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2021 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about the other or unspecified (34% of complaints). It is 23rd of 26 Malibu model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Other or unspecified
31 complaints · 34%Driving through a sandstorm at 45mph( slow lane and speed sure to visibility) on interstate 10 from rancho mirage to desert hot springs, california, the vehicle windshield cracked nearly a foot. I was charged $400 by enterprise rentals since this was a rental vehicle. A small chip could be seen, size of a ball point…
Electrical
30 complaints · 33%Parts named most often: starter assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and pressing the start/stop button, the vehicle did not immediately turn off with the message "shift to park" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine started to choke. The service vehicle light remained illuminated after the other lights turned off. The engine started choking again and failed to start. The…
Transmission
28 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into park(p), the vehicle started to roll. The contact stated that the shift to park message was then illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and shifting the vehicle into park, the message "shift to park" was displayed with the gear shifter already in park(p). The contact was able to turn off the vehicle however, the electrical features remained operable. The…
Engine
15 complaints · 17%The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. After approximately 45 minutes of driving, the vehicle was turned off and restarted without the key fob. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle lost communication…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the power steering became inoperable, with a grinding sound present and unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who…
Fuel system
10 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: fuel injection system, delivery.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine started to choke. The service vehicle light remained illuminated after the other lights turned off. The engine started choking again and failed to start. The…
Air bags
6 complaints · 7%Backup camera
3 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: warnings.
Suspension
3 complaints · 3%The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(r), there was a loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Seats
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 23, 2022. Owners may contact chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. Gm's number for this recall is n212356050.
Full defect summary
General motors, llc (gm) is recalling certain 2021 chevrolet malibu, 2022 chevrolet equinox, blazer and cadillac xt4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Seat belts: retractor
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on september 17, 2021. Owners may contact chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. Gm's number for this recall is n212333380.
Full defect summary
General motors, llc (gm) is recalling certain 2016-2021 chevrolet malibu and 2019-2021 cadillac xt4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (31 complaints); electrical (30 complaints); transmission (28 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 19, 2022 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
- It is 23rd of 26 Malibu model years by number of complaints, with 90 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.