Research · Midsize Cars

2018 Chevrolet Malibu HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (4) and electrical system (4). The EPA rates it 46 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
46mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
11
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2020 – Jun 2025
  1. Power train4
  2. Electrical system4
  3. Engine3
  4. Vehicle speed control2
  5. Fuel/propulsion system2
  6. Air bags1
  7. Seat belts1
  8. Fuel system, gasoline1
  9. Exterior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Malibu Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2008996
20091,536
201811
20192
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

4 reports
“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious issue concerning the recall history of my vehicle and to request an investigation into what appears to be unresolved and inaccurately closed recalls. Vehicle Information: •Make/Model/Year: 2018 Chevy Malibu hybrid •Date of Purchase: 2018 (I have been the sole owner since) Several safety recalls were previously listed for my vehicle on your website and through the manufacturer, but I recently checked again and now it states there are zero open recalls. I have never had these recalls repaired, and no dealership has performed or contacted me regarding these repairs. Furthermore, my vehicle is currently displaying check engine lights related to the same issues previously associated with the recalls. This suggests the issues were never addressed, yet they no longer appear in the recall system. I am concerned that: •These recalls may have been falsely marked as “completed” •There may be an internal data error causing safety risks to be hidden •I am being denied free repairs due to incorrect closure of these recalls Please investigate this matter as I believe it affects not only my vehicle but possibly others. I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2025Power train, Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11670074

Electrical system

4 reports
“The car has a reoccuring problem where is stalls in the middle of driving the vehicle. A warning comes up to shift to park. The car then restarts, runs extremely rough and stalls out. It then signals to shift to park again. The car is extremely unsafe. I took the vehicle to GM dealer and they said the car is "confused" between running on the battery and combustible engine. I have seen several similar issues with the Cheverolt Malibu Hybrid. I think GM knows they have an issue and one of the reasons they discontinued the model.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 22, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11626907

Engine

3 reports
“As I was driving with cruise control on a freeway at 70 mph the car suddenly displayed a warning to reduce speed. I continued to try to get to the next exit but almost instantly it started reducing my power and slowed me down to a crawl. I pulled over on the freeway and it would not restart. The tow truck to it to a chevy dealer and the next morning they called asking for details as the car started right up and they drove it around for 10 minutes without issue. They kept the vehicle all day but were unable to recreate the problem so they told me there was nothing they could do. They pulled 17 codes and said that's too many to diagnose so nothing to do. I drove 15 miles home with no issues. The next day I went to get the oil changed and they tested the 12V battery and told me it failed. I went to buy a battery and drove home. The next day I drove around 10 miles and then it dies again as I was slowing down to a stoplight. I pushed it to a parking lot and installed the new battery. I took the old battery back to the store to get my core deposit back and asked them to test it. They said it tested fine but I went ahead and gave it to them as I already had the new…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2022Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11450678
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu Hybrid
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
494346$1,350194
  • Malibu Hybrid
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    49 city · 43 hwy · $1,350/yr
    46
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet Malibu HEV 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.2%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 12013
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Malibu Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (4), electrical system (4), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid at 46 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026