Research · Midsize Cars

2019 Chevrolet Malibu HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and hybrid propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 46 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
46mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: electrical system
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 2019 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

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2020 – Jan 2025
  1. Electrical system1
  2. Hybrid propulsion system1
  3. Engine1

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

1 report
“See attached document for complaint.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025Electrical system, Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11639626

Hybrid propulsion system

1 report

Engine

1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE UNDER THE HOOD DETACHED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SPITZER AUTOWORLD LORDSTOWN, LLC (10535 MAHONING AVE, NORTH JACKSON, OH 44451), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO TWO UNKNOWN DEALERS WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2020EngineODI 11328208
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
4/ 5
4 of 5
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 14013
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

2019 Malibu Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have?

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

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), hybrid propulsion system (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid at 46 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026