2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 89 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 89

Of the 2021 reports, 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.

Primary concernElectrical system29 reports · 33% of complaints
Owner complaints89Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Other or unspecified31
  2. Electrical system29
  3. Power train28
  4. Engine14
  5. Fuel/propulsion system8
  6. Air bags6
  7. Back over prevention3
  8. Suspension3

Recalls and investigations

  1. SeatsMay 19, 2022

    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.

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

    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.

    Campaign 22V359000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Seat belts, critical fastenersAug 20, 2021

    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.

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

    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.

    Campaign 21V649000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: air bags

6 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 11, 2026

    I was driving my car my electrical system is throwing all kinds of code.my sftey restrain is coming on to check my seat belt .the car goes blank .it stop in the middle of the road.this car has a lot of issues.can some one help me with this I work at the cardiologist office .

  2. Air bags, Apr 20, 2026

    This vin is most likely affected by the aftermarket DTN inflator wheel airbag. Please let the final owner know of this. This vehicle was sold to Auto Boutique LLC from Jacksonville Florida on January 11, 2023 who then sold it to the current owner.

  3. Air bags, Apr 20, 2026

    This vin is most likely affected by the aftermarket DTN inflator wheel airbag. Please let the final owner know of this. This vehicle was sold to Auto Boutique LLC from Jacksonville Florida on August 31, 2022.

  4. Air bags, Apr 20, 2026

    This vin is most likely affected by the aftermarket DTN inflator wheel airbag. Please let the final owner know of this. This vehicle was sold to Auto Boutique LLC from Jacksonville Florida on November 23, 2022.

  5. Air bags, Apr 20, 2026

    This vin is most likely affected by the aftermarket DTN inflator wheel airbag. Please let the final owner know of this. This vehicle was sold to Bargain Auto Sales Inc from West Palm beach on August 25, 2021.

  6. Air bags, Apr 20, 2026

    This vin is most likely affected by the aftermarket DTN inflator wheel airbag. Please let the final owner know of this. This vehicle was sold to Rightway Automotive credit from Tallmadge Ohio on October 19, 2022 who then sold it to the current owner.