How the 2024 compares
Too new to judge fully
It has been on the road 2 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Malibu year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the electrical system.
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 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (19, 42% of complaints), followed by the driver assist systems and the transmission and drivetrain. That is the fewest complaints of any Malibu year from 2012 to 2024 on file. It has 2 recalls. Newer cars have had less time to build up complaints, so expect this number to grow.
Complaints45filed with NHTSA
Recalls2for this model year
Crashes31 injury reported
Fires0reported in complaints
Own one?
Get recall alerts for your 2024 Malibu
Add it to My Garage, free. We email you when a new recall is issued for it, plus service reminders and what it is worth each month.
Add it to My GarageShopping for one?
Start a free car search
Tell us what you want in a 2024 Malibu and your budget. We review every request and show you how we can help you find a good one and skip the bad years.
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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu before you buy.
Electrical system
19 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
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
This complaint relates to NHTSA Campaign 26V212 / GM Recall N262551720, covering the rearview camera defect on 2023, 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. I own a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. On XXX, the rearview camera began intermittently failing. On XXX, the camera failed completely while I was backing out of a space in a parking garage in [XXX].…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The backup camera is failing to shut down when the vehicle is put into drive. The camera will stay on for 30 seconds to five minutes when the car is moving forward. The issue was reported to the local GM dealer and the vehicle was brought in for service. They were unable to replicate the problem, so nothing was repaired by the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
13 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V212000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The Contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon reversing their vehicle, the rear view camera display was blank. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact emphasized their concern for safety referencing NHTSA Campaign Number : 26V212000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) as probable cause for the failure. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 15,736 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and turned off in front of the hotel lobby. Moments after entering the hotel, the contact informed that the vehicle had rolled down the hotel driveway and crashed into two parked vehicles located in the hotel parking area. No injuries were reported.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 45,000 miles
I have brought my vehicle to Preston Hood Chevrolet on two occasions for two major issues. Failed breaking system started as when I am at a stop light the car won’t move and the brake light and ignition light comes on and it won’t move when I press the gas! I almost had an 4 car pile up. Now it is stalling when I am driving on the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Engine and cooling
4 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
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
Beginning in late August/early September 2026, my 2024 Chevrolet Malibu RS began experiencing recurring electrical and engine performance issues. The vehicle intermittently displays an “Engine Power Reduced” warning and Check Engine Light. I have also experienced unexpected vehicle shutdowns and intermittent electrical malfunctions. I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
was stopped at a red light. When the traffic light turned green, I pressed the accelerator to proceed through the intersection, but my vehicle did not respond or accelerate immediately. After several seconds, the vehicle finally began to move. This unexpected delay created a safety concern because I was unable to accelerate when traffic…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
4 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
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
Brake pedal assembly on 2024 Chevrolet Malibu became loose and wobbly under normal driving conditions at 36,300 miles. Dealer refused warranty repair."Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have brought my vehicle to Preston Hood Chevrolet on two occasions for two major issues. Failed breaking system started as when I am at a stop light the car won’t move and the brake light and ignition light comes on and it won’t move when I press the gas! I almost had an 4 car pile up. Now it is stalling when I am driving on the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
2 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
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
Power door locks stopped working. Took to local dealer. Left car with them for a week and a 1/2 the first time. Dlr replaced BCM module stating this would fix issue. Picked up car and fix lasted 20 seconds. Took back to dlr they could not resolve issue. So I have been without power door locks for more than a year. No way to manually lock…Owner complaint, filed 2026
was stopped at a red light. When the traffic light turned green, I pressed the accelerator to proceed through the intersection, but my vehicle did not respond or accelerate immediately. After several seconds, the vehicle finally began to move. This unexpected delay created a safety concern because I was unable to accelerate when traffic…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
2 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
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
There is a frequency coming from the front of the driver's seat, steering wheel, and under the instrument panel that sends a electrical shock as you drive. If you have aluminum foil or any type of material that blocks electrical signals in the driver's seat it will shock you as well. This could definitely cause an accident while driving…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Cruise control and acceleration
2 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
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
Beginning in late August/early September 2026, my 2024 Chevrolet Malibu RS began experiencing recurring electrical and engine performance issues. The vehicle intermittently displays an “Engine Power Reduced” warning and Check Engine Light. I have also experienced unexpected vehicle shutdowns and intermittent electrical malfunctions. I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
On several occasions in [XXX] and while traveling to [XXX] my vehicle has reported esc codes after starting the vehicle. The ignition light, esc light, parking brake lights come on and do not go off while operating the car until I turn the car off and restart it. When I am at a stop light and try to accelerate on numerous occasions the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Seats and seat belts
2 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
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
There is a frequency coming from the front of the driver's seat, steering wheel, and under the instrument panel that sends a electrical shock as you drive. If you have aluminum foil or any type of material that blocks electrical signals in the driver's seat it will shock you as well. This could definitely cause an accident while driving…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
2 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
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
Manufacturer Recall NumberN262551720 NHTSA Recall Number26V212 received an official recall notice regarding a backup camera issue for my 2024 Chevrolet Malibu back in April. However, it has been 4 months, and the dealership/manufacturer still has not provided a fix or parts to resolve the issue. Driving without a functioning backup…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My back up camera is inop. On my 2024 chev malibu vin no [XXX] Has a black screen when backing up. States to be setviced.Has been inop since XXX. purchased XXX Took it to Dalmer Chevrolet [XXX].Did not replace due to a recall that was not released per Chevrolet . Please fix. .Safety is important. afraid of an accident. INFORMATION…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Wheels and tires
2 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
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
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: FT140, Tire Size: P205/65/R16, DOT Number: 17X849C87. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the inside tread of the rear tires were…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 59,994 miles
Camera doesn’t work tire sensor randomly works when it wants to also car keeps saying service esc but when I got to the dealer to show these problems they don’t see any they also told me they can’t fix my camera because there is no remedy or fix for it right now so basically I can’t any help and have been going thru these things since I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Chevrolet Malibu complaints by year
Compare the 2024 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | Too new to judge | 2 |
| 2024 Toyota Camry | Too new to judge | 1 |
| 2024 Honda Accord | Too new to judge | 3 |
| 2024 Hyundai Sonata | Too new to judge | 1 |
2024 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
This is every recall issued for the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
Equipment Owners / service / other manual
- Risk
- The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will provide owners with the correct manual, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
2024 Chevrolet Malibu questions
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most reported problem areas on the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu are the electrical system (19 complaints), the driver assist systems (13 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (6 complaints).
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu a good year to buy?
Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 2 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Malibu year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the electrical system. 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recent, from Apr 2026, covers the backup camera. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
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 2024 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.
Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.
- 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