Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on May 19, 2022 (Seats). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (31 complaints), followed by electrical system (30).

How many 2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 90 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

2 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Seats

NHTSA campaign 22V359000 · reported May 19, 2022 · General Motors, LLC · 221 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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: rear/other, retractor · Seat belts: critical fasteners

NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · reported August 20, 2021 · General Motors, LLC · 402 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.

Most reported problems

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

Unknown or other31
Electrical system30
Power train28
Engine15
Fuel/propulsion system8
Air bags6
Back over prevention3
Suspension3
Fuel system, gasoline2
Service brakes2

What owners report

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

Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical system
This car has the same issues even after you get it replaced . this car is not a good car I have spent so much money replacing the oz sensor .the radio, and the turbo keeps going out . this car has a lot of recall that should be handle to make sure that this car is running good . they should replace this turbo charge…

Sep 24, 2026 · Unknown or other
Shift to park message

Sep 2, 2026 · Unknown or other
The problem with this model is the CVT Trasmission thats in the vehicle when put into drive mode it stalls to change gears and want change gears for about 5 min then it kicks in to go it does that very often i have took it to the dealership and spent tremendous mount of money the transmission are crapy and stalls the…

Aug 21, 2026 · Power train · 96,035 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed; however, the RPM was extremely elevated. The vehicle then lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three…

Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical system
The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal park-position…

Malibu model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2018	6	700	23	4
2019	1	193	8	1
2020	1	199	10	0
2021	2	90	0	1
2022	1	99	4	0
2023	2	72	5	1
2024	2	44	3	0

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

Questions

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on May 19, 2022 (Seats). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?: Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (31 complaints), followed by electrical system (30).
How many 2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 90 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 12, 2026.