VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu sits mid-pack among Malibu years: 114 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 475, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (24), transmission (24), and other (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

114

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2421%
Transmission2421%
Other2320%
Engine1211%
Fuel System98%
Airbags54%
Driver Assistance44%
Suspension33%
Brakes22%
Steering22%
Body & Structure22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

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

22V359000SeatsMay 19, 2022 · 221 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

Consequence

An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Blower motor area caught fire while sitting in the driveway. Car door was opened about 20 minutes prior to my security camera catching smoke billowing from the vehicle”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2026 · fire

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and pressing the START/STOP button, the vehicle did not immediately turn off with the message "Shift to Park" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2024

“When I parked my car and tried to turn off the ignition, a warning buzzer kept beeping and a warning on the dash was telling me to “shift to park”. I moved the shifter numerous times to make sure it was in park, but the warning continued. This happened several times now. A few times the warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 13, 2023

“The engine light was on and had my vehicle was stalling while driving in traffic. The service code P1101 was on and had my vehicle fixed. The light stayed off for few months then same service code is back on. I've read that there was a recall for 2019 models with same issue. My vehicle is a 2021…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 31, 1969

“Took my car for an oil change 4/17/2026 dealership stated I had a recall on the 21 chevy malibu for Fuel injection module, They could not do the recall repair because they did not have the part. So the lady called me. 4/21/2026 to make appointment for recall for 4/23/2026. But later that day on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 21, 2026

2021 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 114 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Malibu year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (24 complaints), transmission (24 complaints), other (23 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu earned an overall rating of 4 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.