2020 Chevrolet Malibu
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 566 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1357 |
| 2011 | 976 |
| 2012 | 904 |
| 2013 | 834 |
| 2014 | 349 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 834 |
| 2017 | 696 |
| 2018 | 687 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 190 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: engine — 59 distinct reports on file.
28% of complaints: electrical system — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH27% of complaints: power train — 52 distinct reports on file.
21% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I am writing to formally report a critical safety issue with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, which resulted in a severe accident and posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of The issue involves the brake vacuum pump, which failed while I...
NHTSA ODI report, 20241202
This vehicle was purchased on February 10, 2023 under false pretenses, deceit, and fraudulent activities by Frank Leta Honda of Missouri.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230425
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V649000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.