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ProblemsByVinFile / 2017-CHEVROLET-MALIBUNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2017 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has 720 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu has 720 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 138 complaints, typically surfacing around 53,273 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Malibu?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
Engine: 81 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 31,570–75,698 mi
Steering: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 39,800–83,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
4 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: 2017 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 2017 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
powertrain — 138 owner reports
· tends to show around 53,273 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 137 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,661 mi · ~$850 to fix
cruise control — 96 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,886 mi · ~$600 to fix
engine — 81 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,879 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 57,879 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 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
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;…
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…
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…
Car voltage stays very high (between 14.8 and 15 volts) for extended periods of time. At which point the windows have fogged up and there is a raw egg smell in the cabin - probably Sulfur. Both the hybrid and the 12v car battery are located in the truck and there are vents that…
Had a problem with your 2017 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 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 720 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.
Should you avoid the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Engine: 81 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 31,570–75,698 mi; Steering: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 39,800–83,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 138 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,273 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 720 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 53,273 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 138 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,273 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 53,273 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 720 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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