CarModelProblems.com

2020 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 11/01/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2588 model-years tracked on this site.
200Complaints
1Recalls
10Crashes
0Fires
7Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (30% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 2.4× the median for that category across the 2588 model-years tracked on this site.

None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine60 · 30%No official action—
Electrical System57 · 28.5%No official action—
Power Train56 · 28%No official action—
Service Brakes43 · 21.5%No official action—
Vehicle Speed Control17 · 8.5%No official action—
Steering16 · 8%No official action—

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE60 · 30%
POWER TRAIN56 · 28%
Unspecified / other45 · 22.5%
SERVICE BRAKES43 · 21.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17 · 8.5%
STEERING16 · 8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14 · 7%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5 · 2.5%
AIR BAGS4 · 2%

Percentages are the share of the 200 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 2021 · reported 08/20/2021

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“The power train may be defective. The auto shut off on the vehicle completely shuts off when you stopped at a red light. The entire…”NHTSA complaint 11549724 — filed 10/13/2023 · ENGINE
“While driving on expressway, vehicle slows down suddenly. Service ESC, power steering, and engine light comes on and car tuns off. This has happened 8…”NHTSA complaint 11549390 — filed 10/11/2023 · ENGINE
“I purchased a brand new, 2020 Chevrolet Malibu in March of 2020. The car had 90 miles on it when I purchased it. Those 90…”NHTSA complaint 11549259 — filed 10/10/2023 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

52020372021392022682023592024732025592026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 60 of 200 NHTSA complaints (30%), followed by electrical system (57), power train (56), unspecified/other issues (45). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?

200 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 21V649000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu's reported problems?

0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 11/01/2026.