Research · Midsize Cars

2022 Chevrolet MalibuRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 99 owner complaints for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Most complaints involve electrical system (33) and engine (29). The EPA rates it 26–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
26–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2022
Owner complaints
99
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

StructureReported Dec 14, 2022NHTSA 22V923000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

99 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2022 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system33
  2. Engine29
  3. Power train24
  4. Engine and engine cooling10
  5. Fuel/propulsion system8
  6. Service brakes5
  7. Vehicle speed control4
  8. Air bags4
  9. Structure2

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1997452
1998999
1999800
2000944
2001739
2002596
2003611
20041,698
20051,393
20061,389
2007992
20081,017
20091,511
20101,365
2011978
2012907
2013924
2014363
2015270
2016865
2017727
2018700
2019193
2020200
202190
202299
202373
202444
202512
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

33 reports1 crash
“My Malibu has numerous electrical problems. Often involving the start stop feature. The door locks have locked and unlocked themselves The engine and battery warning light will come on but we don't know why. A metal piece of the front frame broke off and went through the condenser. I had to have the car towed causing more damage to the hood. I cannot drive it. The check battery light is also on. At times the button to power on car will not work. Then it will a few min later. .yes, car is available for inspection. It is unsafe to drive and has too many problems for a newer cat”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11767394

Engine

29 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N252508360 (turbocharger replacement for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles); however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in the program. The approximate failure mileage was 82,949.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11759251

Power train

24 reports2 crashes
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY. OFTEN SLOW TO TAKE OFF AT A STOP LIGHT. SAFETY CONCERNS OF BEING REAR END DUE TO SLOW TAKE OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER FOR REVIEW AND THEY INDICATED AND SHOW A PICTURE OF THE TURBO BOOSTER BEING BROKEN. PER DEALER THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. DEALER STATED I WAS 5k MILES OVER WARRANTY AND EXISTING SERVICE SPECIAL COVERAGE NOTICE N252508360 FOR 2022 MALIBU DID NOT COVER MY VIN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11747026
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium 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 3, 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
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293632$2,000275
Malibu
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223326$3,050342
  • Malibu
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo
    29 city · 36 hwy · $2,000/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Malibu
    Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 33 hwy · $3,050/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 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 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 3, 2026Vehicle 16059
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

2022 Malibu questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2022 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (33), engine (29), power train (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu at 26–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026