2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems and Years to Avoid

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2016 through 2025 — the 9th generation (E2XX), mid-size sedan (production ended november 2024; 2025 is the final model year). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu

• 2016Generation launch, nearly 300 lbs lighter, stop-start standard on 1.5T. Note: a 2016 'Malibu Limited' is the previous-generation car sold to fleets, use 2013–2015 data for those.
• 20172.0T Ecotec's transmission upgrades from an 8-speed to a 9-speed automatic, and the 2.0T becomes Premier-exclusive (dropped from LT)
• 2018Final carryover year before the 2019 mid-cycle refresh; LS/LT/Premier lineup and 1.5T 6-speed / 2.0T 9-speed powertrains unchanged from 2017
• 2019Facelift: new fascias, RS trim added, 1.5T switched from 6-speed to CVT, 2.0T to 9-speed, fuel tank grew to 15.8 gal, low-beam bulb changed to H11. Final year of the Hybrid.
• 2020Base L trim gains standard 16-in aluminum wheels (from LS); all trims standardize on the 8-in Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, replacing the previous 7-in unit
• 2020–2022L dropped (2020 was its last year); lineup LS/RS/LT/Premier. 2022 was the final year for the Premier trim and 2.0T engine.
• 2021Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added
• 2022Mechanical parking brake replaced by an electronic parking brake across all trims
• 2023Premier trim replaced by 2LT; LT no longer comes standard with leather seats
• 2023–20251.5T only (LS/RS/1LT/2LT). Production ended at Fairfax Assembly in November 2024; 2025 is the final model year.
• 2024Final full model year of Malibu production; Chevrolet ended assembly at the Fairfax plant (Kansas City) in November 2024 with no direct successor

What are the most common problems with the 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The recurring ones are: 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults; 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load; stop-start transmission accumulator failure (6-speed cars); cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+); high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults (2016–2022 (1.5T), highest complaint volume 2016–2018) and 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load (2016–2019 (1.5T)) and cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+) (2019–2022 (highest complaint years); CVT used through 2025) and high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall) (2016–2018). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Multiple GM TSBs; no recall (cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+)), NHTSA 18V-358 (GM 18188/18268) (high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall)), NHTSA 26V-212 (GM N262551720) (rearview camera image distorted or blank (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults, $80–$250 (wastegate solenoid) / $1,200–$2,500 (turbo replacement); 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load, $2,500–$4,500 out of warranty; stop-start transmission accumulator failure (6-speed cars), $350–$900; cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+), $400 (fluid/TSB service) to $3,500–$5,000 (replacement unit).