2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from model years 1964–1983 and since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. It is currently the only sedan offered by Chevrolet in the U.S.
First generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1964)
The first Malibu was a top-line subseries of the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle from 1964 to 1972. Malibus were generally available in a full range of bodystyles including a four-door sedan, two-door Sport Coupe hardtop, convertible and two-seat station wagon. Interiors were more lavish than lesser Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe models thanks to patterned cloth and vinyl upholstery (all-vinyl in convertibles and station wagons), deep-twist carpeting, deluxe steering wheel and other items. The Malibu SS performance package was available only as a two-door Sport Coupe hardtop or convertible and added bucket seats, center console (with optional four-speed manual or Powerglide transmissions), engine gauges and special wheelcovers, and offered with any six-cylinder or V8 engine offered in other Chevelles - with the top option being a 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) in 1964.
For 1965, Malibus and other Chevelles received new grilles and revised tail sections and had the exhaust pipes replaced but carried over the same basic styling and bodystyles from 1964. The Malibu and Malibu SS models continued as before with the SS featuring a blacked-out grille and special wheelcovers. Top engine option was now a 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. 201 of the 1965 Malibu SS cars got Regular Production Option (RPO) Z16, which include a heavily modified chassis and Chevy's new 375 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8. All were hardtops, although rumors persist that one convertible was built.
The Malibu SS was replaced in 1966 by a new Chevelle SS-396 series that included a big-block 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 engine (Canadian market did not receive the SS396 but marketed the former Malibu SS nameplate until January 1967 when it was phased out), heavy duty suspension and other performance equipment. Other SS-396 equipment was similar to Malibu Sport Coupes and convertibles including an all-vinyl bench seat. Bucket seats and console with floor shift were now optional on the SS and for 1966 with the SS now denoting a car with a big-block engine, the bucket seats became a new option on the regular Malibu Sport Coupe and convertible, upon which any six-cylinder or small-block V8 could be ordered. Also new for 1966 was the Chevelle Malibu four-door Sport Sedan hardtop. Styling revisions on all 1966 Chevelles including more rounded styling similar to the full-sized Chevrolets with sail panels and tunneled rear windows featured on two-door hardtop coupes.
For 1967, the same assortment of bodystyles were continued with styling changes similar to all other Chevelles including a new grille and revised tail section with taillights that wrapped around to the side. New this year was a Chevelle Malibu Concours station wagon with simulated woodgrain exterior side panel trim. Front disc brakes were a new option along with a stereo 8-track tape player. The same assortment of drivetrains carried over from 1966 with the top 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 dropped from 350 to 325 hp (261 to 242 kW; 355 to 330 PS).
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Common 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The Chevrolet Malibu, a popular midsize sedan, has been known to have some common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most common issues based on car owner complaints:
- Electric Power Steering System Problems: Several owners have reported problems with the electric power steering system, which may require steering system repairs. This issue can affect the car's handling and make it difficult to steer, especially at low speeds.
- Loss of Engine Power: Some owners have reported a sudden loss of engine power, which can be caused by a faulty piston ring. This issue can be addressed by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) provided by Chevrolet, which provides instructions on how to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Failed Passlock Sensor: The Malibu's Passlock security system can fail, preventing the car from starting. This issue can be resolved by replacing the Passlock sensor.
- Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is a common problem in the Malibu, with some owners reporting that the car's transmission can fail without warning. This issue can be addressed by replacing the transmission or the entire powertrain.
- Airbag Deployment Issues: In 2013, Chevrolet issued a recall for the Malibu due to a potential issue with the airbag deployment system, which can cause the airbags to deploy improperly. This recall affected approximately 44,000 vehicles.
- Dangerous Frame Defect: In 2022 and 2023, GM issued a recall for the Malibu due to a dangerous frame defect, where the front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may be improperly welded to the front frame rail. This poses all kinds of problems, from structural instability in an accident to front crash sensors that can’t perform as designed. The company believes the defect is only on cars built on specific dates, affecting as few as 1% of them. There’s no easy fix to a problem like that. So, dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles. General Motors will then buy back the car from the owner if the defect is found.
While these issues are relatively uncommon, they can be costly to repair. It's important for Malibu owners to stay up-to-date on recalls and TSBs, and to address any issues as soon as they arise. Regular maintenance and care can also help prevent these issues from occurring.
