2017 Chevrolet Malibu
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1359 |
| 2011 | 977 |
| 2012 | 905 |
| 2013 | 835 |
| 2014 | 350 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 835 |
| 2017 | 701 |
| 2018 | 694 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 195 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: engine — 253 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 15 MINUTES -HORN STARTED WENT OUT SAW SMOKE CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME BACK AT FRONT DOOR FLAMES FROM FRONT END. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE -CAR TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170728
Also filed under STRUCTURE and WHEELS
23% of complaints: electrical system — 161 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
When the vehicle is shifted into Park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20% of complaints: power train — 139 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing floor shift and gear position indication (prndl).
19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 135 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD SUDDENLY INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SURGE FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180320
Also filed under AIR BAGS
10% of complaints: service brakes — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, the brake vacuum pump failed due to the pumpâs mechanical drive/tang shearing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260815
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.
Campaign 16V870000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
Campaign 18V358000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
Campaign 18V400000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021.
Campaign 21V649000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (253 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (161 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (139 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V870000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V358000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V400000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V649000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.