The Lemon Index2023 Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 71 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about backup camera, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 30 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Malibu year is 2022.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2016–2024 Chevy Malibu, 15.1M views. The 2023 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.3M views
Chevrolet Malibu with "Start/Stop" (2016-2024) - New Battery InstallThe Battery Shop · 320K views · 7 videos - Transmission & shifter726K views
2016 + Chevy Malibu Shifter Error FAST FIX (Shift To Park Message) Traverse Volt Cadillac Buick gmNoNonsenseKnowHow · 470K views · 3 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors686K views
2014 (2013-2016) Chevrolet Malibu LS 2.5 Code P16D0 (P16D1) Intake Solenoid Valve ReplacementFixIT · 261K views · 5 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring584K views
👉 AT NIGHT 2016 Chevrolet Malibu - Interior and Exterior LightingMikesCarInfo · 175K views · 5 videos
Show 4 more
- Heat, A/C & blend door240K views
Chevy Malibu AC Recharge 2016- 2023Flashback502 · 127K views · 2 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition212K views
2018 CHEVY MALIBU NO CRANK/ NO START UP ISSUE...DIY DIAGNOSIS -FIXED...Peter L · 73K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS141K views
2022 HARD Brake Pedal On Chevy Malibu, Equinox FIXMenjicar · 74K views · 2 videos - Cooling system84K views
Chevy Malibu Thermostat Change! 2013-2016Flashback502 · 84K views
Before you buy, watch
Chevy Malibu 9th Gen 2016-2022 common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 172K views
2016-2022 Chevy Malibu 9 Problems and Issues Before You BuyFixIT · 79K views
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Premier - Exterior and Interior Walk AroundFrontSeatReviews · 1.1M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 71 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Malibu year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 41K to 70K miles on the car (21 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- back over prevention 2026
The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
- body structure 2022
The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 433 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
camera blurred when backing up been having a recall no remedy or paper sent out for it yet
2023 Chevrolet Malibu owner · NHTSA complaint 11759387
More owner reports
Unable to accelerate, dangerous when getting on highway or driving up hills
NHTSA complaint 11751339
Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.
NHTSA complaint 11685208
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.2× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 46; 100 is average). The best Chevrolet Malibu year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are backup camera (23%), engine (18%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu get?
30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 41,900 and 70,900 miles. The middle report was at 66,000 miles, from 21 complaints.
Does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1.5L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Malibu year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2014 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works