What is the issue with the 2023 Malibu?
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. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
What is the most common problem with Chevy Malibu?
Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu
Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration. Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.
How long do Chevy Malibus normally last?
How Long Does the Malibu Typically Last? The Chevrolet Malibu is known for its longevity, often surpassing the average life span of many other midsize sedans. With proper maintenance and care, it's not uncommon for a Malibu to last well over 200,000 miles.
What year Malibu is the best?
With relatively high ratings, 2002 and 2003 are Chevrolet Malibu's best years in this generation, while 1997 to 2000 are the Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
- The Best Years: 2015. ...
- The Worst Years: 2013, 2014. ...
- The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. ...
- The Neutral Years: 2019. ...
- The Worst Years: 2016, 2017, 2018.
What is the issue with the 2023 Malibu?
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. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
What is the most common problem with Chevy Malibu?
Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu
Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration. Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.
Are Chevy Malibus expensive to maintain?
A Chevrolet Malibu will cost about $6,460 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $636. There is also a 19.26% chance that a Malibu will require a major repair during that time.
Is Chevy Malibu a safe car?
2023 Malibu Safety
The Chevy Malibu crashworthiness review from the NHTSA only included front and rollover tests, where it got five stars for the former and four stars for the latter. The IIHS gave it a good rating in most departments, but it scored Poor for side: updated test and Marginal for headlights.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Malibu problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 1G1ZE5STXPF
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR27. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, there was a blowout of the front driver's side tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire was replaced. The contact stated that later while inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had developed a sidewall blister. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact rented a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The rental agency was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact returned the vehicle on the next business day, and the failure was reported. The failure mileage was approximately 38,706. The VIN was unavailable.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 1G1ZB5ST5PF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My car randomly shuts off when but still says it’s on at a stop light which causes a lot of problems because I have to push the start button to turn off and turn on again. Something is wrong with the wiring, in order for me to turn my car off I have to unplug my battery otherwise my car safety alarm will activate and hazard lights will go off and trunk will open. Which also cause my horn to go out. Everytime I turn my car on it says service ESC which I have no clue what that means and have asked multiple people . My air bag service light is on and it has no reason to be on as my car has not had any problems with my airbags. My car automatically brake while on the highway going 75 when a car swerved into my lane ahead of me and the hard activated the abs which caused my car to swerve uncontrollably and almost caused my car to flip.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-22
- VIN: 1G1ZB5ST8PF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start when the Push-to-Start button was pressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the diagnosis was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1ZD5ST7PF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Since purchase been having issues with the vehicle. From shutting off while driving, all dash shutting off while subbing but car still running, car says key fob not in vehicle out key fob on vehicle when trying to lock, radio go crazy. Has been looked at numerous times with different electrical/programming codes. Radio has been replaced over and was scheduled for second radio to be installed Sm but sent out of state to work. Have ask paper trail with Chevrolet since April 8th within 2 weeks after purchase. Car caught on fire while driving last Sunday in Florida there are other reports Chevrolet should have that I’m having issues trying from the dealer’s that it was serviced at. Couple also with service appointments could not make due to I travel for my job and loaner vehicles could not be taken out of state. I bought vehicle with 10 miles on it and in 8 months 27555 miles. Does sound like Chevrolet might be stepping in to assist but unfortunately I’m not without transportation. I also use my car on weekends for Uber for extra money as well so definitely going to hurt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-30
- VIN: 1G1ZG5ST2PF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: After purchasing a brand new chevrolet malibu, about 4 months into droving it; the check engine light illuminated and the next day, an error message of “engine power is reduced” was displaying on the dash. The vehicle was turned over to the dealership and two different sensors were replaced. After a day of having the vehicle back after repairs, the check engine light illuminated again. I returned the vehicle to the dealership and was later told that they were unable to duplicate the scenario and the check engine light did not appear anymore. I picked the vehicle up and after another day of driving, the check engine light illuminated for the third time, again with the same engine power reduced message. Vehicle was slow to accelerate from a stop position. The dealership claims to still be unable to duplicate the scenario with no fix at this point.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: 1G1ZG5ST1PF
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: on 2 occasions my dash had a waring come on that my crash avoidance system was inoperable and on 3 occasions my waring system with the red lights in front of the steering wheel has come on with no cars around. also on oct 28th the low pressure waring for right rear tire came on 21psi and this wasn't the case and i did get a warning from onstar this time. gm has sent this vehicle to another gm dealership for the surging problem and this has still not been corrected
STEERING,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-09
- VIN: 1G1ZD5ST7PF
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-19
- VIN: 1G1ZG5ST1PF
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This vehicle has been taken to Days Chevrolet on two different occasions no check engine lights will come on but as you drive it surges and almost cuts off at times I have taken it in for this problem may 1 2023 and June 19 2023 every time they tell me the car is running as it should it also has a popping and rattle in right rear and they say they can't duplicate the problem. This car is going to kill someone
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-28
- VIN: 1G1ZD5ST2PF
- Components: STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I was on a freeway going 75. A guy came across three lanes and cut in front of me going 60. I got the brakes hard and then went around him accelerating sharply and swerved hard in front of him. At that point the car steered itself back and forth for our five times. I was finally able to regain control once it slowed down enough, and continued on my drive. I’m guessing that some accident-avoidance system kicked in when I swerved left in front of the other car, and the car swerved itself back to the right. But then it over-corrected back to the left. And back and forth several times all while the car slowed back down from 75 to perhaps 60, when it gave me back control. VERY SCARY!!! The car shouldn’t do this!
