MYRModel Year Report

2020 Chevrolet Malibu

▲ Better than typical
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:33.683Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
198
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2020

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1986: 1 complaint 1989: 3 complaints 1989 1997: 443 complaints 1998: 976 complaints 1999: 789 complaints 2000: 922 complaints 2001: 721 complaints 2001 2002: 567 complaints 2003: 569 complaints 2004: 1,148 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2006: 1,118 complaints 2006 2007: 977 complaints 2008: 988 complaints 2009: 1,510 complaints 2010: 1,362 complaints 2011: 978 complaints 2011 2012: 907 complaints 2013: 837 complaints 2014: 351 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2016: 839 complaints 2016 2017: 705 complaints 2018: 698 complaints 2019: 191 complaints 2020: 198 complaints 2020 198 2021: 89 complaints 2022: 98 complaints 2023: 68 complaints 2024: 43 complaints 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1986: 1 complaint 1989: 3 complaints 1997: 443 complaints 1997 1998: 976 complaints 1999: 789 complaints 2000: 922 complaints 2000 2001: 721 complaints 2002: 567 complaints 2003: 569 complaints 2003 2004: 1,148 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2006: 1,118 complaints 2006 2007: 977 complaints 2008: 988 complaints 2009: 1,510 complaints 2009 2010: 1,362 complaints 2011: 978 complaints 2012: 907 complaints 2012 2013: 837 complaints 2014: 351 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2015 2016: 839 complaints 2017: 705 complaints 2018: 698 complaints 2018 2019: 191 complaints 2020: 198 complaints 2020 198 2021: 89 complaints 2022: 98 complaints 2023: 68 complaints 2024: 43 complaints 2024 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1986: 1 complaint 1986 1989: 3 complaints 1997: 443 complaints 1997 1998: 976 complaints 1999: 789 complaints 1999 2000: 922 complaints 2001: 721 complaints 2001 2002: 567 complaints 2003: 569 complaints 2003 2004: 1,148 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2005 2006: 1,118 complaints 2007: 977 complaints 2007 2008: 988 complaints 2009: 1,510 complaints 2009 2010: 1,362 complaints 2011: 978 complaints 2011 2012: 907 complaints 2013: 837 complaints 2013 2014: 351 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2015 2016: 839 complaints 2017: 705 complaints 2017 2018: 698 complaints 2019: 191 complaints 2020: 198 complaints 2020 198 2021: 89 complaints 2022: 98 complaints 2023: 68 complaints 2023 2024: 43 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025

2020: 198 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19805
19813
19822
19831
19861
19893
1997443
1998976
1999789
2000922
2001721
2002567
2003569
20041,148
2005975
20061,118
2007977
2008988
20091,510
20101,362
2011978
2012907
2013837
2014351
2015270
2016839
2017705
2018698
2019191
2020198
202189
202298
202368
202443
202511

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

30% · 60 reports
Show complaint excerpts

I got the engine light ON on dashboard! I need someone to check out for me, please. Thank you

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-29

Also filed under Power train

Power train

30% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-08

Also filed under Electrical system

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle into park, the transmission failed to shift into park after several attempts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24

While attempting to enter a high-speed expressway, the transmission malfunctioned, preventing normal acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Electrical system

29% · 57 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31

Also filed under Steering

Service brakes

25% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2024-12-02

This vehicle was purchased on February 10, 2023 under false pretenses, deceit, and fraudulent activities by Frank Leta Honda of Missouri.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-25

Also filed under Structure

Vehicle speed control

9% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing throttle.

CRASH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2021-09-17Seat belts21V649000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2025-10-21Engineering analysisOpen DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 60 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 59 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 57 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V649000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.