CarModelProblems.com

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.8× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
188Complaints
1Recalls
8Crashes
1Fires
7Injured
0Deaths

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 — Power Train (32.4% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Power Train complaints here are 3.8× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train61 · 32.4%No official action
Engine61 · 32.4%No official action
Electrical System61 · 32.4%No official action
Service Brakes20 · 10.6%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System17 · 9%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control12 · 6.4%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.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN61 · 32.4%
ENGINE61 · 32.4%
Unspecified / other36 · 19.1%
SERVICE BRAKES20 · 10.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17 · 9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12 · 6.4%
AIR BAGS6 · 3.2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4 · 2.1%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4 · 2.1%

Percentages are the share of the 188 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.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 2021 · reported 08/20/2021

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park 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

“Gear shift does not register the vehicle is in park. Intermittent “Shift to Park” warning displays - the car will not shut off. It drains…”NHTSA complaint 11509144 — filed 02/26/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“Vehicle lost power while driving without warning which could have caused an accident. Dealer says the ECM failed.”NHTSA complaint 11508251 — filed 02/20/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“Put car in Park but Message center says Shift to Park. Also engine tuns off but car switch is still on. Contacted Chevy but advisors…”NHTSA complaint 11507681 — filed 02/16/2023 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1201882019242020292021652022672023292024622025222026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 61 of 188 NHTSA complaints (32.4%), followed by engine (61), electrical system (61), unspecified/other issues (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have?

188 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 21V649000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu's reported problems?

0 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.