This page covers 5 recalls, 349 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.
24–29 mpg combined
8.1–9.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2014 Malibu picture, with the auto stop-start system drawing the most attention. Owners frequently report that the engine fails to restart smoothly after the auto stop-start feature cuts the engine at a light or stop sign, in some cases the car stalls outright when the driver releases the brake or tries to accelerate. This happens both from a rolling stop and occasionally right at cold start. Powertrain complaints overlap here, with reports of hesitation and rough running at low speeds. The electrical system rounds out the top three, where owners describe intermittent symptoms like door locks cycling on their own, dashboard warning lights illuminating without an apparent trigger, and airbag warning lights flashing without any collision event. Several owners also note the check engine light coming on alongside these electrical oddities, often without a clear single cause.
349
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the brakes: certain vehicles may have mismatched front rotors that can cause a brake pad to detach, and 2.5L engine models with the auto stop/start feature can lose all vacuum-assisted braking, both of which significantly extend stopping distances.
On the electrical and ignition side, the park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is still in Drive or another non-Park position, which can cause the vehicle to roll away as occupants step out. There are also two visibility-related recalls: the HVAC control can intermittently stop working at startup, leaving the windshield defroster unable to clear frost or fog, and on vehicles with a sunroof, the slide or tilt switch sits too close to the surface and can be pressed accidentally, causing the roof panel to close without warning and pinch anyone in its path.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The slide or tilt switch for the roof panel isn't recessed deeply enough, so it can be accidentally pressed during normal use.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the roof control software to disable the auto-close feature for certain switch positions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake vacuum assist system may fail completely, eliminating hydraulic boost assistance for the brakes on certain 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 2.5L engines and auto stop/start.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the electronic brake control module software at no cost to restore proper brake vacuum assist operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Thinner rear brake rotors may have been installed on the front of your vehicle by mistake. These rotors can cause the front brake pad to separate from its caliper.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your front brake rotors and install the correct thicker rotors with new brake pads at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The climate control system may stop working when the vehicle starts, which can prevent the windshield defroster from operating.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the climate control module software at no cost to restore normal operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
