The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has 39 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 13 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2024 Malibu?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
2 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: Standard & Optional · Lane departure warning: Standard & Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2024 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 2024 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 — 13 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,000 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 45,000 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — 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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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2024 Malibu· electrical
My back up camera is inop. On my 2024 chev malibu vin no [XXX] Has a black screen when backing up. States to be setviced.Has been inop since XXX. purchased XXX Took it to Dalmer Chevrolet [XXX].Did not replace due to a recall that was not released per Chevrolet . Please…
This complaint relates to NHTSA Campaign 26V212 / GM Recall N262551720, covering the rearview camera defect on 2023–2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I own a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. On XXX, the rearview camera began intermittently failing. On XXX, the camera failed completely…
On several occasions in [XXX] and while traveling to [XXX] my vehicle has reported esc codes after starting the vehicle. The ignition light, esc light, parking brake lights come on and do not go off while operating the car until I turn the car off and restart it. When I am at a…
Power door locks stopped working. Took to local dealer. Left car with them for a week and a 1/2 the first time. Dlr replaced BCM module stating this would fix issue. Picked up car and fix lasted 20 seconds. Took back to dlr they could not resolve issue. So I have been without…
Had a problem with your 2024 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 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles
A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles
The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will provide owners with the correct manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 26, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454040.
Common questions
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
On the NHTSA data, the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 2 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 13 owner complaints filed. 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 39 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 13 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 39 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 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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