VehicleVerdict

2017 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,165 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Malibu year — the 2017 model ranks #16 of 42 Malibu years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (256), electrical system (213), and other (145), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,165

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted2,356 complaints1964: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1975: 2 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 4 complaints1980: 6 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 3 complaints1983: 1 complaints1986: 1 complaints1989: 3 complaints1997: 693 complaints1998: 1,480 complaints1999: 1,227 complaints2000: 1,379 complaints2001: 1,005 complaints2002: 754 complaints2003: 773 complaints2004: 1,639 complaints2005: 1,386 complaints2006: 1,475 complaints2007: 1,253 complaints2008: 1,489 complaints2009: 2,356 complaints2010: 2,200 complaints2011: 1,526 complaints2012: 1,471 complaints2013: 1,382 complaints2014: 561 complaints2015: 395 complaints2016: 1,439 complaints2017: 1,165 complaints2018: 1,199 complaints2019: 306 complaints2020: 320 complaints2021: 114 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 80 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 7 complaints
Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine25622%
Electrical System21318%
Other14512%
Transmission13812%
Speed Control13512%
Brakes696%
Fuel System595%
Steering464%
Lighting212%
Body & Structure192%
Airbags141%
Driver Assistance131%
Suspension101%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Seat Belts71%
Tires & Wheels71%
Seats50%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

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

21V649000Seat BeltsAugust 20, 2021 · 402 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

18V400000AirbagsJune 14, 2018 · 66 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

16V870000AirbagsDecember 2, 2016 · 113 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.

Consequence

Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 15 MINUTES -HORN STARTED WENT OUT SAW SMOKE CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME BACK AT FRONT DOOR FLAMES FROM FRONT END. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE -CAR TOTALED. WORRIED ABOUT SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ESPECIALLY IF CAR PARKED IN GARAGE OR CLOSER TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 8, 2017 · fire

“MY 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR HOURS ON THE STREET. IT STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND MELTED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL DEFECT FROM THE ENGINE OF THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 31, 2017 · fire

“GEAR SHIFT NOT STAYING IN PLACE. MONITOR COMES ON DASHBOARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND SAYS 'SHIFT TO PARK'. CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK, BUT STILL ROLLED DOWN THE HILL OF A DRIVEWAY, AND GOT DAMAGED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 10, 2019 · crash

“Engine power abruptly stopped while driving causing drivers behind me to almost rear end me. Dashboard displays ‘Engine Power is Reduced.’ It has happened since I purchased the vehicle in 2017 but had not done this in a few years. I’m on top of maintenance and did mention this issue to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 10, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD SUDDENLY INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM SURGING FORWARD. ON FEBRUARY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 17, 2018 · crash

2017 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,165 complaints put the 2017 model at #16 of 42 Malibu years. It is one of the Malibu years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (256 complaints), electrical system (213 complaints), other (145 complaints).

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.