2021 Chevrolet Malibu: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 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.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Seats
An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Details 22V359000
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.
Fix: 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.
- 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.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
No warranty extensions listed.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
88 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
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 2020 2022 2023 2024
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