VehicleVerdict

2022 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu sits mid-pack among Malibu years: 138 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 476, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (31), electrical system (29), and other (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

138

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 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, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3122%
Electrical System2921%
Other2619%
Transmission2317%
Fuel System75%
Brakes43%
Airbags43%
Speed Control32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Steering21%
Lighting21%
Seat Belts21%
Driver Assistance11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V923000Body & StructureDecember 14, 2022 · 2,108 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

Consequence

An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I have a problem with parking, the warning comes on,”Shift Into Park” knowing that I’m in park, so it’s not registering. Have to move the shifter a couple of times before it comes off. My check engine light stays on and then comes off a week or two later and then comes back on and no code…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 2, 2026

“Hit an animal on the roadway and the airbag didn’t deploy and my car is destroyed engine light is on I could have been hurt ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 19, 2024 · crash

“While the vehicle was in motion, it unexpectedly shut down, resulting in a sudden loss of power. No warning lights, alerts, or malfunction indicators were displayed prior to or during the shutdown. Additionally, no crash detection or safety alert was activated. This sudden failure caused the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 3, 2025 · crash

“While my daughter was attempting to exit a parking lot, she put the car in drive pressed accelerator pedal and there was no response from car. Pressed accelerator again and car took off and hit a 13 inch curb causing major front end damage to vehicle. An initial diagnostic scan revealed a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 25, 2023 · crash

“Engine reduce power power keeps coming on been to 5 dealers they say 200 hundred and 1 to 2 days on it but can't pay that to them on fixed income. Had two strokes been to dealer to gets parts .and also parts stores still the same part from different places still engine reduce power keeps coming on.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 20, 2024

2022 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 138 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Malibu year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2022 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), other (26 complaints).

Does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 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 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 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.