2018 Chevrolet

Malibu Hybrid

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

Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission: Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain: HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel: RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio: 2.64
Cyl: 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration: Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system: YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 43 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City: 49 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb: 46 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr: $1,350EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂: 194 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score: 10/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score: 3/10
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG: 39 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 7 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified: Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 194 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width: 73 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height: 57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase: 111 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight: 3,086 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol: 100 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol: 13 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating: ★★★★★
Rollover rating: ★★★★★
Stability control (ESC): Standard
Forward-collision warning: Optional
Lane-departure warning: Optional
Recalls: 6
Owner complaints: 683
Reported injuries: 17

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

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

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1,188 total.

Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years

Federal investigations 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

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.