2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

2 safety recalls, 90 owner complaints and a 4-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

2Recalls
90Complaints
1Crashes & fires reported
4/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu recall list

Seats recall

22V-359
May 19, 2022 · General Motors, LLC
Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Safety risk
An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.

Seat Belts recall

21V-649
August 20, 2021 · General Motors, LLC
Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Safety risk
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints

90 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 0 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Unknown or Other31
Electrical System30
Power Train28
Engine15
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Air Bags6
Suspension3
Back Over Prevention3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Service Brakes2

Recent complaints

October 12, 2026Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

This car has the same issues even after you get it replaced . this car is not a good car I have spent so much money replacing the oz sensor .the radio, and the turbo keeps going out . this car has a lot of recall that should be handle to make sure that this car is running good . they should replace this turbo charge . the car always stall and cut off at a light or when you drive this is not safe to drive .

September 24, 2026Unknown or Other

Shift to park message

September 2, 2026Unknown or Other

The problem with this model is the CVT Trasmission thats in the vehicle when put into drive mode it stalls to change gears and want change gears for about 5 min then it kicks in to go it does that very often i have took it to the dealership and spent tremendous mount of money the transmission are crapy and stalls the car when put into drive mode please help im not the only one experiencing this issue there is a Chevrolet malibu group chat on Facebook and other sites these transmission needs to be replaced by the dealership they sell these cars with this existing problems and jack the car prices up these is not right and upon taking it to them they act like they dont know the problem this is

August 21, 2026Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed; however, the RPM was extremely elevated. The vehicle then lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three separate occasions. After the first failure, the dealer stated that the failure was caused by an inoperable sensor, and the fuel pump was reprogrammed. The contact stated that after the second failure, which was associated with the turbo, the powertrain module was reprogrammed. The third failure was associated with the turbo seals. The failure reoccurred after all three repairs. T

August 20, 2026Electrical SystemEngine

The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal park-position sensor/switch. The issue is affecting the vehicle’s ability to shut down properly. It is necessary to turn the vehicle off and back on multiple times before the system will recognize that the vehicle is in Park and allow it to shut off completely. If the vehicle does not recognize the Park position, it may remain partially powered on and potentially drain the battery.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Chevrolet Malibu: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional. Rollover risk: 10.3%.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recent, filed May 19, 2022, concerns the seats.

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is unknown or other (31 reports), followed by electrical system.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu safe?

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu earned up to a 4-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

Contact any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.