Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.1× usual Extended coverage
663 serious complaints of 922, the most about engine (226) and steering (197); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 11 recalls. NHTSA investigation RQ13003: generator control module fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the electrical system failed. As a result, the power steering seized. The failure recurred numerous times. In addition, the ignition switch failed to release the key and the check engine warning indicator illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Sep 2016
“The car infotainment screen and power steering suddenly and momentarily shut down.I bought the car 3 weeks a go. In the past three weeks the issue happened about a dozen times. When it happens the steering wheel becomes very hard to turn.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Dec 2018
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some vehicles (Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit) or P0013 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may set as a result of an internal broken wire in the intake or exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid.… (GCUS-9-2816, Aug 2016)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232 - special coverage. (G-205009, Nov 2014)
- Extended coverage Certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4l engine (laf, lea or luk) that have experienced high oil consumption may also experience a frozen and/or plugged pcv (positive crankcase ventilation) system during cold weather operation. 14882 - special coverage. (14882, Mar 2015)
- Extended coverage Some 2012-2014 model year (my) buick verano, 2011-2014 my chevrolet cruze and volt, 2010-2014 my chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain, and 2013-2014 my chevrolet malibu vehicles, equipped with electronic power steering (nj0/nj1), may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232a - special… (14232, Jun 2015)
- Extended coverage On some 2013 model year cadillac ats and chevrolet malibu vehicles, equipped with a 2.0l or 2.5l engine (rpos ltg, lcv), a p0010 (intake camshaft position actuator solenoid valve control circuit) or p0013 (exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valve control circuit) diagnostic trouble code… (15824, Jun 2016)
- Repair program 13125 - Customer Satisfaction Program - There may be an interference condition between the outside door handle and the door handle bracket assembly. Dealers will inspect and modify the front and rear outside door handles. (G-166827, May 2013)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
922 owner complaints · 11 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 24–29 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.4L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl · Drive: FWD
2013 Malibu trims
| 1LT | 1LT ECO | 2LT | 2LT ECO | LS | LTZ |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Chevrolet reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Chevrolet aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 31 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 11 | Back over prevention (5) | — |
| 2024 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 31 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 42 | Electrical system (18) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 70 | Back over prevention (16) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–32 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 98 | Electrical system (33) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–32 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 89 | Unknown or other (31) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–32 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 198 | Engine (59) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–46 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 193 | Power train (66) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–46 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 709 | Engine (283) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–46 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 724 | Engine (256) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 26–46 mpg | 5 of 5 | 9 | 861 | Engine (310) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 270 | Engine (70) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 363 | Engine (127) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 11 | 922 | Electrical system (424) | No |
| 2012 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | FWD | 20–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 907 | Electrical system (291) | No |
| 2011 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | FWD | 20–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 978 | Electrical system (235) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid 3.5L 6-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | FWD | 20–29 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 1363 | Steering (455) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Malibu 2016–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 1 | 11 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 42 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 70 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 98 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 198 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 191 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 698 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Malibu HEV 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 11 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 724 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Malibu Eco e-Assist 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 678 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | No | 10 | 861 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Malibu Eco e-Assist 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 10 | 803 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Malibu Limited 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 10 | 803 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 270 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 363 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Malibu Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 350 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's | 5 | Optional | Optional | 11 | 922 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 11 | 922 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Malibu Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's | 5 | No | No | 10 | 895 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Malibu Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 10 | 895 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 907 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 978 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 1363 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 31 |
| 2024 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 31 |
| 2023 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 30 |
| 2022 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2021 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2020 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2019 | Malibu | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2019 | Malibu Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 46 |
| 2018 | Malibu | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2018 | Malibu Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 46 |
| 2017 | Malibu | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2017 | Malibu Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 46 |
| 2016 | Malibu | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2016 | Malibu Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 46 |
| 2016 | Malibu Limited | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 27 |
| 2015 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–29 |
| 2014 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–29 |
| 2014 | Malibu eAssist | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 28 |
| 2013 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2013 | Malibu eAssist | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2012 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–26 |
| 2011 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–26 |
| 2010 | Malibu | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, FFV Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–26 |
| 2010 | Malibu Hybrid | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.