Chevrolet Malibu 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Chevrolet Malibu 2020 and 198 complaints filed by owners. It has 34% fewer complaints than the average Chevrolet Malibu from 2016–2025 (299 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Chevrolet Malibu 2020? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Chevrolet Malibu 2020
Seat belts
NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 2021-08-20
What happens
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Consequence
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
198 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
10 with a crash · 7 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Chevrolet Malibu 2020
- Engine: 59 (30% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 58 (29% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 57 (29% of complaints)
- Brakes: 42 (21% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 18 (9% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Chevrolet Malibu 2020
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Chevrolet Malibu recalls by year
- 2016 : 9 recalls · 861 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 725 complaints
- 2018 : 6 recalls · 700 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 192 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recalls · 198 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 98 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 70 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 42 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recalls · 11 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu 2020 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Chevrolet Malibu 2020. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Malibu 2020?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (59 of 198 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).