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Chevrolet Malibu: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2025 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2025 (96/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2025 96 · 2024 87 · 2021 85 · 2022 82

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202596/100
Buybest year

7 complaints · 1 recalls

202487/100
Buy

24 complaints · 2 recalls

202381/100
Buy

49 complaints · 2 recalls

202282/100
Buy

86 complaints · 1 recalls

202185/100
Buy

74 complaints · 2 recalls

202074/100
Buy

190 complaints · 1 recalls

201978/100
Buy

188 complaints · 1 recalls

201857/100
Caution

687 complaints · 6 recalls

201763/100
Caution

717 complaints · 4 recalls

201655/100
Caution

857 complaints · 9 recalls

201574/100
Buy

267 complaints · 3 recalls

201467/100
Caution

361 complaints · 6 recalls

201356/100
Caution

921 complaints · 10 recalls

201266/100
Caution

904 complaints · 3 recalls

201164/100
Caution

976 complaints · 4 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2025?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Chevrolet Malibu as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.