2015 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 270 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 18 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 13 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowOct 16, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
Campaign 15V666000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyMar 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Campaign 15V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jul 22, 2026, crash
I was t-boned on the front side panel near the door at a high rate of speed. I would estimate well above the posted limit of 35 mph and my front and side airbags failed to deploy. I have video from the intersection and dash cam demonstrating the impact. My head hit off the steering wheel causing a concussion, neck and spine dislocations, bruising, and cracked xiphoid, dislocation on the left side of my chest, and cut on my ear. I went to the hospital, have the police report, and the two videos are also available. My car was totaled and towed to the lot off of Lamb, north of Craig Road.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2025
Service airbag light goes on and off. Also passenger air bag keeps turning on and off.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2025, crash
Unknown
Air bags, Seats, Oct 9, 2023
Air bag light is on dashboard and my driver seat won’t recline back up to a normal driving position. Brought it to the mechanic to have it checked and was told I am in need of a new driver seat do to a faulty airbag. The car is not even 10 years old yet and I can’t use the seat properly to drive safely.
Air bags, Mar 30, 2023
Took my 2015 Chevy Malibu LS to a Hendrick dealership to be checked. It came back body elect concern and that the module needed to be replaced. I sent a email some months back and never got a response. I have two boys that ride in this car with me and since this air bag light has come on I don’t drive my car as much. Attached is the estimate given to fix that specific problem. My name is [XXX] and I can be reached at [XXX] Thank You. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Oct 3, 2022
Air bag sensor has been malfunctioning, misreading that there is a passenger in my car when there is not anybody present and the seat is clear. Check airbag light on dash is lit. The the screen display shows a blank green screen when put in reverse and has to be put in park to correct green screen. The auto shut off for the engine when the brake pedal is engaged turns the car completely off; including head lights, interior lights, and all capacities of the vehicle.
Air bags, Aug 29, 2022
I own a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu LS. August 19, 2022 when I cranked the car a message popped up on the screen saying service airbag. Looked up recalls but my specific car doesn’t have any thus far. Called the dealership for them to look at it and they said the same thing. The recall for the airbag was October 2015. This is the first time I’m dealing with an airbag issue and I’m not fully secure or feel safe knowing it could possibly pop out or not work at all and I have two sons that ride in the back seat. If you need pictures I can send at request. Thank you and have a good day.
Air bags, Aug 3, 2022
Air bag warning service notification appeared. Contacted dealership and they stated no recall on my vehicle only trucks and SUV's.
Air bags, Apr 16, 2022
Service airbag light on
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 2, 2021
WHEN TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP MY CAR ALL AT ONCE SAID ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO 25MPH, SERVICE AIRBAG, SERVICE STABILITRAC, AND SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2021
CAR HAD AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON. THE VEH WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AIR BAG - CONTROL MODULE: C0196 C0186 C0287 B101D.. NEED TO START WITH REPLACING AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE .. CODES ARE ALL HISTORY CODES.. INTERMITTENT ISSUE.. COULD HAVE OTHER ISSUES AS WELL.
Air bags, Jan 4, 2021
2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIR BAG SAFETY ISSUES. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER RECALL. *JS
Air bags, Nov 24, 2020
AIR BAG CAME ON ALL AT ONCE ABOUT A MOUNTH AGO I PUT IN SHOP TO FIX . SHOP SAID IT WAS FIX THEY REPROGRAMED THE AIR BAG THEY SAY. ONE WEEK LATER WAS BACK ON . TOOK BACK TO SHOP SHOP SAY NEED A NEW COMPUTER. WAS" 700.00 TO FIX IT.
Air bags, Aug 30, 2020
CAR HAS 23,800 MILES ON IT AND THE SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND DOESN'T GO OFF. DIAGNOSTIC IS NOT PULLING ANY CODE. MONTHLY DIAGNOSTIC REPORT FROM GM SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
Air bags, Aug 27, 2020
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I CAN'T IT TO JIM TAYLOR CHEVROLET THEY SAY IS NOT A RECALL ON THAT LS CHEVROLET MALIBU
Air bags, Jun 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING HER VEHICLE, SERVICE AIR BAG MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HENDRICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC SOUTHPOINT (127 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713) WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER PRESENT MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN NOTIFIED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2020
WHEN I TURN MY CAR ON IT SHOWS SERVICE AIRBAG AND THE SENSORS ARE GOOD AND HASN'T BEEN IN A WRECK. I'M AFRAID THAT IT WILL DEPLOY WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR THEY WON'T DEPLOY IF I WAS TO BE IN A WRECK. IT COMES ON AS SOON AS YOUR TURN THE CAR ON. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, May 26, 2020, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE TO THE RIGHT AND THE WHEELS BEGAN TO LOSE TRACTION BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LOWER BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES HOWEVER HAD NOT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO COVID-19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE OFFICER WAS DRIVING BEHIND HER AND STOPPED TO ASSIST. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED THE DOORS, LOCKING THE DRIVER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED AT THE TIME OF THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNCH CHEVROLET OF MUKWONAGO (280 EAST WOLF RUN MUKWONAGO, WI 53149) WHO REPLACED AN ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND MODULE. NO FURTHER INFO WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED A SHIFT TO PARK FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE WOULD STILL OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *DT*JB
Air bags, May 14, 2020
MAIN CONTROL MODULE FOR ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND BEING REPLACED. VEHICLE ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 38,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Air bags, Apr 18, 2020
SERVICE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Air bags, Mar 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTYVILLE CHEVROLET SERVICE LOCATED AT (1001 S MILWAUKEE AVE, LIBERTYVILLE, IL 60048), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V666000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Air bags, Feb 24, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON MOVING OR SITTING AND SAYS SERVICE AIRBAG.THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAYS OFF EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN IT
Air bags, Jan 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER. THE DEER WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THERE WERE NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE HEAD OF THE DEER ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FIRST TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO THE DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND HAD NOT YET DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO (PAT O'BRIEN CHEVROLET VERMILION 2315 OH-60, VERMILION, OH 44089 (888) 392-1095) BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Air bags, Jan 14, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAMERA CAME ON I HAVE ON THE SCREEN A MESSAGE.... SERVICE AIRBAG. THIS JUST HAPPEND YESTERDAY, I WENT TO WALMART AND WHEN I CAME BACK TO GO HOME I HAD THIS ISSUE.
Air bags, Dec 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALERS IN THE TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO AREAS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT USED A CODE READER AND DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.