GradeChevrolet Malibu Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Chevrolet Malibu earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 8th of 11 midsize cars we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 4,499 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Chevrolet Malibu reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2004 (stalling / loss of power), 2009–2010 (stalling / loss of power) and 2018 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Chevrolet Malibu last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Chevrolet Malibu vs. other midsize cars
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | A | A- | A |
| Mazda Mazda6 | A- | A- | A- |
| Volkswagen Passat | B | A | A- |
| Nissan Maxima | A | B | A- |
| Nissan Altima | A | B | B+ |
| Honda Accord | B- | B+ | B- |
| Chrysler 200 | C+ | C+ | B- |
| Chevrolet Malibu | C+ | C | C+ |
| Kia Optima | F | C+ | C- |
| Hyundai Sonata | F | C | D |
| Ford Fusion | D | F | D |
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Rate your MalibuChevrolet Malibu reliability FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Average reliability. The Chevrolet Malibu earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 8th of 11 midsize cars we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 4,499 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Chevrolet Malibu last?
We estimate a well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Chevrolet Malibu?
No Chevrolet Malibu model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2002, 2003 and 2015.
What Chevrolet Malibu years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Malibu years to be most careful with are 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2018. The 2018 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2004 grades a D overall (engine C, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Malibu transmission a C (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Malibu engine a C+ (average reliability).