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Body and structurePart report

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
3%of 705 total for the year
Median mileage
52,898miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 705 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,898 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The third brake light cracked in three places and now water is in the car and trunk. I saw special coverage for the car just for this issue but the dealership states it isnt covered for my VIN.. Also, there is a popping noise under the car when I take off, turn curves, get out of the car etc. Seems to be bushings wearing out and is a well known problem. Again, my car is not covered.”

NHTSA complaint #11374924, filed 2020-11, 76,918 miles

“I went inside a car wash and when my car was been wash the water was getting inside from the back roof next to the back window I told the dealer but they want me to pay for a diagnostic when it has something to do with the car issue. My water pump is not working can not use it in case of an emergency on the road can not clean it using my windshield wipers”

NHTSA complaint #11129610, filed 2018-09, 33,000 miles

“The top of the rear window near the third break light starting leaking. I reviewed online Chevrolet forums with common complaints and read the defect could be related to recent recalls with the vehicle. Also, the leak is cause damage to my vehicles interior panels.”

NHTSA complaint #11326541, filed 2020-05, 60,000 miles

“We had a down pour 05/20/2018 in kissimmee, florida. My vehicle had stand still water in my trunk, the water seeped through to the interior damaging the rear seats, water covered the floor, there are stains on the roof and the smell of aged water is throughout the entire vehicle. My vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the trunk was closed and the windows were up as normal as my vehicle was parked for the night.”

NHTSA complaint #11097082, filed 2018-05, 4,000 miles

“I opened my trunk under the spare tire and there was water filled in the trunk. I did my research and I found plenty of Malibu's with the same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11327264, filed 2020-06, 63,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202323%
202222%
202122%
202021%
201921%
201871%
2017193%
2016405%
2015135%
2014113%
2013253%
2012162%
2011192%
2010443%
2009312%
2008212%
200761%
200661%
2005121%
200481%
200392%
2002122%
2001142%
2000253%
1999203%
1998182%
1997133%

Other parts of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine
253 complaints
Electrical system
161 complaints
Other or unknown
148 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
139 complaints
Vehicle speed control
135 complaints
Brakes
73 complaints
Fuel system
60 complaints
Electronic stability control
53 complaints
Steering
47 complaints
Exterior lighting
21 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology