2021 Chevrolet
Malibu
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo
Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst years
Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2021.
Overview
- Body
- Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- HP
- 160
- Power to weight
- 0.051 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 5.10
- Cyl
- 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Start-stop system
- YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 36 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 32 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $1,950EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- CO₂
- 273 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Eco Score
- 7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 7/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- 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
- 3,126 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Pass. Vol
- 100 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Cargo Vol
- 13 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Safety NHTSA, model year
- Overall crash rating
- ★★★★★
- Rollover rating
- ★★★★★
- Stability control (ESC)
- Standard
- Forward-collision warning
- Optional
- Lane-departure warning
- Optional
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 74
- Reported injuries
- 1
Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21%
- POWER TRAIN21%
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER20%
- ENGINE11%
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7%
- AIR BAGS4%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 114 total.
Chevrolet Malibu: best and worst yearsKnown issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
490 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
Jun 3, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP6032C
PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIC6551B
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIC6423A
Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
Apr 1, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT3271Q
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Mar 21, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERN25-250552
Improvements to OnStar functionality.
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.
Mar 2, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT6425D
This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- and 482 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.