Problems · NHTSA complaints
2022 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners filed 99 complaints about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA between May 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (33).
Complaints
99
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system33
- Engine29
- Power train24
- Engine and engine cooling10
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Service brakes5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Air bags4
- Structure2
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Wheels2
- Steering2
- Exterior lighting2
- Seat belts2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
6
22
28
42
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 42 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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”
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.”
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.”
Engine and engine cooling
10 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,950.”
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“Driving along the highway the CEL light came on followed by reduced engine power warning. Vehicle abruptly slowed down to 35mph (limp mode). Were there to be another vehicle behind me, they would have to do emergency braking. My vehicle would not start after pulling over to the shoulder. A tow truck was dispatched, and after diagnosis from the service center; The fuel pump module was found to be defective.”
Service brakes
5 reports
“While driving my 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on the freeway, I experienced a loss of braking. This created a serious safety hazard because I was unable to stop the vehicle normally. The vehicle had previously displayed a check-engine warning. I brought the vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer. The dealer is requesting approximately 4,000 for repairs and has refused to perform the turbo-related recall/special coverage repair unless I pay for those repairs. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect and review whether the braking problem may be related to the known turbo/engine issue Break vacuum pump is broken and diagnose by the dealer . Check engine light was on prior to incident due from Turbo charger failure”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.