Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Held up best: 1997, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2025too new to judge11 complaints · 1 recalls 2024too new to judge42 complaints · 2 recalls 2023solid year70 complaints · 2 recalls 2022solid year98 complaints · 1 recalls 2021solid year89 complaints · 2 recalls 2020solid year198 complaints · 1 recalls 2019solid year193 complaints · 1 recalls 2018709 complaints · 6 recalls 2017724 complaints · 4 recalls 2016861 complaints · 10 recalls 2015solid year270 complaints · 3 recalls 2014solid year351 complaints · 6 recalls 2013835 complaints · 10 recalls 2012907 complaints · 3 recalls 2011978 complaints · 4 recalls 20101,363 complaints · 4 recalls 20091,534 complaints · 6 recalls 2008994 complaints · 5 recalls 2007977 complaints · 6 recalls 20061,116 complaints · 9 recalls 2005975 complaints · 6 recalls 20041,147 complaints · 9 recalls 2003569 complaints · 3 recalls 2002567 complaints · 4 recalls 2001721 complaints · 4 recalls 2000922 complaints · 5 recalls 1999789 complaints · 3 recalls 1998976 complaints · 5 recalls 1997solid year443 complaints · 6 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.