MYRModel Year Report

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

▲ Better than typical
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:25.242Z

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
89
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

34% 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 2021: 89 complaints 2021 89 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 2021: 89 complaints 2021 89 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 2019 2020: 198 complaints 2021: 89 complaints 2021 89 2022: 98 complaints 2023: 68 complaints 2023 2024: 43 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025

2021: 89 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.

Electrical system

34% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Blower motor area caught fire while sitting in the driveway. Car door was opened about 20 minutes prior to my security camera catching smoke billowing from the…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-18

This car has the same issues even after you get it replaced . this car is not a good car I have spent so much money replacing the oz sensor .the radio, and the turbo keeps going out .

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-12

Also filed under Engine

When I move my car to park and shut off the vehicle it shows a "shift to park" message. This keeps my car from shutting off on a regular basis.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-10

Power train

30% · 27 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Shift to park switch failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when shifting the gear selector into park (P), the "Shift To Park" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel, even though the vehicle was already parked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Engine

17% · 15 reports
Show complaint excerpts

A screen popped up saying “reduced engine power” I was already Omw to the shop to get one thing fixed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 8 reports

Air bags

7% · 6 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · 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. R
    2022-06-23Seats22V359000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V649000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 22V359000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

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