--- title: "Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. 6 documented problems with the Chevrolet Malibu, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2016-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/common-problems) | 6 | 4 | 3 | | [2013-2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/common-problems) | 5 | 2 | 2 | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems) | 4 | 1 | 0 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Chevrolet Malibu is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/common-problems) - [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/common-problems) - [2012 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems) ## Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the 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 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 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 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). ## Sources - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.5L LFV / 2.0L LTG / 1.8L LKN capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2016/chevrolet/malibu/) - [ChevyMalibuForum, 2016-2017 5W-30 to 2018+ 0W-20 oil spec change](https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/threads/2016-2017-oil-spec-change.126013/) - [parts.chevrolet.com, GM 23430313 engine air filter fitment](https://parts.chevrolet.com/product/acdelco-gm-original-equipment-air-filter-23430313) - [PartsGeek, ACDelco PF2257G oil filter, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.8L Hybrid](https://www.partsgeek.com/22s3tpg-chevrolet-malibu-oil-filter-set.html) - [AutoZone, Malibu battery guide (Group 48/H6, 2016-2024)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/malibu) - [TireSize.com, Malibu OE tire sizes by year and trim](https://tiresize.com/tires/Chevrolet/Malibu/) - [NHTSA, recall report 18V-358 (high-pressure fuel pump)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCLRPT-18V358-3649.PDF) - [BizzyCar, April 2026 rearview camera recall 26V-212, 2023-2025 Malibu](https://www.bizzycar.com/blog/april-2026-gm-recall-for-rearview-camera-defect-on-chevrolet-malibu-affecting-271770-vehicles) - [Go-Parts, P0234 wastegate solenoid on 2016-2022 Malibu 1.5L](https://www.go-parts.com/garage/obd-p0234-chevrolet-malibu-2016-2022-lfv-1-5l) - [Margarian Law, 2019-2022 Malibu CVT shudder/stall defect tracker](https://www.margarianlaw.com/chevrolet/malibu/) - [GM Authority, 2023 Malibu drops Premier trim and 2.0L LTG](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/08/2023-chevy-malibu-drops-premier-trim-2-0l-engine/) - [Automotive News, Malibu production ends November 2024 at Fairfax](https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/2024-chevy-malibu-production-ending-year-kansas/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2016 and 2019 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2016_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [Car and Driver, 2016 Malibu Hybrid powertrain details (1.8L, 1.5 kWh pack)](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15103297/2016-chevrolet-malibu-hybrid-first-drive-review/) - [PartsGeek, 2016-2025 Malibu 300mm front / 288mm rear rotors](https://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/brake_rotors/chevrolet/malibu.html) ## Find your exact Malibu - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012) More Chevrolet Malibu guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.