Chevrolet · Malibu · 2021
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
2
Recalls
73
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls and 73 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: power train (13 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is power train with 13 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 73 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are power train (13), unknown or other (13), electrical system (7).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 73
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V359000May 19, 2022
SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
NHTSA ID: 21V649000August 20, 2021
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
73 totalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 21, 2026
Took my car for an oil change 4/17/2026 dealership stated I had a recall on the 21 chevy malibu for Fuel injection module, They could not do the recall repair because they did not have the part. So the lady called me. 4/21/2026 to make appointment for recall for 4/23/2026. But la...
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SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 9, 2026
My car stalls, jerks, and shuts off when in drive. More specifically when I turn it on, shift it in reverse, reverse, shift into drive. I press on the gas and nothing. Car doesn't move. I put it back in park sometimes it'll shut off most of the time it'll jerks and jerk while I ...
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SUSPENSION
Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(R), there was a loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnose...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 21, 2026
I was driving and car suddenly reduced speed,engine light came on and message came across dash “engine power reduced” and a text was sent to tell me I have a transmission issue. Now car won’t drive past 25-30mph dealership indicated this is a faulty gas pedal which cost over $600...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 17, 2026
I was driving on the highway and the check engine light came on. The car slowed down due to lack of power. I got off at the nearest exit and the car stalled. I tried to start it but it kept clicking rapidly. The car died at a dangerous intersection so I put my hazard lights on an...
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POWER TRAIN
Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair related to the fuel pump control module. After the repair was completed, the contact experienced a new failure. While attempting to turn off the vehicle, the ve...
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POWER TRAIN
Nov 28, 2025
The component is D automatic transmission shift to park switch. The vehicle is and will be available for immediate inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk when the car lost power while they’re celebrating install in the floor of traffic, causing other cars to swerve aroun...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
Nov 6, 2025
Transmission failed to engage gear properly after backing up. Grinding sounds heard when vehicle was in drive. Problem has been confirmed and inspected by Chevrolet dealership. Vehicle is available for inspection. Occupants safety was at risk because gears could have locked up d...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 9, 2025
Dear NHTSA: I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN [XXX] ), is included in Emission Recall N252516900 issued by General Motors concerning the Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Despite that inclusion, I have experienced the following: ...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 2, 2025
Took my car to the dealer for a "shift to park" problem. Vehicle would not turn off and twice it restarted itself without the button being pushed. I checked my VIN number and there was no recall regarding this but Chevy stated that they were aware of the problem since the 2018 Ma...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 73 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Chevrolet models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Chevrolet Malibu Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has received 73 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu are power train (13 reports), unknown or other (13 reports), electrical system (7 reports).
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.