Complaints peak with the 2004 (1,697 of 20,914). Tap any bar or generation.
What Malibu owners report across recent generations
Owner summary2016–2025 (9th generation)
On the 2016, many NHTSA owners report a Shift to Park message that appears when the car is already in Park, so it will not shut off and the battery can drain. Others describe reduced engine power, high revs with little speed and check engine lights, and CarComplaints ranks loss of power first for 2016, followed by a check engine light and brake failure. Recalls cover a passenger presence sensor that may have been installed incorrectly during service on 2016–2018 cars and rear seat belt retractors on 2016–2021 cars. [1] [2]
2013–2015 (8th generation)
Electrical trouble leads NHTSA complaints for the 2013, with owners describing a Service Battery Charging System warning, stalls in traffic and power steering or radio failures. CarComplaints ranks loss of power while driving first for 2013, followed by difficult steering and water pump failure. Recalls on some 2013 cars cover a shift position indicator that may not light up and a power seat wiring harness that can chafe on the seat frame. [3] [4]
2008–2012 (7th generation)
Power steering loss is the top NHTSA complaint for the 2009, and a recall covers a sudden loss of electric assist on 2008–2009 cars. Another recall covers 2008–2012 cars with a body control module connection that can make the brake lights misbehave, the cruise control hard to disengage or the shifter leave Park without the brake. CarComplaints ranks transmission failure first for 2009, followed by malfunctioning power door locks and clunks when turning. [5] [6]
Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.
