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2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

397 reports with mileage · 305 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Structure complaints

19 reports
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54,000 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Exterior LightingStructure

I HAVE NOTICED A FUNKY SMELL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2017. THE SMELL WOULD GO AWAY SO I NEVER LOOKED INTO IT. AFTER A BAD RAIN STORM, THE INTERIOR SMELLED AGAIN. I WENT INTO THE TRUNK A DAY LATER AND THE TIRE WELL COVER WAS WET. I FOUND WATER UNDER THE COVER AND SAW THAT IT RAN IN FROM UNDER THE DRI…

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I HAVE NOTICED A FUNKY SMELL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2017. THE SMELL WOULD GO AWAY SO I NEVER LOOKED INTO IT. AFTER A BAD RAIN STORM, THE INTERIOR SMELLED AGAIN. I WENT INTO THE TRUNK A DAY LATER AND THE TIRE WELL COVER WAS WET. I FOUND WATER UNDER THE COVER AND SAW THAT IT RAN IN FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW AREA. I ALSO FOUND WATER TRAILS DOWN THE REAR WINDOW SIDE PLASTIC CASING INSIDE THE CAR. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY MANY COMPLAINTS FROM 2016 THRU 2019 VEHICLES ABOUT THE 3RD BREAK LIGHT LEAKING DUE TO LOOSE SCREWS. SOUNDS TO THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM. A SIMPLE FIX OF TIGHTENING THE SCREWS OR USING LOCK TYPE SCREWS. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR FOR SOMETHING GM IS NOT DOING

NHTSA ODI #11257445

145,300 miles · Jun 6, 2019
Exterior LightingPower TrainStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET NORTHPOINT (2175 MANSELL RD, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009, (678) 601-2485) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET NORTHPOINT (2175 MANSELL RD, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009, (678) 601-2485) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DOME LIGHT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE MOISTURE CAUSED THE WINDOWS TO FOG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET NORTHPOINT, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN PARK AND THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCE THE SHIFTER INTO PARK. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH A 2018 PART THAT WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,300.

NHTSA ODI #11218314

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2019
Structure

MY VEHICLE LEAKS WATER AT THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDSHIELD. THE WATER RUNS DOWN THE METAL BODY INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK. WHEN I DISCOVERED IT, THERE WAS 10 INCHES OF WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL. THE BODY WALL IS RUSTING AT THE TOP, WEAKENING THE BODY WALL AND JEOPARDIZING THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. …

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MY VEHICLE LEAKS WATER AT THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDSHIELD. THE WATER RUNS DOWN THE METAL BODY INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK. WHEN I DISCOVERED IT, THERE WAS 10 INCHES OF WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL. THE BODY WALL IS RUSTING AT THE TOP, WEAKENING THE BODY WALL AND JEOPARDIZING THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE WIDESPREAD COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11210625

33,000 miles · Sep 14, 2018
StructureVisibility/wiper

I WENT INSIDE A CAR WASH AND WHEN MY CAR WAS BEEN WASH THE WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE FROM THE BACK ROOF NEXT TO THE BACK WINDOW I TOLD THE DEALER BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC WHEN IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CAR ISSUE. MY WATER PUMP IS NOT WORKING CAN NOT USE IT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ON THE ROAD CAN NOT CLEAN IT…

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I WENT INSIDE A CAR WASH AND WHEN MY CAR WAS BEEN WASH THE WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE FROM THE BACK ROOF NEXT TO THE BACK WINDOW I TOLD THE DEALER BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC WHEN IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CAR ISSUE. MY WATER PUMP IS NOT WORKING CAN NOT USE IT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ON THE ROAD CAN NOT CLEAN IT USING MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS

NHTSA ODI #11129610

9,300 miles · Aug 30, 2018
Structure

VEHICLE WAS LEAKING INTO CABIN THROUGH THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT CAUSED BY A FAULTY GASKET.

NHTSA ODI #11123380

4,000 miles · May 21, 2018
SeatsStructureUnknown Or Other

WE HAD A DOWN POUR 05/20/2018 IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA. MY VEHICLE HAD STAND STILL WATER IN MY TRUNK, THE WATER SEEPED THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR DAMAGING THE REAR SEATS, WATER COVERED THE FLOOR, THERE ARE STAINS ON THE ROOF AND THE SMELL OF AGED WATER IS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE TRUNK …

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WE HAD A DOWN POUR 05/20/2018 IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA. MY VEHICLE HAD STAND STILL WATER IN MY TRUNK, THE WATER SEEPED THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR DAMAGING THE REAR SEATS, WATER COVERED THE FLOOR, THERE ARE STAINS ON THE ROOF AND THE SMELL OF AGED WATER IS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE TRUNK WAS CLOSED AND THE WINDOWS WERE UP AS NORMAL AS MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR THE NIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11097082

51,796 miles · May 3, 2018
Structure

BACK WINDOW IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE INTERIOR AND INSIDE THE HEADLINER. NOTICED AFTER HEAVY RAINS AS WELL AS WHEN USING THE CAR WASH.

NHTSA ODI #11091659

2,700 miles · Mar 21, 2018
EngineLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALSO, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RUSH CHEVROLET (1395 W. HIGHWAY 290, ELGIN, TX). THE DE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALSO, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RUSH CHEVROLET (1395 W. HIGHWAY 290, ELGIN, TX). THE DEALER REPLACED THE REMOTE DOOR LOCK, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700.

NHTSA ODI #11080697

5,000 miles · Jul 28, 2017
EngineStructureWheelsFire

THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 15 MINUTES -HORN STARTED WENT OUT SAW SMOKE CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME BACK AT FRONT DOOR FLAMES FROM FRONT END. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE -CAR TOTALED. WORRIED ABOUT SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ESPECIALLY IF CAR PARKED IN GARAGE OR CLOSER TO HOUSE OR IF PEOPLE INSIDE

NHTSA ODI #11011224

Official recalls

4

21V649000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners; Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

Aug 20, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

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.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

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.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

18V400000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jun 14, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 31, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

16V870000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 2, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.