2020 Chevrolet Malibu: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 31% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Seat belts
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Details 21V649000
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.
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.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Dtn air bag inflator rupture since Oct 2025
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Transmission: Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the transmission oil cooler lines were not properly secured.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
198 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
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