Chevrolet Malibu — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Chevrolet Malibu specifications on file for 16 model years, 2010–2025, covering saloon/sedan trims. Across those years EPA data lists 7 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 24 to 38 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 9 of the 15 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20251.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline371765★111
20241.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline371755★242
20231.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline361815★270
20221.5L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–381714★198
20211.5L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–381704★289
20201.5L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–381854★1198
20191.5L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–551754★1193
20181.5L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–551815★6710
20171.5L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline31–551825★4724
20161.5L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline31–551825★9861
20152L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–351915★3270
20142L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–351935★6363
20132L 4-cyl turbo / 2.4L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–352125★10923
20122.4L 4-cyl / 3.6L 6-cylRegular Gasoline24–312124★3907
20112.4L 4-cyl / 3.6L 6-cylRegular Gasoline24–312124★4978
20102.4L 4-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.6L 6-cylRegular Gasoline24–35212—41363

Best and Worst Chevrolet Malibu Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Chevrolet Malibu model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 710 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2021 — 89 complaints, 2 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2022 — 98 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2019 — 193 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 4★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2010 — 1,363 complaints, 4 recall campaigns
  • 2011 — 978 complaints, 4 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2013 — 923 complaints, 10 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Chevrolet Malibu covered on this site?

We have data for 16 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu, from 2010 to 2025.

What engines does the Chevrolet Malibu come with?

EPA data lists: 2.4L 4-cyl (2010–2014); 3.5L 6-cyl (2010); 3.6L 6-cyl (2010–2012); 2L 4-cyl turbo (2013–2022); 2.5L 4-cyl (2013–2016); 1.5L 4-cyl turbo (2016–2025).

Which Chevrolet Malibu year has the best fuel economy?

The 2022 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 38 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Chevrolet Malibu have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2024, 2025 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2013 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (10), and the 2010 has the most owner complaints (1,363). Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Chevrolet Malibu?

The Chevrolet Malibu is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.

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