2020 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
198 complaints 1 recall 12th worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2020 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine problems
61 complaints (31%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor and turbo / supercharger.
Transmission problems
58 complaints (29%) name the transmission, most often the floor shift and automatic transmission.
Electrical problems
57 complaints (29%) name the electrical system.
Brake problems
49 complaints (25%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
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 (45 of 198). The amber line is the middle value, about 68,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Critical fasteners, Retractor
The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners. An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 21V649000 · Aug 2021Get an email when your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
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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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and brakes. 61 complaints (31%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor and turbo / supercharger.
At what mileage do 2020 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 41,000–85,000 miles, with a middle value near 70,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1. Critical fasteners, Retractor (21V649000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2020 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.