repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk. An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2020 Chevrolet MalibuProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 203 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-649 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has problems
203 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
61Engine
60Power train
58Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
43Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
18Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
17Steering
14Fuel/propulsion system
7Service brakes, hydraulic
4Air bags
189 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 61 | 0 |
| Power train | 60 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 58 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 43 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 1 |
| Steering | 17 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 1 |
| Air bags | 4 | 4 |
| 9 other systems | 18 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Malibu year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Malibu median. How we score
0120245321134439767899227215675691,1489751,1199779891,5111,36397890783735127084170570119320390100734612
'73'74'75'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'86'89'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Chevrolet Malibu safety ratings
2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, and the recalls they led to.
- DTN Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Malibu owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
i am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 chevrolet malibu. my vehicle recently displayed a “service ESC” warning along with a flashing check engine light. these warnings appeared unexpectedly and have raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of my vehicle. the…
While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the…
I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue that occurred with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT on April 27th 2026. While driving on the interstate after work, my vehicle suddenly experienced a failure that made it extremely unsafe to operate. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and…
Own a 2020 Malibu?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.