2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Malibu years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
20/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Chevrolet Malibu year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 48 of its 270 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Stalling, reduced engine power and stop-start shutoffs (95 complaints, median 74,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 270filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 160 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
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu most often describe the engine quitting or losing power while driving or at a stop, sometimes with a check engine light and warnings that engine power is reduced. A large share of the sampled complaints center on a small oil control solenoid for the variable valve timing system that owners say has been hard to obtain as a replacement part. Air bag warning lights and various electrical oddities, including stalls tied to the automatic engine stop-start feature, also come up regularly.
- Electrical system
Stalling, reduced engine power and stop-start shutoffs
- 95 complaints (35%)
- median 74,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (46 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe the car shutting off at stop lights, in traffic or while driving, sometimes with a message that engine power is reduced and the vehicle limited to about 25 mph. Owners link some of these events to the automatic engine stop-start feature, saying the engine does not restart when the brake is released or accessories go dark. Dealers are described as unable to produce a diagnostic code, and some repairs such as battery, alternator or battery module replacement did not stop the problem. Spread from roughly 28,000 to 155,000 miles, with several reports in the 65,000 to 105,000 range.
What to check: During a test drive, stop at a light and let the engine stop-start cycle engage, then confirm it restarts cleanly with accessories and lights on. Ask whether any diagnostics were run for stall or no-start codes and whether battery or starter work has already been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This has occurred on more than one occasion but most recently it scared me most because I was in the middle of a busy highway ! As the car came to a stop it when into power save mode (automatic shutoff) however once took my foot off the brakes it didn't not start the car went completely dead at the middle off a busy highway . I tried repeatedly to crank but it would not start after 3-5 mins it's finally cranked up . …”
NHTSA complaint #11311988, filed 2020-02, 90,000 miles“I was at a red light on a major highway no warning what so ever. Light turned green took foot off brake check engine light came on then car completely shut off. Had power but I guess not enough to turn on the hazard lights. Almost got hit in the rear because they thought I was getting ready to move because there where no lights on in the rear. Had to push it off to the side of the road that was hard due to there was no power steering at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373938, filed 2020-11, 101,700 miles - Engine
Oil control solenoid failure and part shortage
- 26 complaints (10%)
- median 85,750 mi at 5.1 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe the check engine light coming on, rough idle, jerking or shuddering under acceleration, and power surging or falling away, which dealers and mechanics trace to the variable valve timing oil control solenoid (frequently cited as part 12633613). Complaints say the vehicle would not pass inspection with the light on and that the replacement part was on back order or discontinued, with no timeline given. Several owners report the car sitting at a shop for weeks and paying diagnostic fees without a fix. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 125,000 miles, often after repeated dealer visits.
What to check: Ask whether the VVT oil control solenoid has been replaced and with which part, and have a scan tool check for pending engine codes before purchase. Confirm the check engine light is off and that the car has passed its latest emissions inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On january 15th. At 08:26am while driving to work my check engine light came on. On january 19th. The car was dropped for service at westgate Chevrolet in edmonton, ab. After two weeks of testing and multiple part changes the dealer established that my car has a faulty intake oil control valve . This is a well known failure of the GM ecotec 2.5 lkw engine. Gm has been trying to redesign the part since september of 2019. …”
NHTSA complaint #11325347, filed 2020-05, 80,000 miles“The check engine light came and we took the car to the dealership, where purchased new, and they ran a diagnostic test on it. The test showed that the rocker arm oil control valve solenoid was bad, and GM does not make a replacement nor is a replacement available. We have been in contact with GM concerning this, but was referred back to the dealership, who has told us their is no replacement part being made, and have left us with no options, as the car cannot be used as a trade in, due to this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11319759, filed 2020-03, 120,000 miles - Electrical system
Steering assist and electrical faults
- 45 complaints (17%)
- median 61,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe the power steering warning appearing, steering becoming stiff or the wheel difficult to turn, and in one case the steering assist cutting out while driving. Complaints also mention random electrical glitches such as a backup camera showing only guidelines, radio static, a trunk release that stopped working, and the vehicle attempting to start with the key off. Some dealers traced symptoms to a steering motor or a battery control module. Reported from about 40,000 to 150,000 miles, with several cases near 40,000 to 90,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the steering feels consistent at low speed and parking, listen for clicking under the dash, and confirm all electrical accessories, camera and releases work. Ask whether the battery and charging system have been tested recently.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was pulling out of parking lot when my car gears started to jerk then a service power steering icon flashed on the dashboard. My engine light read a p305f code which only told me it was a problem with the dual battery control module (dbcm) I then took the vehicle back to my local dealership and there diagnostics just said to replace the main battery. However I replaced both batteries and car still had the same problem. I did my personal research and I ended up replacing the battery module yet car still had same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408334, filed 2021-04, 123,000 miles“The radio audio system gives a random static interference, not every drive but 1/10 times. No music or audio can be heard until the vehicle has been shut off for couple of minutes then the system works fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11386792, filed 2021-01, 28,759 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission stalling, harsh shifting and loss of drive
- 25 complaints (9%)
- median 86,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe jerking or hard shifts, the car refusing to accelerate, unexpected downshifts, and in some cases the vehicle coming to a stop on its own or failing to move in gear. Mechanics are described as diagnosing torque converter or transmission failure, and some owners had the transmission repaired rather than replaced with the problem returning. Typically reported above 85,000 miles, with many cases from 130,000 to 180,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic, listening for clunks or delayed engagement, and ask whether any transmission service or torque converter work has been done. Note that a service bulletin describes a normal brief delay in throttle response under certain conditions.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have taken my car to 2 different mechanic shops to try and find the issue that I am having with acceleration. The car is not accelerating and no one knows what the problem is. It is currently with beck chevy and I am now at the $700 mark and my car has yet to be fixed. When driving the car will just stop accelerating and I have been stuck in the middle of a busy highway twice.”
