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2018 Chevrolet

Malibu Hybrid

Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L

Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Closest available photo (2017 model year); you're viewing the 2018.

2017 photoKevautoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio
2.64
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
3/10
Real-world MPG
39 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 7 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1 (6,000 lb or less)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
6
Owner complaints
711 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
17

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Automatic emergency braking
    Optional
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Optional
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Optional

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Optional

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE23%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16%
  • POWER TRAIN14%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER12%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1,247 total.

Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

847 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 1, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT3271Q

    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP6104

    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902V

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Jan 8, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902U

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Nov 20, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT5214G

    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 vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further sup

  • Sep 9, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER13598

    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

  • Sep 4, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18-NA-180

    This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902T

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • and 839 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
Maintenance
1 yr / 12k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.gmfleet.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.