DEFECTFILE
Vehicles / Chevrolet / Malibu Classic

Chevrolet Malibu Classic

312 federal complaints across 11 model years (1997-2008) · 1 recall campaigns

Complaints by model year

Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2007
2008
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years

Model years compared

Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.

Highest complaint totals

  1. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic - 52 complaints in its first 8 years (116 to date)
  2. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic - 41 complaints in its first 8 years (92 to date)
  3. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic - 21 complaints in its first 8 years (21 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.

Lowest totals among mature years

  1. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic - 41 complaints in its first 8 years (92 to date)
  2. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic - 52 complaints in its first 8 years (116 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.

What owners report, all years combined

Electrical system
169
Steering
60
Engine & cooling
28
Lighting
27
Fuel system
22
Air bags
15

Every model year

Model yearComplaints to dateWithin 8 yearsRecalls
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic21210
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Classic15100
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic92411
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic116521
2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic1600
2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic1600
2001 Chevrolet Malibu Classic1300
2000 Chevrolet Malibu Classic1100
1999 Chevrolet Malibu Classic400
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic500
1997 Chevrolet Malibu Classic300

Recall campaigns, all years

Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.

CampaignYearsComponentSummary
14V4000002004-2005Electrical SystemThis defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition...