Chevrolet Malibu: The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan with efficient turbo engines, a roomy interior and a comfortable highway ride. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.
Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.
Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.
| Make | Chevrolet |
|---|---|
| Model | Malibu |
| Body Style | Midsize Sedan |
| Production Years | 1964–present |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder |
Official EPA fuel-economy estimates via FuelEconomy.gov.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA) · Fuel: Regular · CO₂ emissions: 275.0 g/mile.
Official NHTSA crash-test star ratings (5 = best).
Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.
| First gen | 1964–1972 |
|---|---|
| Second gen | 1973–1977 |
| Third gen | 1978–1983 |
| Fourth gen | 1997–2003 |
| Fifth gen | 2004–2008 |
| Sixth gen | 2008–2012 |
| Seventh gen | 2012–2015 |
| Eighth gen | 2016–2020 |
| Ninth gen | 2021–2026 |
Known issues reported for the Chevrolet Malibu. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.
Reliability: Average reliability; check transmission history by model year.
Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.
A sample of NHTSA recalls for a recent model year. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. See all recalls →
Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu gets an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Chevrolet Malibu, plus any open recalls, free.
Average reliability; check transmission history by model year.
Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.
Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.