2017 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Malibu: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Recurring Engine, Power Train, and 'Shift to Park' Issues with Multiple Safety Recalls

711Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
17Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
16Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (77)Power Train (69)Engine (66)Electrical System (45)Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (33)Vehicle Speed Control (33)Service Brakes (20)Steering (18)Electrical System,Engine (17)Fuel/Propulsion System (16)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, achieving 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 711 total complaints, including 17 crashes and 16 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. A significant number of complaints, 69, relate to the POWER TRAIN, and 66 to the ENGINE, often describing sudden loss of power or 'Reduced Engine Power' messages, which can be extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds. The 'Shift to Park' issue is also a recurring problem, preventing the vehicle from fully shutting off and causing inconvenience and potential battery drain. Recall history for the 2017 Malibu includes four separate campaigns. These address critical safety components such as seat belt retractors (improperly secured fasteners), air bag sensors (incorrect calibration), fuel pump lines (risk of fuel leak and fire), and side air bag inflators (insufficient welds leading to debris propulsion or failure). These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that could significantly increase the risk of injury or fire in a crash or even during normal operation. The fuel pump recall, in particular, directly correlates with some complaints mentioning fuel leaks and strong gas smells. Despite the strong crash test performance, the high volume of complaints, particularly regarding engine power loss and braking issues (20 complaints for SERVICE BRAKES), suggests potential real-world safety risks that may not be fully captured by controlled crash tests. The 'Reduced Engine Power' issue, described by multiple complainants as causing the vehicle to lose acceleration at high speeds, is a severe hazard. The 'Shift to Park' issue, while less directly life-threatening, is a persistent functional defect that impacts vehicle operation and user experience. Overall, while the Malibu performs well in simulated crash scenarios, its operational reliability and component integrity, as indicated by complaints and recalls, show significant weaknesses.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Reduced Engine Power / Engine Stalling
Vehicle suddenly loses engine power, enters 'limp mode', or stalls while driving, often at highway speeds, accompanied by warning lights. This is a serious safety hazard.		 High Common variable miles
Shift To Park Error
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message even when in park, preventing full shutdown or requiring multiple attempts to turn off the car.		 Medium Common variable miles
Brake System Malfunctions
Brakes become hard to press, go to the floor, or lose effectiveness, sometimes in conjunction with engine power loss. Multiple complaints mention brake booster issues.		 High Occasional variable miles
Fuel Leaks / Fuel Pump Issues
Strong gas smell or visible fuel leaks, potentially related to the recalled fuel pump line, increasing fire risk.		 High Occasional variable miles
Airbag System Defects
Recalls indicate potential issues with occupant classification system calibration and insufficient welds in side airbag inflators, increasing injury risk in a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles
Seat Belt Retractor Issues
Recalled due to improperly secured rear seat belt retractors, which may not function properly in a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general or unspecified category, indicating various miscellaneous issues.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Frequent issues related to the transmission and drivetrain, including stalling and hesitation.

Engine 9% of complaints

Common complaints about engine performance, including 'Reduced Engine Power' messages, stalling, and turbocharger failures.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems with various electrical components, sometimes contributing to starting issues or dashboard warnings.

Vehicle Speed Control 4% of complaints

Issues related to maintaining or controlling vehicle speed, often linked to engine power loss.

Service Brakes 2% of complaints

Reports of brake failure, difficulty stopping, and issues with brake boosters.

Steering 2% of complaints

Complaints about steering difficulty, sometimes occurring concurrently with engine power loss.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

Issues including fuel leaks and strong gas odors.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu received excellent 5-star crash safety ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, it has 711 total complaints, 17 crashes, and 16 injuries reported to NHTSA, along with 4 safety recalls. Common complaints about sudden engine power loss and brake issues indicate potential real-world safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu include 'Reduced Engine Power' messages and engine stalling (66 complaints for ENGINE), 'Shift to Park' errors preventing the car from turning off, and power train issues (69 complaints). Other significant problems involve the electrical system (45 complaints) and service brakes (20 complaints), with some owners reporting brake failure or difficulty stopping.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 safety recalls. These include issues with rear seat belt retractors, incorrect calibration of the Passenger Presence System for airbags, potential fuel leaks from a damaged fuel pump line, and insufficient welds in the right-hand rear side air bag inflator.

How reliable is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

The reliability of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is questionable given the 711 NHTSA complaints, which include significant issues like engine power loss, 'Shift to Park' errors, and brake problems. While not a direct reliability score, the volume and nature of these complaints suggest potential long-term reliability concerns, especially with critical components like the engine and power train.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

When considering a used 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, pay close attention to any 'check engine' lights, especially if accompanied by 'Reduced Engine Power' messages. Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or difficulty stopping. Also, ensure the 'Shift to Park' function operates correctly without error messages, and verify that all 4 recalls have been addressed by a dealership.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash ratings but recurring serious complaints about engine power loss, 'Shift to Park' issues, and brake problems, proceed with caution. Ensure all 4 recalls have been completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The data includes 711 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 17 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.