AIR BAGS,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G1ZD5ST9PF
- Components: AIR BAGS,WHEELS
- Summary: While driving, the driver side tires (2) went flat and four (4) airbags deployed, this happened with no warning.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-20
- VIN: 1G1ZE5ST8PF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I was driving the car from home to work during morning rush hour in downtown Chicago. I was stopped at a red light and the auto-stop feature engaged as it is intended to do. When the light turned green I put my foot on the gas to go but the car wouldn't move. Cars behind me started honking & going around me. I tried various things but couldn't get the car to move although the ignition light was green. I finally put my emergency flashers on, shifted the car to park, pressed the ignition button to turn the car to off position, then depressed the brake pedal and the ignition button to turn the car on again, then shifted to drive and the car then moved forward as normal. No warning lamps have ever appeared re this. I immediately contacted my dealer to report this problem & soon after took the car there, where they confirmed this malfunction & communicated with GM Tech Line to try to resolve the problem while I sat at dealer all day but at end of day there was no resolution & they had no loaner car to give me & I needed the car so I left with it but thereafter always drove it only w/auto-stop feature turned off as I feared if it happened again I could be rear-ended. Dealer has now had my car for a week trying to ascertain how to fix this but because they say this feature is now not acting up they don't know how to fix it & they say GM Tech Line isn't giving them advice on how to resolve it. I cannot leave my car w/dealer indefinitely so now am forced to drive the car in this condition & need to always try to remember to turn off the auto-stop feature (or risk driving it in unsafe condition), which is not the right solution for a brand new car that had less than 2,000 miles on it when this started. Available for inspection upon request.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2023 Chevrolet Malibu car reviews
Positive 2023 Chevrolet Malibu car reviews
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Still getting to know my new Malibu, but I am completely in love with it! Everyone compliments me on the white on black ♥️. So far, it's a great car!!! This is my first Chevy ever, so I am really enjoying an American-made car.
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What a lovely Buick in Chevrolet sheetmetal! I have no complaints except that the trunk release should be in the cabin. I paid too much at the stealership, but a car was a must! Edmunds is correct: there is too much hard plastic. Now one year old and not a single problem. Unfortunately, there won't be a Premier edition in 2023, but I'm so glad I have this Premier. It has more horses than the Cadillac 2.0 T. It's a pleasure to drive, but even better to be a passenger.
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So far so good! You have a really good car.
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I absolutely adore everything about this vehicle! The body is sleek and stylish, and the interior is incredibly spacious. The carplay and touchscreen navigation/stereo system with beats brand speakers are fantastic features that make driving a joy. The heated seats and power seats are a luxurious touch, and the electric emergency/parking brake is a great safety feature. The engine is powerful and the ride is incredibly smooth, all while saving on gas! I also appreciate the option to turn off auto stop, as well as the forward collision option, the lane switch assist option, and the backup camera. The mirrors that tilt themselves when parking are a great help too! Overall, this car is a perfect combination of luxury, safety, and fuel efficiency. I would definitely give it five stars!
