This page covers 4 recalls, 713 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
26–46 mpg combined
5.1–9 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2017 Malibu generates complaints spread fairly evenly across three areas: engine performance, speed/throttle control, and the powertrain. The most consistently reported issue is a "Shift to Park" warning that triggers even after the driver has moved the selector into park, preventing the car from fully shutting off and draining the battery over time. Owners describe this happening repeatedly, sometimes after dealership visits that don't resolve it. The second major pattern is reduced engine power, owners report the car entering a reduced-power or limp mode while driving, often accompanied by the check engine and traction control lights illuminating simultaneously. This tends to happen at highway speeds, where the sudden power loss is particularly disruptive. A smaller but recurring complaint involves the electronic brake booster failing and requiring replacement, with some owners reporting multiple replacements within a short period.
713
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 recalls, the most serious being a rear side airbag inflator that can separate during a crash and send debris flying into the cabin.
A fuel system recall also carries significant risk: the high-pressure fuel pump can detach from its mounting flange, damaging the fuel line and creating a fuel leak that raises the risk of fire. On the restraint side, rear seatbelt retractors may be fastened with loose or missing hardware, which can prevent the belt from locking up properly in a crash and leave rear passengers less protected. There is also a concern with the front passenger seat sensor: if the vehicle was previously serviced and had a replacement sensor installed that was not calibrated to match the seat, the front passenger airbag may deploy incorrectly in a crash, either firing when it should not or failing to deploy with the right force.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belt retractors may have loose or missing fasteners, affecting their secure attachment to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors as needed 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 passenger detection system in the front seat may not be properly calibrated to your vehicle, so it cannot correctly tell the difference between an adult and a child passenger. This could prevent the air bag from deploying when needed or cause it to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger detection system seat service kit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can separate from its mounting flange, potentially damaging the high pressure fuel line.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds, which could cause it to fail during deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
