VehicleVerdict

2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu sits mid-pack among Malibu years: 80 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 471, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (13), electrical system (12), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

80

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1316%
Electrical System1215%
Engine1215%
Other810%
Fuel System79%
Airbags68%
Transmission68%
Steering34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Body & Structure23%
Speed Control23%
Brakes23%
Lighting11%

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

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

26V212000Driver AssistanceApril 2, 2026 · 276,879 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.

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.

“When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 9, 2023

“This vehicle has been taken to Days Chevrolet on two different occasions no check engine lights will come on but as you drive it surges and almost cuts off at times I have taken it in for this problem may 1 2023 and June 19 2023 every time they tell me the car is running as it should it also has a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 19, 2023

“Since purchase been having issues with the vehicle. From shutting off while driving, all dash shutting off while subbing but car still running, car says key fob not in vehicle out key fob on vehicle when trying to lock, radio go crazy. Has been looked at numerous times with different…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2023 · fire

“Back up camera is under recall with no fix and not working period. Goes to black screen with a message “ Service Vision System” Dealership - Dan Cummins- refuses to repair due to no fix available. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2026

“This vehicle has been taken to Days Chevrolet on two different occasions no check engine lights will come on but as you drive it surges and almost cuts off at times I have taken it in for this problem may 1 2023 and June 19 2023 every time they tell me the car is running as it should it also has a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 19, 2023

2023 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 80 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Malibu year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (13 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), engine (12 complaints).

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.