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.
Research · Midsize Cars
2025 Chevrolet MalibuRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Most complaints involve back over prevention (5) and electrical system (4). The EPA rates it 31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
31mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
12
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2025 – Oct 2026
- Back over prevention5
- Electrical system4
- Steering1
- Service brakes1
- Power train1
- Other / unknown5
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 year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 452 |
| 1998 | 999 |
| 1999 | 800 |
| 2000 | 944 |
| 2001 | 739 |
| 2002 | 596 |
| 2003 | 611 |
| 2004 | 1,698 |
| 2005 | 1,393 |
| 2006 | 1,387 |
| 2007 | 992 |
| 2008 | 1,017 |
| 2009 | 1,511 |
| 2010 | 1,365 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2012 | 907 |
| 2013 | 924 |
| 2014 | 363 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 865 |
| 2017 | 727 |
| 2018 | 700 |
| 2019 | 193 |
| 2020 | 200 |
| 2021 | 90 |
| 2022 | 99 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 12 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Back over prevention
5 reports
“The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Electrical system
4 reports1 crash
“The esc light came on, air conditioner fan speed went high then low and my screen flickered out momentarily. The esc light came on three more times, 10-15 seconds each time with no lights remaining on after and no other changes. The next time I drove, when turning the esc light came on and the steering locked up for about 5 seconds”
Steering
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 | 283 |
- 31mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Chevrolet 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 20385
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2025 Malibu questions
How many recalls does the 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (5), electrical system (4), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu at 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026