Verdict
2023 Chevrolet Malibu: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 50 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 80% of 2023 sedans. Electrical System leads the reports (18%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2023 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
50
Reports to NHTSA, 2023
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
30
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 80% of 2023 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2023 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (18% of 50 reports), followed by back over prevention (16%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11707356, ODI 11557392, ODI 11745160, ODI 11741977, ODI 11689794.
Recalls(2)
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.
Back Over PreventionFeb 2026 · 26V212000Details +Close −
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Structure · 22V923000Details +Close −
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
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 35 | 30 |
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.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu — more complaints than 80% of comparable 2023 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 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (18% of complaints) and back over prevention (16%).
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, covering components such as back over prevention. 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 2023 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu at 30 mpg combined.