2023 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 71 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Malibu years
Far fewer complaints than other years 27th of 29 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. That ranks 27th out of 29 Malibu model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is back over prevention (16 complaints, 23%), typically at around 66,111 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu (E2XX). Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Back Over Prevention16 · ~66,111 mi
Unknown or Other14
Engine13 · ~63,810 mi
Electrical System12 · ~31,000 mi
Power Train8 · ~30,310 mi
Air Bags7 · ~29,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System6
Steering5 · ~54,000 mi
Visibility/wiper5
Engine and Engine Cooling4 · ~85,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Back Over Prevention1623%66,111——
Unknown or Other1420%———
Engine1318%63,810——
Electrical System1217%31,000——
Power Train811%30,310——
Air Bags710%29,000——
Fuel/propulsion System68%———
Steering57%54,000——
Visibility/wiper57%———
Engine and Engine Cooling46%85,000——
Lane Departure46%———
Forward Collision Avoidance34%———
Service Brakes34%———
Fuel System, Gasoline23%50,000——
Structure23%———
Tires23%11,000——
Vehicle Speed Control23%38,706——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%50,000——
Exterior Lighting11%———
Suspension11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 50 complaints
2023: 8202382024: 4202442025: 9202592026: 50202650

n = 71 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2023 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraApr 2, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V212000 · 276,879 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.

Structure:frame and membersDec 14, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V923000 · 2,108 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace…

Engine · received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770998

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with an open safety recall. General Motors/dealership has refused to repair the recall. The vehicle has also had multiple safety-related problems, including Service ESC warnings, jerking/poor acceleration, Service Safety Restraint System and airbag warnings, and a…

Air Bags · received Sep 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767019

I was inquiring about the front suspension and frame work is there a recall. My car is unstable in the front like frame is unbalanced

Suspension · received Sep 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764737

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the hard skin material on the steering wheel was crumbling. The contact stated that the right and left hands were severely peeled. The contact inspected the steering wheel and…

Steering · received Aug 31, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11760932

My back up camera just showing blank screen. It's a recall on my model. I was backing up it went blank. Causing me to hit a pole. I took it to Jerry's Chevrolet they said can fix it but out of pocket and reimbursed later. I can't afford that. So, I can't even park between cars . This have become…

Unknown or Other · received Aug 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11760696

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

← 2022 Malibu · 2024 Malibu →

See all Chevrolet Malibu problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners most often report back over prevention, unknown or other, engine problems. The top one, back over prevention, accounts for 16 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Malibu model years, the 2023 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.