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ProblemsByVinFile / 2014-CHEVROLET-MALIBUNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Chevrolet
2014 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has 361 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has 361 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 73 complaints, typically surfacing around 74,504 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2014 Malibu?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system
Steering: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,000–80,000 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 73 owner reports
· tends to show around 74,504 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 66 owner reports
· tends to show around 85,243 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 52 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,087 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 25 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,205 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 74,504 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2014 Malibu· electrical
6 months ago our car’s auto stop/start feature started to malfunction. The car will stall and sputter on the start after coming to a stop. This is very dangerous! On multiple occasions, the car would not accelerate through a turn on a light stalling out in the intersection. we…
The engine light came on with ap2646 code. After attempting to repair, and the code remaining I attempted to find part 12633613. Unable to locate the part I brought it in to a garage. They replaced the same part I had already replaced, and still the engine light remained. They…
Driving car on the expressway hit a puddle ABS light along with check stabil trak and check break assist system come on, few minutes down the road attempt to break and turn wheel neither work, hit guard rail l, after hitting guard rail another warning light saying service power…
Had a problem with your 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2
If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020. General Motors number for this recall is 14201.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors
If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013
The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 361 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Steering: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,000–80,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 73 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,504 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 361 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 74,504 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 73 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,504 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 74,504 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Malibu has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 361 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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