Moderate Risk / Inspect First NHTSA Record ID #2021-chevrolet-malibu

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
27 / 100
Exercise Caution
Owner Complaints
90
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
2
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
1
0 Crashes • 1 Fires
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2021 Chevrolet Malibu Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Powertrain & Transmission 28.9%
26 reported failures
Electrical System 25.6%
23 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 21.1%
19 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 5.6%
5 reported failures
Suspension 3.3%
3 reported failures
Fuel System 2.2%
2 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (2)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #21V649000 Component: Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners

Defect Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Safety Hazard: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Free Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

NHTSA Campaign #22V359000 Component: Seats & Interior

Defect Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.

Safety Hazard: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Free Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11770501 • Electrical System 10/12/2026

"This car has the same issues even after you get it replaced . this car is not a good car I have spent so much money replacing the oz sensor .the radio, and the turbo keeps going out . this car has a lot of recall that should be handle to make sure that this car is running good . they should replace this turbo charge . the car always stall and cut o..."

ODI #11761497 • Unknown Or Other 09/02/2026

"The problem with this model is the CVT Trasmission thats in the vehicle when put into drive mode it stalls to change gears and want change gears for about 5 min then it kicks in to go it does that very often i have took it to the dealership and spent tremendous mount of money the transmission are crapy and stalls the car when put into drive mode pl..."

ODI #11758483 • Powertrain & Transmission 08/21/2026

"The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed; however, the RPM was extremely elevated. The vehicle then lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three separate occasions. After the fir..."

ODI #11758225 • Electrical System 08/20/2026

"The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal park-position sensor/switch. The issue is affecting the v..."