This page covers 1 recall, 188 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.
26–32 mpg combined
7.4–9 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, powertrain and electrical complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe unexpected stalling while driving, hesitation or sluggishness when accelerating, and a recurring issue where the instrument cluster displays a "shift to park" message even when the car is already in park, which can prevent the vehicle from shutting off normally. Some owners tie stalling episodes to the auto start/stop system cutting in and not restarting cleanly. Electrical complaints often overlap with these symptoms, pointing to broader control and sensor issues. A notable cluster of complaints also involves brake pedal feel, with multiple owners describing the pedal going hard and the vehicle taking longer than expected to slow down, particularly at highway speeds.
188
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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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 →
