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2015 Chevrolet Malibu: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 270 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Malibu[1]. That is fewer than for any Malibu model year from 1997 through 2018[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 270 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of these, 18 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 13 injuries, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
The groups we cover here are: (or add a bullet: Unknown or other: 35 complaints, with 3 fires and a median of 47,500 miles[5].)
- Engine: 71 complaints, with 3 fires and a median mileage at failure of 70,000[6].
- Electrical system: 68 complaints, with 7 fires and a median of 54,000 miles[7].
- Air bags: 49 complaints, with 8 crashes, 7 injuries and 1 death, and a median of 48,000 miles[8].
- Power train: 31 complaints, with a median of 83,000 miles[9].
- Speed control: 28 complaints, with 4 crashes[10].
We also read a small sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four large groups (engine, electrical system, air bags and power train)[6][7][8][9]. Here is what owners describe in that sample.
In the engine sample, 4 of 12 describe the car stalling or shutting off while driving, and 4 of 12 mention a check engine light[6]. Some tie the stalling to the auto stop and start feature.
In the power train sample, 5 of 12 describe the car rolling or moving when it should not[9], such as rolling backward after being put in Park or on a hill after auto stop. Another 5 of 12 describe hesitation, jerky shifting or a slow restart[9].
In the electrical sample, 5 of 12 describe a sudden loss of power or a radio or lights shutting off, or trouble starting[7]. Two of 12 describe a fire[7].
In the air bag sample, 6 of 12 describe an air bag service warning light[8]. Five of 12 say air bags did not deploy or did not fill in a crash[8]. We cannot confirm any of these reports.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Malibu[2]. Newest first:
- Park lock lever (16V502). Dated July 5, 2016[11]. A replacement electronic park lock lever may let the key come out when the car is not in Park. For the 2015 Malibu, it applies to cars that may have received such a replacement lever. The risk is that the car rolls away as people get out. Dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the key cylinder lock housing for free[11].
- Side air bag inflator (15V666). Dated October 16, 2015[12]. The inflator in the front seat-mounted side air bag may rupture when it deploys. Metal pieces could hit occupants, and the bag may not inflate properly. This can cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the side air bag modules for free[12].
- Sunroof switch (15V164). Dated March 23, 2015[13]. The slide or tilt switch may be pressed by accident, and the roof panel may close unexpectedly, which risks a pinch injury. Dealers update the body control module software for free to remove the auto-close feature for certain switch positions[13].
Remove the sentence, or keep it only if the pipeline allows common knowledge with no figures.
Fuel economy
EPA lists two ratings for the 2015 Malibu. Both are front-wheel drive, use regular fuel and have an automatic (S6)[3][14].
| Engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl[3] | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo[14] | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
The 2.5L is rated 5 MPG higher combined and costs $500 less per year in fuel[3][14]. EPA's cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
In NHTSA 5-Star testing[4] of the 4-door front-wheel drive Malibu, overall, frontal and side ratings are 5 stars each. The rollover rating is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.1%[4].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows two engines. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 196 hp[15]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 250 hp[16].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[17][18].
| Measure | LS/LT/LTZ sedan | Turbo LT/LTZ sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192 in | 192 in |
| Width | 73 in | 73 in |
| Height | 57 in | 57 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in | 108 in |
| Curb weight | 3,583 lb | 3,653 lb |
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 446 | 4 |
| 1998 | 981 | 3 |
| 1999 | 793 | 1 |
| 2000 | 933 | 3 |
| 2001 | 734 | 2 |
| 2002 | 583 | 2 |
| 2003 | 585 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1,697 | 7 |
| 2005 | 1,393 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1,387 | 6 |
| 2007 | 1,036 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1,017 | 4 |
| 2009 | 1,534 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1,365 | 3 |
| 2011 | 978 | 3 |
| 2012 | 907 | 2 |
| 2013 | 924 | 11 |
| 2014 | 363 | 6 |
| 2015 | 270 | 3 |
| 2016 | 865 | 10 |
| 2017 | 725 | 4 |
| 2018 | 711 | 6 |
| 2019 | 195 | 1 |
| 2020 | 199 | 1 |
| 2021 | 90 | 2 |
| 2022 | 99 | 1 |
| 2023 | 71 | 2 |
| 2024 | 43 | 2 |
| 2025 | 11 | 1 |
NHTSA has 270 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2015 model year[2]. Every Malibu year from 1997 through 2018 has more complaints. The 2014 model has 363 and the 2016 model has 865[2]. Years from 2019 on have fewer, between 195 and 199 for 2019 and 2020 and 11 for 2025[2].
On recalls, the 2015 model has fewer than 2013 and 2016. The 2013 model has 11 recalls and the 2016 model has 10[2]. Some other years have fewer, such as 1 each for 1999, 2019 and 2020[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2015 Malibu?
The 2015 Malibu has a light complaint record next to most other Malibu years, strong NHTSA crash ratings and three recalls with free remedies[2][4][11][12][13]. The sampled complaints do point to things to check on a test drive. Look for stalling, rolling, hesitation and an air bag warning light[6][9][8]. Ask the seller for proof that the side air bag recall and the other recalls were done. Complaints are unverified, and we have no data on repair costs or reliability scores.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
- By complaint count, the engine (71), electrical system (68) and air bags (49) lead[6][7][8]. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling, rolling and air bag warning lights.
- Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?
- Yes, 3: a park lock lever (16V502), a side air bag inflator (15V666) and a sunroof switch (15V164)[11][12][13].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
- EPA rates the 2.5L at 29 combined MPG and the 2.0L turbo at 24 combined MPG[3][14].
- How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel drive Malibu 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[4].
- Is the 2015 Malibu a better year than other Malibu years?
- It has 270 complaints, fewer than every year from 1997 to 2018, but more than 2019 and later[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 270 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu (18 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 13 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Malibu model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Malibu, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 35 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 71 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 68 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 7 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 49 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 16V502, filed July 5, 2016: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V666, filed October 16, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V164, filed March 23, 2015: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Malibu, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Chevrolet Malibu with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 196 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Chevrolet Malibu with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN LS/LT/LTZ: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,583 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN TURBO LT/LTZ: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,653 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov