2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Problems
- Complaints
- 44filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 40 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The part named most often is air bags, with 18 complaints (41% of the total), followed by steering (10) and electrical system (7). 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 165 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 5 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags18 41%
- Steering10 23%
- Electrical system7 16%
- Seats7 16%
- Exterior lighting5 11%
- Fuel system2 4.5%
- Brakes1 2.3%
- Engine1 2.3%
- Other or unknown1 2.3%
- Seat belts1 2.3%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Airbag trouble light would come on from time to time, now the light stays on, and passenger airbag does not come on while seat is occupied. Very concerning as I do not know if I have airbags or not. Seems that a large number of people are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10735924, filed 2015-07, 95,000 milesSteering: “Clunking in front end when turning the wheel, difficult to turn wheel. Has only gotten worse. Dealer says the part was not lubricated at manufacture. But I have to buy a repair kit. Now at 88000 mi I have to buy a new universal joint because it failed due to this manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10516175, filed 2013-06, 24,000 milesElectrical system: “We learned that the brake lights were staying on when pedal was not pushed, but going off when brake pedal was applied. Cruise control wouldn't work in this situation of course. Also, at times, power windows won't work and other times the door ajar lights up, doors won't lock at this time, and check rear seat entertainment system will alert. I diagnosed that the 6 volt reference voltage was approx. 2-3 volts. Gm bulletin recommended cleaning bcm connector and applying dielectric grease. At times this would work, but no corrosion was ever evident at these connectors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504306, filed 2013-03, 82,000 milesSeats: “The weld on the right front of the driver's seat must have broken because the seat started leaning toward the console. I have to adjust the power seat all the way to the floor to get it to level out enough to drive. I see that there are other incidences of this reported but all on higher mileage cars. I only have 53,000 miles on it now and it was alot less than that when I first had the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10501256, filed 2013-03, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
15% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,100 and 98,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Maxx · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Maxx FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Malibu Maxx FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V064000Feb 4, 2015Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2006–2007, Pontiac G6 2006–2007, Chevrolet Malibu 2006–2007
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected…
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles…
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Malibu 2004–2008, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu…
Recall details for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 165 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 44 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 270 | 82,956 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 326 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 434 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Malibu Maxx model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have?
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 18 complaints (41% of the total), followed by steering with 10.
Has the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (Malibu Maxx, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx reported?
Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 65,100 and 98,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.