Research · Midsize Cars

2023 Chevrolet MalibuRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 73 owner complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. Most complaints involve back over prevention (16) and engine (13). The EPA rates it 30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
30mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
73
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

Back over preventionReported Apr 2, 2026NHTSA 26V212000

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

73 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Back over prevention16
  2. Engine13
  3. Electrical system12
  4. Air bags8
  5. Power train8
  6. Fuel/propulsion system6
  7. Engine and engine cooling5
  8. Steering5
  9. Visibility/wiper5

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
20061,387
2007992
20081,017
20091,511
20101,365
2011978
2012907
2013924
2014363
2015270
2016865
2017727
2018700
2019193
2020200
202190
202299
202373
202444
202512
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
8
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

Back over prevention

16 reports
“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blue or black image. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer three times; however, the parts were still unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had been waiting for the delivery of the parts for more than three months. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2026Back over preventionODI 11758185

Engine

13 reports
“I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace their vacuum pumps multiple times, while others have described serious safety incidents involving brake problems. I am concerned that these reports may indicate a recurring safety defect that could put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. A vacuum pump failure that affects brake assist could make it difficult to stop a vehicle safely and potentially cause a serious crash. I became aware of these reported safety concerns on October 13, 2026, after seeing multiple Chevrolet Malibu owners discuss these problems. This specific vacuum pump failure has not happened to my vehicle personally. I am submitting this report to bring these concerns to NHTSA’s attention and request an investigation into whether the affected Chevrolet Malibu model years have a safety defect that warrants a recall to prevent further crashes, injuries, or deaths.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11770998

Electrical system

12 reports1 crash1 fire
“Subject: Safety Complaint and Request for Assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Backup Camera Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this occurs, I am unable to clearly see objects, vehicles, or people behind my vehicle as intended by the safety system. This significantly increases the risk of an accident, especially in parking lots, residential areas, and other locations where pedestrians may be present. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that all safety systems would function reliably. The ongoing issue has caused me concern and has reduced my confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. A backup camera is an important safety feature, and any failure of this system places drivers and the public at unnecessary risk. Given the seriousness of this recall and the inconvenience and safety concerns it has caused, I respectfully request that…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11745160
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl turbo
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 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
273530$2,150292
  • Malibu
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo
    27 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    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
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 18204
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

2023 Malibu questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have?

2 safety recalls 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 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Owners filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (16), engine (13), electrical system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026