Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
267Complaints
3Recalls
17Crashes
9Fires
12Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (25.8% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 2.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
69 · 25.8%
No official action
—
Electrical System
64 · 24%
Recalled
Recall 16V502000
Air Bags
46 · 17.2%
Recalled
Recall 15V666000
Power Train
29 · 10.9%
No official action
—
Vehicle Speed Control
28 · 10.5%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
18 · 6.7%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 267 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR OVER AN HOUR WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BY THE BATTERY AND FUSE PANEL. THERE HAVE BEEN…”NHTSA complaint 11222866 — filed 06/27/2019 · ENGINE
“TAMARA RECALL THIS VEHICLE HAS THE AUTO STOP START SYSTEM WHERE THE ENGINE IS SUPPOSED TO ENGAGE AT A LIGHT, AND IT DOES NOT WORK…”NHTSA complaint 11174507 — filed 02/05/2019 · ENGINE
“NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO A SIMPLE SPARK PLUG CHANGE(AC DELCO IRIDIUM/OEM). FEW DAYS LATER, CAR STARTED HESITATING, AND LOSING ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT & SERVICE…”NHTSA complaint 11164705 — filed 01/03/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 69 of 267 NHTSA complaints (25.8%), followed by electrical system (64), air bags (46), unspecified/other issues (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
267 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V502000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.