARKED COOL CAR SHOULD CATCH ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 14, 2019 · fire

THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INJURING OPERATOR AFTER IT WAS PLACED IN PARK. OPERATOR MOVED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER FROM DRIVE INTO PARK. THE DOORS UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY. KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION. VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. OPERATOR EXITED THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 17, 2016 · crash

2015 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

It is close to typical for the Malibu: 395 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (83 complaints), engine (70 complaints), airbags (48 complaints).

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2004, 2011, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2005, 2013, 2000, 2007, 1999, 2018, 2017, 2001, 2003, 2002, 2020. The cleanest record among Malibu years belongs to 1977.

How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.