This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Malibu suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Malibu | 8 |
| 2012 Malibu | 4 |
| 2013 Malibu | 65 |
| 2014 Malibu | 8 |
| 2015 Malibu (this page) | 3 |
| 2016 Malibu | 18 |
| 2017 Malibu | 9 |
| 2018 Malibu | 10 |
Of the 15 model years of Chevrolet Malibu we track for suspension problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet malibu. While attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle shook violently without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 66,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.