The Lemon Index

All cars · Chevrolet Malibu · 2023

2023 Chevrolet Malibu. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index46100 = average car
Complaints71NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold130,342U.S. model year
Per 100K sold54complaints

Engines and drivetrains 1

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.5L 4-cyl turboAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD27 / 35 / 30Regular$2,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 41,900 and 70,900 miles. Median 66,000, from 21 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Backup camera66,10058,000–76,3009

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Backup camera23%
Engine18%
Electrical17%
Transmission & drivetrain11%
Airbags10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
7141406

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 26V212000 Apr 2026 Back Over Prevention / Sensing System / Camera

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 22V923000 Dec 2022 Structure / Frame And Members

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

Manufacturer communications 433

Chevy filed 433 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandard & OptionalStandard & Optional

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2016–2024 Chevy Malibu, 15.1M views.

TopicVideosViews
Infotainment, battery & electrical71.3M
Transmission & shifter3726K
Intake, EGR & engine sensors5686K
Gauges, lights & wiring5584K
Heat, A/C & blend door2240K
No-start: theft light, key & ignition3212K
Brakes & ABS2141K
Cooling system184K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20208181102,651Engine
2021623739,376Transmission & drivetrain
20224057115,467Electrical
20234671130,342Backup camera
20244143117,319Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data