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Chevrolet Malibu Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2008 - 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Reliability by Generation2008 - 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
58.571428571429% Best 140% Worst
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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
no real issues since 2008 release, owner satisfaction high full 2011 Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Based on other owners and surveys I have seen it is very reliable - I currently have 23,000 KM - has been perfect - full 2009 Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
7500 miles no problems, solid feel full 2009 Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The Malibu competes well with comparable cars from Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai without the bland looks. This is something GM should have done a while ago. full 2009 Chevrolet Malibu review
2007 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Excellent simple design, ecotec 2.2 is well known european engine. Epsilon platform is widely spread through the world and one of GM best seller in the world. full 2007 Chevrolet Malibu review
2007 4dr Sedan 217-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
We have had no problems in the two years we have owned it. full 2007 Chevrolet Malibu review
2006 4dr Hatch 240-horsepower 3.9L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This car is bulletproof. It has not yet been to the dealership, other than oil change. My wife is very hard on this car, yet it has been perfect! full 2006 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
I did not have the sense that this car was well built, It felt like t would not hold up well over time. full 2009 Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
Reliability and durability of new electric assisted steering is showing on forums. I had a rear left electric door lock intermittent misfunction which was fixed under warranty. full 2008 Chevrolet Malibu review
2005 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Front end steering problems that dealers in three states have been unable to permanantly correct despite replacing the steering rack and all suspension components. Twice. Also, the hatch-back pistons have failed and Chevy is unable to replace them. full 2005 Chevrolet Malibu review
2005 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Transmission solenoid failed at less than 85,000 miles. Cost a lot to fix. I had a Ford that ran 164,000 miles with only transmission maintenance. Front steering thumps when turned to the left. It goes away if you lube the steering shaft. full 2005 Chevrolet Malibu review
2004 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Steering & chassis parts fail every few thousand miles. Parts that should last over 200k miles needs replacement under 50K miles. Transmission got burned. full 2004 Chevrolet Malibu review
2004 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Several problems: one was a bad weld in the left front quarter panel/fender. 2. Problem with electronic steering. 3. Seat broke and had to be replaced (all covered under warranty) full 2004 Chevrolet Malibu review
2002 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 3.1L V6
4-speed automatic FWD
Lots of small problems with the electrical system common to the Malibu/Grand AM/Alero class. 3 HVAC control units failed. Turn signal switch. DEXcool + Intake manifold gasket issues. full 2002 Chevrolet Malibu review