Verdict
2025 Chevrolet Malibu: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for sedan.
Owners filed 7 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 61% of 2025 sedans. Back Over Prevention leads the reports (43%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2025 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
7
Reports to NHTSA, 2025
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
31
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 61% of 2025 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2025 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Back Over Prevention issues lead owner complaints (43% of 7 reports), followed by unknown or other (29%).
Share of all 7 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11748594, ODI 11730175, ODI 11729771.
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.
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.
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
2025 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) | 28 | 36 | 31 |
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.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu — more complaints than 61% of comparable 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported problem areas are Back Over Prevention (43% of complaints) and unknown or other (29%).
How many recalls does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu at 31 mpg combined.