2015 Chevrolet Malibu
Common Problems
Ranked from 110 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Airbag System Malfunction
26complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbag light frequently comes on or stays on, indicating potential malfunction of the airbag system.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 2
Auto Stop/Start System Failure
18complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe auto stop/start system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly turn off and fail to restart.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V502000
- 3
Airbag System Failure
17complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbag system failed to deploy during collisions, posing a risk of injury or death.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 4
Engine Power Reduction During Acceleration
12complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine power is reduced during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slow down and potentially stall.
- 5
Reduced Engine Power
12complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine shows reduced power, often dropping to lower speeds or stalling, without warning.
- 6
Vehicle Speed Control Issues
9complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle speed control system malfunctions, causing the engine power to reduce and the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly.
- 7
Steering Jerking and Loss of Control
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering system experiences jerking and loss of control, especially at low speeds, posing a safety risk.
- 8
Engine Stalling Without Warning
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light and reduced power.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Transmission Failure
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission repeatedly fails, causing the vehicle to stall and lose power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Automatic Shutoff During Driving
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe car automatically shuts off during driving, requiring repeated attempts to start the engine, which can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 11
Automatic Stop/Start System Failure
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe automatic stop/start system malfunctions, causing the engine to stall or fail to restart after being turned off.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Defroster Failure
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe defroster stops working, making it difficult to clear ice and moisture from the windshield while driving.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 13
Seat Issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherIssues with seat controls and seat base separation causing exposure of wires.
- 14
Sunroof Glass Failure
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof glass buckles and shatters, creating a large hole in the roof.
- 15
Transmission Control Module Failure
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe transmission control module fails, causing unexpected shifts and transmission failures.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V502000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.