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2022 Chevrolet Malibu: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most sedan.

Owners filed 86 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 89% of 2022 sedans. Power Train leads the reports (26%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2022 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

86

Reports to NHTSA, 2022

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 89% of 2022 sedans

The bar is this car's percentile among 2022 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (26% of 86 reports), followed by unknown or other (23%).

Power Train26% · 22 reports
Unknown Or Other23% · 20 reports
Electrical System22% · 19 reports
Engine8% · 7 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling8% · 7 reports
Air Bags2% · 2 reports
Fuel System2% · 2 reports
Steering2% · 2 reports

+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 86 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11585684, ODI 11509972, ODI 11747026, ODI 11737070, ODI 11718860.

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Structure · 22V923000Details +

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.

Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2022 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Malibu1.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive293632
Malibu2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive223326

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2022 Chevrolet Malibu: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners filed 86 NHTSA complaints about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu — more complaints than 89% of comparable 2022 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (26% of complaints) and unknown or other (23%).

How many recalls does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, covering components such as structure. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu between 26 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.