Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 29, 2025 · 93 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 93 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, across 7 model years (2008–2019). The 2009 model year has the most complaints (25). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.

Peak: 2009, with 25 complaints
2008: 7200872009: 252009252010: 2201022016: 242016242017: 222017222018: 112018112019: 220192

n = 93 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Malibu Hybrid year: 2009, 2016, 2017. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2009 Malibu Hybrid: 25 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2016 Malibu Hybrid: 24 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2017 Malibu Hybrid: 22 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2010 Malibu Hybrid: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2019 Malibu Hybrid: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2008 Malibu Hybrid: 7 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Electrical System3460
Power Train2351
Engine1750
Vehicle Speed Control1041
Steering930
Electronic Stability Control (esc)830
Fuel/propulsion System741
Air Bags652
Service Brakes421
Structure430
Exterior Lighting330
Service Brakes, Hydraulic320
Equipment110
Fuel System, Gasoline110
Hybrid Propulsion System110
Latches/locks/linkages110
Seat Belts110
Traction Control System110
Visibility110
Visibility/wiper110

All Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2019 Malibu Hybrid204★Electrical System
2018 Malibu Hybrid110—Electrical SystemFewer complaints than other years
2017 Malibu Hybrid220—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2016 Malibu Hybrid241—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2010 Malibu Hybrid20—Air Bags
2009 Malibu Hybrid250—Electronic Stability Control (esc)Far more complaints than other years
2008 Malibu Hybrid70—Electrical System

More from Chevrolet: all Chevrolet models · Chevrolet VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2009 (25), 2016 (24), 2017 (22) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Malibu Hybrid year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

Electrical System, with 34 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have?

1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.