2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and airbags.
270 complaints 3 recalls, 1 injury risk 11th worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine problems
71 complaints (26%) name the engine, most often the pump.
Electrical problems
68 complaints (25%) name the electrical system, most often the control module and key / sender.
Airbag problems
49 complaints (18%) name the airbags, most often the air bag / restraint control module and SRS malfunction warning lamp / light.
Transmission problems
31 complaints (12%) name the transmission, most often the control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) and automatic transmission.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (156 of 270). The amber line is the middle value, about 53,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition
Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Recall 16V502000 · Jul 2016Side / window
The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge.
Recall 15V666000 · Oct 2015Sunroof can close unexpectedly, pinching occupants
Injury riskThe roof panel switch can be bumped and pressed by accident, causing the panel to close on its own. This creates a risk of pinch injuries to people in the opening.
Fix: The dealer will update the vehicle's Body Control Module software to remove the auto-close feature for certain switch positions, at no charge to you.
Recall 15V164000 · Mar 2015Get an email when your 2015 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
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Malibu years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and airbags.
What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, airbags and transmission. 71 complaints (26%) name the engine, most often the pump.
At what mileage do 2015 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 42,000–90,000 miles, with a middle value near 71,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
3. Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition (16V502000); Side / window (15V666000); Sunroof can close unexpectedly, pinching occupants (15V164000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2021 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.