RoadVitals

2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
73
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 2, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 73 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, most frequently naming the driver assistance, engine and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 433 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Apr 2, 2026
276,879 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262551720View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Dec 14, 2022
2,108 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Oct 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated, and the message "Engine Reduced Power" was displayed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The contact continued driving the vehicle, and the failure persisted. As per the manufacturer’s guidance, the vehicle was taken to Maxie Price Chevrolet Atlanta (3600 Atlanta Hwy, Loganville, GA 30052), and the turbocharger assembly failure was confirmed, and the contact was informed that the part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but denied assistance because the vehicle was not included in Special Coverage Program: N252508360. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11774518
Incident
Aug 31, 2025
Mileage
46,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 21, 2026
Crash reported4 injuries reported

October 7, 2026 this vehicle hydroplaned and I lost control of the vehicle. To the best of my knowledge, the steering wheel locked and when attempted to step on the brakes, no braking occurred. The vehicle slid into grass which then hit the guard railing on the interstate. After being inspected by collision shop techs, they have reason to believe the airbag sensor defected or was not installed to signal the airbags to deploy. The driver side door panel airbag did attempt to deploy but was unsuccessful.

NHTSA ID
11772773
Incident
Oct 7, 2026
BrakesEngine
Filed Oct 13, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety concern involving the brake vacuum pump in Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I have seen multiple reports from owners describing vacuum pump failures, brakes becoming difficult to press, and brakes reportedly stopping working. Some owners have reported having to replace their vacuum pumps multiple times, while others have described serious safety incidents involving brake problems. I am concerned that these reports may indicate a recurring safety defect that could put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. A vacuum pump failure that affects brake assist could make it difficult to stop a vehicle safely and potentially cause a serious crash. I became aware of these reported safety concerns on October 13, 2026, after seeing multiple Chevrolet Malibu owners discuss these problems. This specific vacuum pump failure has not happened to my vehicle personally. I am submitting this report to bring these concerns to NHTSA’s attention and request an investigation into whether the affected Chevrolet Malibu model years have a safety defect that warrants a recall to prevent further crashes, injuries, or deaths.

NHTSA ID
11770998
Incident
Oct 13, 2026
AirbagsSteering
Filed Sep 25, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with an open safety recall. General Motors/dealership has refused to repair the recall. The vehicle has also had multiple safety-related problems, including Service ESC warnings, jerking/poor acceleration, Service Safety Restraint System and airbag warnings, and a “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” warning. On or about XXX, while driving, I experienced what felt like the brakes, wheel, and steering system locking up. I was unable to safely control the vehicle, resulting in a crash. During the incident, my head struck the steering wheel and I injured my hand, which has visible scars. No police were involved. I have a [XXX] daughter. She was NOT in the vehicle during the crash, but I do not feel safe transporting her in this vehicle because of the serious safety issues and what happened. The vehicle was later inspected through GM/dealership channels. I was told no diagnostic codes were found, and GM declined assistance. The dealership also stated the vehicle needs repairs related to the crash, including a passenger presence module. I am especially concerned that the open safety recall remains unrepaired. I have photographs of the vehicle damage and photographs of the scars on my hand. I can also provide my communications with GM and information regarding the recall. I am requesting that NHTSA review these safety concerns and the refusal to repair the open recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11767019
Incident
Aug 22, 2026
Driver assistanceSuspension
Filed Sep 16, 2026

I was inquiring about the front suspension and frame work is there a recall. My car is unstable in the front like frame is unbalanced

NHTSA ID
11764737
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the hard skin material on the steering wheel was crumbling. The contact stated that the right and left hands were severely peeled. The contact inspected the steering wheel and placed a white glove on each hand and rotated the steering wheel. The contact became aware of a black substance on both gloves. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that another vehicle that the contact had owned was parked in the same spot for fourteen years. The contact stated that the weather did not cause any issues with the other vehicle. The contact received medical treatment for contact dermatitis. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11760932
Incident
May 31, 2026
Mileage
58,000 mi
Filed Aug 30, 2026

My back up camera just showing blank screen. It's a recall on my model. I was backing up it went blank. Causing me to hit a pole. I took it to Jerry's Chevrolet they said can fix it but out of pocket and reimbursed later. I can't afford that. So, I can't even park between cars . This have become and inconvenience. Chevrolet knows the problem fails to do anything about it.

NHTSA ID
11760696
Incident
Jun 29, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 25, 2026

camera blurred when backing up been having a recall no remedy or paper sent out for it yet

NHTSA ID
11759387
Incident
Mar 12, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIC6626B

PI created to guide technicians through radio restriction process

PIC6540K

This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.

PIT6457C

This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being replaced.

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Malibu by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025121049.1
2024462058.5
2023Viewing732063.5
20221001051.2
2021902053.7
20202031151.8
20191931043.0
20187016053.4
20177054049.6
20168419051.0
20152703053.4
20143516052.4
201383710052.5
20129073049.8
20119784050.4
20101,3634049.3
20091,5116154.7
20089895048.9
20079776051.0
20061,1199052.6
20059756157.7
20041,1489460.2
20035693049.4
20025674152.9
20017214457.9
20009225760.0
19997893558.2
19989765658.5
19974436759.6
1989300—
1986100—
1983130—
1982230—
1981331—
1980561—
1979461—
1978281—
1977020—
1975210—
1974110—
1973010—
1964100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.