2021 Chevrolet Malibu: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu: 2 recalls, 89 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V649000 · 2021 · 402 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear seat belt retractors May be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Why it matters: An improperly secured seat belt retractor May not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021.
Seats Vehicle recall #22V359000 · 2022 · 221 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver's seat cushion frame May have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Why it matters: An improperly welded seat frame May not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (31): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (6).
- Electrical (29): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), electrical failure (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (28): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (23), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5).
- Engine (14): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (5).
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 89 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 29 Malibu model years for complaints (well below the 667 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (198 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (98 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 36 | 32 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (31), electrical (29), transmission & drivetrain (28).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.