repaired · 2024 Q1
Seats
Risk. An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
2021 Chevrolet MalibuProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 90 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-649 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 12, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has problems
90 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
28Power train
15Engine
8Fuel/propulsion system
6Air bags
3Back over prevention
3Suspension
2Steering
2Fuel system, gasoline
108 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 30 | 1 |
| Power train | 28 | 0 |
| Engine | 15 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 10 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 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.
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.
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
2021 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
2021 Chevrolet Malibu safety ratings
2021 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
In owners' words
What Malibu owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
This car has the same issues even after you get it replaced. this car is not a good car I have spent so much money replacing the oz sensor.the radio, and the turbo keeps going out. this car has a lot of recall that should be handle to make sure that this car is running good. they should replace…
The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal…
I was driving my car my electrical system is throwing all kinds of code.my sftey restrain is coming on to check my seat belt.the car goes blank.it stop in the middle of the road.this car has a lot of issues.can some one help me with this I work at the cardiologist office.
Own a 2021 Malibu?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.