2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is unknown or other.

How the 2021 compares

Lowest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Lowest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years — 23rd most.

2recalls

90complaints

0crashes

1fires

1injuries

54,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Seats

May 19, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V359000 · 221 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Seat Belts

Aug 20, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 402 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Unknown or other31

Engine15

Back Over Prevention3

Suspension3

Service Brakes2

Steering2

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2021 vs. other Chevrolet Malibu years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2021. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, the latest from May 19, 2022 (seats). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention unknown or other (31), electrical system (30), power train (28). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.