Car Yearsto Avoid

Chevrolet Malibu Years to Avoid

Every Malibu model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.

Updated Oct 16, 2026.

Which Malibu years should you avoid?

The 2009, 2010 and 2008 Malibu have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2021, 2023 and 2022 models have the fewest problems.

Complaints by model year

Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.

2009 Malibu 1,509
2010 Malibu 1,363
2008 Malibu 989
2011 Malibu 978
2012 Malibu 907
2016 Malibu 839
2013 Malibu 836
2017 Malibu 703
2018 Malibu 700
2014 Malibu 351
2015 Malibu 270
2020 Malibu 198
2019 Malibu 192
2022 Malibu 98
2021 Malibu 90
2023 Malibu 71
2024 Malibu 43

Every year at a glance

YearComplaintsPer yearRecallsTop problem
2024 43 14 2 Electrical
2023 71 18 2 Engine
2022 98 20 1 Engine
2021 90 15 2 Electrical
2020 198 28 1 Engine
2019 192 24 1 Transmission
2018 700 78 6 Engine
2017 703 70 4 Engine
2016 839 76 9 Engine
2015 270 23 3 Engine
2014 351 27 6 Engine
2013 836 60 10 Electrical
2012 907 60 3 Electrical
2011 978 61 4 Electrical
2010 1,363 80 4 Steering
2009 1,509 84 6 Steering
2008 989 52 5 Steering

"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.

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Common questions

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2009 Malibu, with 1,509 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the steering.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu?

Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2021 Malibu has the fewest complaints per year on the road.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should I avoid?

Be most careful with the 2009, 2010 and 2008 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.