Car Yearsto Avoid

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Problems

What owners have reported about the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.

192 complaints 1 recall, 1 injury risk 13th worst of 17 Malibu years

Top 2019 Chevrolet Malibu problems

1

Transmission problems

67 complaints (35%) name the transmission, most often the floor shift and gear position indication (PRNDL).

Complaints 67 · Usually at 24,000–77,000 miles

2

Engine problems

65 complaints (34%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor.

Complaints 65 · Usually at 17,000–65,000 miles

3

Electrical problems

62 complaints (32%) name the electrical system.

Complaints 62 · Usually at 22,000–51,000 miles

4

Brake problems

26 complaints (14%) name the brakes.

Complaints 26 · Usually at 62,000–87,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Transmission 35%
Engine 34%
Electrical 32%
Unknown or Other 19%
Brakes 14%
Fuel System 9%
Acceleration 6%
Airbags 3%
Lights 2%
Emergency Braking 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (58 of 192). The amber line is the middle value, about 42,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Rear seat belt retractors may be loose

Injury risk

The rear seat belt retractors may be held in place with loose or missing fasteners. In a crash, a retractor that is not secured properly may not work as it should, which raises the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the rear seat belt retractors and tighten them as needed, free of charge.

Recall 21V649000 · Aug 2021
Check your VIN for open recalls

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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.

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

Common questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system and brakes. 67 complaints (35%) name the transmission, most often the floor shift and gear position indication (PRNDL).

At what mileage do 2019 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 24,000–77,000 miles, with a middle value near 48,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have?

1. Rear seat belt retractors may be loose (21V649000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

Ask for service records covering the transmission, 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.