CarRecallDB

2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

3 recalls and 270 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu.

3
recalls
270
owner complaints
18
complaints mentioning a crash
9
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Electrical system: ignition · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 8,367 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 15V666000 · reported October 16, 2015 · General Motors LLC · 395 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
The risk
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. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 15V164000 · reported March 23, 2015 · General Motors LLC · 87,063 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
The risk
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.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 24, 2026 · Electrical system

Fuel sensors failing, codes obd are not fixing issue, auto stop, shuts radio off when brake is applied, resets all electric components in car. Every time braking at a stop or signal.

Aug 16, 2026 · Service brakes

While driving my 2015 Chevrolet Malibu on a four-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 70 mph, the vehicle displayed an “Engine Power Is Reduced” message and limited the vehicle to less than approximately 25 mph. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could no longer maintain highway traffic…

Jul 22, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported

I was t-boned on the front side panel near the door at a high rate of speed. I would estimate well above the posted limit of 35 mph and my front and side airbags failed to deploy. I have video from the intersection and dash cam demonstrating the impact. My head hit off the steering wheel causing a concussion, neck and…

Jun 15, 2026 · Power train

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(P), drive(D), and neutral(N), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter panel. The doors locked…

May 4, 2026 · Wheels

Qdeana auto sales in Winchester ky took out my fog lights , 6by 9 speakers and replaced my wheels and tires with 3 18 inch tires that were all different brands and heights and widths and added my 4th tire that was completely a different sized. A size 17. Gave me a key fob that was broken and only that one. Made me…

Malibu model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2012 29075013
2013 108373310
2014 6351198
2015 3270189
2016 9841232
2017 4704164
2018 6700234

Across all years, the 2009 Malibu has the most complaints (1,509). All Chevrolet Malibu years →

Questions

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on July 5, 2016 (Electrical system: ignition, Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (70 complaints), followed by electrical system (68).
How many 2015 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?
18 of 270 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 24, 2026.