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It's a car, and it's performing fine. This is actually my first new car in about 45 years. I'm averaging 31+ MPG in town and 35+ MPG on the highway. However, I've had some trouble with the OnStar setup and client support. It seems a bit discombobulated and no one seems to know what they're doing, which has led to some wrong information being provided. I don't think I'll continue past the trial, especially since it's over $35 monthly and my Samsung cell phone can do better. I don't think their 4G subscription is necessary if you have a modern phone.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Chevrolet Malibu problems:
What's wrong with the Chevy Malibu 2016 - 2023? : r ...
Oct 28, 2022 ... Malibu's have a slew of problems. Stabilitrak, misfiring, limp mode, horrible engine, etc. It's so bad that I will NEVER purchase another ...
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2003 Chevy Malibu V6 known problems? | Bob Is The Oil Guy
Sep 10, 2023 ... Get ready to replace them either DIY or through a shop. Other than that pretty decent power and comfortable as can be. Last edited: Sep 10, 2023 ...
2023 Chevy Malibu Problems, Issues & Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
Nov 15, 2023 ... Dealers have been instructed by General Motors, LLC (GM) to inspect affected vehicles. If they are found to have front impact bars that haven't ...
Other years of Chevrolet Malibu
Are you having problems with your 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Sigmund Greenfelder 2024-10-13
This is definitely a car built for a rental fleet. It had space inside, reasonable MPG, and a decent trunk. However, there are some areas that could be improved. The acceleration could be better and the suspension could use some work. Additionally, there were some rattles and the sound deadening could be improved. Overall, there may be other mid-size sedans that are more refined, but this car still has some good features.
Maximus Bernier 2024-04-06
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car I leased a couple of months ago. While it has some nice features, I've found that it lacks power and handling, which has been a bit disappointing. Additionally, the interior is full of hard plastics and excessive plastic chrome, which isn't my favorite. I also noticed that it doesn't have some of the standard safety features like blind spot warning. Overall, I'm looking forward to the end of my lease, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to try out this car. Thanks for listening!
Earl Grant 2024-02-01
I recently rented a Chevy Malibu 2023 and unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea. Although it's a long car, it doesn't feel spacious inside. The trunk area sticks out almost a foot beyond where a 'normal' sedan does, which may provide a larger trunk, but it makes parking on city streets a bit challenging. Additionally, there's no rear-window wiper, which would have been helpful in yesterday's gentle rain. The radio/entertainment system connects to my cell phone decently well, but there's no place to put the phone except in the very sparse storage holes in front of the center armrest. The ride/suspension was quite stiff, and we felt every pebble and bump in the road. Even small potholes caused the tires to flatten enough for the rims to get the shock, which was quite uncomfortable. Overall, I wouldn't buy this car, and I'm a bit surprised how it didn't meet my expectations considering how many years GM has had to perfect it. I would recommend looking elsewhere!
Isadore O'Hara 2024-01-26
Out of the mid-sized sedans that are available for less than $40K, this one is unfortunately not the best. I had the chance to rent it for a week, and despite it having fewer than 18,000 miles on it, it was already showing signs of wear and tear (paint chips, uneven door gaps, carpet pulling away from door sills, rubber jams pulling out). It could just be that rentals are often mistreated, but that still doesn't make up for the weak performance from an engine (1.5 liter) that's fitted to an otherwise larger car. It's not the most responsive car when you hit the gas, which can be frustrating, especially if you have a family of 4 in the car. The seats are also not the most comfortable, with thin padding on a hard base. Overall, it's not the best mid-sized sedan out there, but if you can't afford or find something better (like a Charger, Accord, Camry, Passat, K5, Sonata, Altima, Maxima, Avalon, 6, or Legacy), a Malibu is still better than walking (provided it still runs given Chevy's spotty track record for reliability).
Reinhold Schmitt 2024-01-16
I recently rented a 2023 Malibu LS and unfortunately, my experience was not as positive as my previous experiences with this model. The car felt heavy and sluggish, and the ride was bumpy and noisy. While the CVT transmission was quiet during cruising, it made a noticeable noise when accelerating. Additionally, the controls were not very user-friendly for someone new to the model. Although Android Auto was present, it only appeared on a small 1/2 screen on the center display. Despite showing good 4G reception, I found that it was non-existent in the area I was driving in central Connecticut. Overall, I would not recommend this car, even as a rental.