2023 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Report
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (24) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu with 3 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Malibu Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Malibu years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | 8 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu | 70 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 62 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 180 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Malibu | 182 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyTires
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Tires issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability Score
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame And Members General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles due to a potential issue with the front impact frame and members. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System The vehicle has experienced multiple electrical system issues, including check engine light, power loss, and brake system module failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags The vehicle has had issues with air bags, including a recall for air bags, structure, and electrical system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine The vehicle has experienced engine communication failures and fuel pump secondary circuit open issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu:
Issues with the front impact frame and members have been reported.
Multiple electrical system issues have been reported, including check engine light and power loss.
Air bag issues have been reported, including a recall for air bags, structure, and electrical system.
Engine communication failures and fuel pump secondary circuit open issues have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
Consequence: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated and unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, there was a white fuel warning light illuminated with the message “Low Fuel” displayed after refueling the vehicle. The white exclamation warning icon with the "Shift to Park" message...
MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY TH...
Tread started separation on driver front tire
When I was in a car accident I was hit on the rear passenger side of my vehicle, right near where my side air bags are supposed to be located. I was hit at 50 mph and the airbags did not deploy.
On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to spin approximately 180 degrees and strike a concrete median sideways, generating high lateral G-for...
Check engine light will come on entire car will shut off. Shuttering, braking locks up, all power is reduced, especially engine power. car will get towed to the Chevrolet dealership in temple, Tx and Killeen, Tx for repairs. When hooked up to the scanner all 7 modules show as faulty. Chevrolet of Killeen replaced only 3 of the modules stating that was the issue. two days after repair same issue ha...
Brake system failure lost brakes twice, went and got a diagnosis reading and it said brake system module failure. That it lost communication with the module
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, another vehicle collided with her vehicle on the rear end of the vehicle as well as the rear passenger side. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. The air bags on the front driver and passenger sides deployed partially. The vehicle was still drivable. The insurance company ...
Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.
At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated P023F fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed same fuel pump error code. Confirmed no recall. Car is currently being repaired by dealership at my expense as dealership & GM says fuel pump is not covere...
I brought in my used vehicle to the dealership the same dealership that I purchased my car from due to another issue i was having with the car. Upon inspection from the dealership a diagnostic test was done on the vehicle, the dealership gave me a invoice stating "airbag malfunction needs the airbag on horn". I purchased this used vehicle from this dealership 4-4-25,. 6-10-25 i returned for th...
The fuel line to the engine is leaking an 2 gallons leaked onto my driveway. Also, the vehicle cabin was consumed with fuel fumes which was a hazard and dangerous. The was danger of the vehicle exploding or catching fire. No warning lights appeared. The incident occurred on [XXX]. The fleet vehicle has been taken to Belle Tire for repair; however, not inspected by the manufacturer. My husband ...
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR27. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, there was a blowout of the front driver's side tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire was replaced. The contact stated that later while inspecting the vehicle it...
The contact rented a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The rental agency was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact returned the vehicle on the ne...
My car randomly shuts off when but still says it’s on at a stop light which causes a lot of problems because I have to push the start button to turn off and turn on again. Something is wrong with the wiring, in order for me to turn my car off I have to unplug my battery otherwise my car safety alarm will activate and hazard lights will go off and trunk will open. Which also cause my horn to go out...
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start when the Push-to-Start button was pressed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the diagnosis was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Since purchase been having issues with the vehicle. From shutting off while driving, all dash shutting off while subbing but car still running, car says key fob not in vehicle out key fob on vehicle when trying to lock, radio go crazy. Has been looked at numerous times with different electrical/programming codes. Radio has been replaced over and was scheduled for second radio to be installed Sm bu...
After purchasing a brand new chevrolet malibu, about 4 months into droving it; the check engine light illuminated and the next day, an error message of “engine power is reduced” was displaying on the dash. The vehicle was turned over to the dealership and two different sensors were replaced. After a day of having the vehicle back after repairs, the check engine light illuminated again. I returned ...
on 2 occasions my dash had a waring come on that my crash avoidance system was inoperable and on 3 occasions my waring system with the red lights in front of the steering wheel has come on with no cars around. also on oct 28th the low pressure waring for right rear tire came on 21psi and this wasn't the case and i did get a warning from onstar this time. gm has sent this vehicle to another gm deal...
When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.
Showing 20 of 24 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Has the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
The 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 24 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU involve air bags (3 complaints), power train,electrical system,engine (2 complaints), tires (2 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,unknown or other,engine, electrical system, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU out of 24 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU out of 24 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU is generally recommended. It has 24 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU are: 1. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (2 complaints), 3. TIRES (2 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE (2 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Be cautious of potential issues with the frame and members, electrical system, air bags, and engine. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls. The 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU has 24 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
The 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 24 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Frame and Members and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU?
Known issues with the 2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU include: Frame and Members, Electrical System, Air Bags, Engine. These are based on patterns found across 24 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, there is a recall for certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles due to a potential issue with the front impact frame and members.
What are the common electrical system issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Common electrical system issues include check engine light, power loss, and brake system module failure.
Have there been any issues with the air bags in the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, there have been issues with air bags, including a recall for air bags, structure, and electrical system.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential issues with the frame and members, electrical system, air bags, and engine. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14