NHTSA complaint #11365910, filed 2020-10, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 141,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11600955, filed 2024-07, 141,000 miles - Air bags
Service air bag message and seat presence faults
- 48 complaints (18%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report a service air bag warning appearing on the instrument panel, sometimes intermittently, with the passenger side shown as off even when someone is seated there. Dealers are described as diagnosing a passenger presence module or air bag module that needs replacement, and in some cases the owner was told the repair would be at their own expense. Some complaints question whether air bags deployed as expected in a collision. Mostly reported from about 35,000 to 110,000 miles, with several cases under 50,000 miles.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the air bag warning light goes out and that the passenger seat shows occupied when someone sits in it. Ask whether any air bag module or seat sensor repairs have been done, and check whether recall 15V666000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The airbag light camera came on I have on the screen a message.... Service airbag. This just happend yesterday, I went to walmart and when I came back to go home I had this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11299302, filed 2020-01, 36,800 miles“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the vehicle hit a deer. The deer was struck on the passenger's side front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the there were no deployment of the air bags. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that there was also damage to the hood of the vehicle. The head of the deer also caused damage to the passenger's side front door. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed first to the contact's residence and then to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11302800, filed 2020-01, 44,000 miles
Buying note. These reports center on stalling and reduced-power events, an oil control solenoid that has been difficult to source, and air bag warning lights, so a pre-purchase scan for stored codes and a check of completed recall 15V666000 are worth doing. An extended test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic can reveal shift and stall symptoms that a short drive may miss.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 270 consumer complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. 160 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,482 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Malibu model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 20 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Engine70 26%
- Electrical system68 25%
- Air bags49 18%
- Other or unknown35 13%
- Vehicle speed control28 10%
- Fuel system19 7.0%
- Brakes16 5.9%
- Electronic stability control16 5.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (13), Seats (10), Steering (9), Seat belts (8), Exterior lighting (4), Suspension (3), Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Tires (2), Engine cooling (1), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “While driving the vvt solenoid malfunctioned and all the oil spilled out of the car rendering the non operable. This part can not be found anywhere. I was told be the several dealships that this part has been so back order since june 2019 leaving me without a car and with a car note. Gm should offer a credit back to their customers!!”
NHTSA complaint #11288146, filed 2019-12, 30 milesElectrical system: “My vehicle was stationary. I went to defrost my windshield and the electrical switch to turn on the heat would not turn on. This has also occurred when it is really hot outside and the A/C will not turn on. I have had these issues occur multiple of times in hot and now cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #11066616, filed 2018-02, 54,000 milesAir bags: “Takata recall a light came on that read 'have your airbag checked.' I took it to the dealer, russell barnett, winchester,tn. They came out with a price for replacement of $750.00. I asked if this was covered by Chevrolet. They answered no. I then reminded them that I of $10have extended warranty. They then said let me check it out. In a few minutes, they came back with a second figure of $150.00 which included the $50.00 deductible. My question is do I pay?”
NHTSA complaint #11185962, filed 2019-03, 40,500 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving on a main street, coming up to a full stop with cars in front & behind me. I proceeded to slowly acelerate when the light changed to green. At that point, the car began to move backwards while in drive. I quickly pressed on my brakes, car stopped. I sttempted this 2 more times, same outcome. At that point, I placed the carr in park, turned car off & backon again, car began to move forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11141196, filed 2018-10, 48,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 160 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 86,000 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 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. 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 · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 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 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Malibu FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
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
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2016, Cruze 2011–2016, Equinox 2010–2013 +4 more
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…
- 15V666000Oct 16, 2015Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2015, Camaro 2015, GMC Terrain 2015 +3 more
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…
- 15V164000Mar 23, 2015Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015
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…
Recall details for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu → · 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. 1,482 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,510 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu most often describe the engine quitting or losing power while driving or at a stop, sometimes with a check engine light and warnings that engine power is reduced. The issues reported most often: Stalling, reduced engine power and stop-start shutoffs; Oil control solenoid failure and part shortage; Steering assist and electrical faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 270 consumer complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 70 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system with 68.
Has the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 160 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 86,000 miles; 49% 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.