2021 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and engine.
90 complaints 2 recalls, 1 crash risk 15th worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Electrical problems
30 complaints (33%) name the electrical system, most often the starter assembly.
Transmission problems
28 complaints (31%) name the transmission.
Engine problems
15 complaints (17%) name the engine.
Fuel system problems
10 complaints (11%) name the fuel system, most often the throttlebody / manifold and fuel pump.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (17 of 90). The amber line is the middle value, about 54,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Driver seat frame may have weak weld
Crash riskThe driver's seat frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt mechanism. In a crash, the seat may not hold the driver properly, raising the chance of injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 22V359000 · May 2022Rear seat belt retractors may be loose
Injury riskThe rear seat belt retractors may be held in place with loose or missing fasteners. In a crash, a retractor that is not secured properly may not work as it should, which raises the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the rear seat belt retractors and tighten them as needed, free of charge.
Recall 21V649000 · Aug 2021Get an email when your 2021 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Malibu years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and engine.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, transmission, engine and fuel system. 30 complaints (33%) name the electrical system, most often the starter assembly.
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 44,000–63,000 miles, with a middle value near 53,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2. Driver seat frame may have weak weld (22V359000); Rear seat belt retractors may be loose (21V649000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2021 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.