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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-CHEVROLET-MALIBU
2017 · chevrolet

chevrolet Malibu problems

1 safety recall. 712 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
137 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
135 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
cruise control
96 reports · avg $600
moderate
engine
81 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
46 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
38 reports · avg $450
severe
body
15 reports · avg $1,500
severe
lighting
11 reports · avg $250
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2017 Malibu · other
I have had experience with the "SHIFT TO PARK" error and I have had the "reduced engine power" error message resulting in an UNEEDED $2200 dollar repair only for it to break down 2 months later, same message this time with fuel spraying under the hood. I NEARLY BLEW MYSELF UP…
12/31/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707988.0
2017 Malibu · electrical
We own a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu plagued with the "Shift to Park" issue. I have read numerous articles regarding this issue and they reference a recall on this problem. However, I have been unsuccessful locating this document. Was a recall actually ever created for this issue;…
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633394.0
2017 Malibu · cruise control
WHILE DRIVING GOING AT LEAST 70 MPH I GET A ENGINE POWER REDUCED MESSAGE AND IT START HAPPENING EVERY 10 MINUTES NOW AS SOON AS YOU TURN THE CAR ON IT SAYS ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND WON'T GO OVER 30 MPH. HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A MACHINE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY ACCELERATOR WHICH…
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292218.0
2017 Malibu · powertrain
MY 2017 CHEVY MALIBU HAS PERIODICALLY SHOWED A REDUCED POWER MODE ALERT IN THE DASH WHILE DRIVING AND THEN THE CAR DROPS DOWN TO UNDER 40 MPH AND WHEN I PUSH THE GAS IT WON'T ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME BUT WITHIN DAYS IT GOES OFF AND DRIVES FINE UNTIL…
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292254.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V870000 02/12/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016

Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

Common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 712 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 137 complaints filed. 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. 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 712 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 18 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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