One of the better Malibu years
Owners filed about 33% fewer complaints than a typical Malibu year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 78,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Malibu years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 351 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (127, 36% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the brakes and stability control. That ranks 6th of 13 Malibu years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 6 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu before you buy.
Engine and cooling
127 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 78,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 213,310 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon driving four miles at approximately 35 MPH, the engine overheated. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The temperature gauge increased to Hot. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact added water to the vehicle, but the water drained…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 105,670 miles
Electrical system
86 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle mileage was 177,918. The contact had owned the vehicle since 2022. After scanning the vehicle with an OBD scanner, the mileage was discovered to be 286,307.Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 286,307 miles
I have been an issue with my auto stop system past 6 months. While driving and coming to a complete stop the auto stop kicks into gear as it should but when I release the gas pedal to drive off it stalls for a about 20 seconds unlocking/locking doors and proceeds to kick into drive gear. I have had auxiliary battery checked and it’s…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
64 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 61,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 20-25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed that the rotors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 200,000 miles
my vehicle had just fixed by chevy dealership they changed both battery. i drove and pick it up,but its having the same problem it stalled or stops in red lights when i push brake it engaged the autop stop and have to restart the car again. almost got into an accident because i was stucked in the traffic with green lights and im in the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Transmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 52,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the lights on the gear shifter was flashing, with the power steering assist and parking assist messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked violently while depressing the accelerator pedal. The…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while accelerating between 0 to 20 MPH, the transmission hesitated while shifting into first gear. While driving at speeds above 20 MPH the hesitation was more prominent, causing the vehicle almost stall; however, the vehicle would remain running. The contact stated that…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 93,000 miles
Fuel system
26 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS ECO , has a start/stop system that will shut off the engine at a traffic light or stop sign upon reaching a full stop and when the brake pedal is firmly pressed. Upon releasing the brake pedal the engine should immediately restart and driver can proceed. Randomly and intermittently the engine will fail to…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted.…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 47,000 miles
Steering
26 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet malibu. While driving 80 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to move. The contact restarted the vehicle, but it was unable to be driven above 20 MPH without the steering wheel locking up. Also, the "please service steering" warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 36,731 miles
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet malibu. While the contact's son was pulling into the driveway, the steering wheel suddenly locked and the vehicle drove into a nearby ditch. The contact took the vehicle to a collision center and was informed that the front end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 41,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
26 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 70,000 miles. Parts named most: Defroster / defogger / HVAC system (6).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Defrost on car suddenly stopped working. Defrost is on, motor is running yet windows are not defrosting causing minimal visibilityOwner complaint, filed 2026
The defrost control does not engage properly causing very poor visual conditions. Has been this way for a long time now and have not been able to get it fixed. If this problem does not get fixed soon I feel it will cause an accident. Thank you for your time.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Wheels and tires
21 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 52,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
I purchased said auto 2015 with 30,000 miles I have had to replace 6 axle bearing 2 because ABS tape came off of hub I have replaced camshaft accuaters and cam shaft solonoid,I was a mechanic and service manager for over 20 years .car, had the right 5-20 oil at oil changes. Car has 160,000miles now but about every 30,000 miles it needs…Owner complaint, filed 2022
As many other customers have reported on these malibu's, issues with the wheel bearings going out in them at relatively low miles. I think this issue needs to be looked into because there are a ton of complaints about this issue.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 80,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
17 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that due to a faulty seal in the trunk, the vehicle flooded in february of 2014. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle violently [VIN] forward or in reverse. As a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed.…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 46,000 miles
First of all thanks NHTSA for recalling the brakes on this vehicle. Well another problem has arose with this vehicle. My daughter was driving this vehicle this morning. When she applied the brakes coming down hill she stated the vehicle slowed then sped up while pushing the brake pedal. So I then road tested the vehicle when I got home…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 1,460 miles
Air bags
16 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 74,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I haven’t been in an accident or even tapped anything with my vehicle but a system warning stating the airbags may be malfunctioning continuously flashed on the driver dashboard and now my “check engine” warning light is continuously lit.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Was in a bad wreck, other drivers car deployed airbags, mine did not but engine shut off and hazards stayed on. Crash was about 30 miles an hour or so at impact.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Seats and seat belts
12 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 75,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
I went to put my seat belt on, car was parked, (driver side front) and the cable that holds it the floor snapped in half. Can not use seat belt until I get it replaced. Called dealership and I knew car was out of warranty, but this is a safety issue. Said nothing they could do. The belt itself is ok, it's the cable on floor that broke in…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Vehicle was involved in a fatality crash during which the driver headrest including anchors came out of the seat back and was observed in the passenger floorboard. The vehicle was stationary (disabled - out of gas) partially in a moving lane of traffic on a highway at the time of the crash and struck by a moving vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 37,288 miles
Body, doors and structure
12 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 26,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (10).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after returning to the parked vehicle, it was discovered that the rear trunk lid had erroneously opened. The contacted indicated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while observing inside the trunk of the vehicle, white water was discovered inside the spare tire well. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed ore repaired. The [VIN] was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 44,000 miles
Suspension
9 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 51,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Bad wheel barring at 22560 miles I bought the car with 8000 dealer says things go bad you do the math. This should not be going. Ad till maybe 90,000Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 22,560 miles
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet malibu. While driving at any speed, the contact heard a continuous noise. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear wheel bearing failed and needed to be replaced. The [VIN] was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 50,509 miles
Chevrolet Malibu complaints by year
Compare the 2014 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2014 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Chevrolet Malibu | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2014 Toyota Camry | Worse than most years | 3 |
| 2014 Honda Accord | Worse than most years | 4 |
| 2014 Hyundai Sonata | About average | 7 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Electrical system Ignition
- Risk
- If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
Windows, mirrors and wipers Sun / moon roof assembly
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall summary
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."
Brakes Vacuum
- Risk
- If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2.5L engine with the auto stop/start option. The affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. As such, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Brakes Disc
- Risk
- If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Windows, mirrors and wipers Defroster / defogger / HVAC system
- Risk
- The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
2014 Chevrolet Malibu questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most reported problem areas on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu are the engine and cooling (127 complaints), the electrical system (86 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (64 complaints).
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu a good year to buy?
One of the better Malibu years. Owners filed about 33% fewer complaints than a typical Malibu year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 78,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Malibu years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recent, from Jul 2016, covers the ignition. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 78,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 65,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Chevrolet Malibu years should I avoid?
The Malibu years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2019, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model