Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 2.8/10 — Approach with caution. It has 6 NHTSA recalls on record and about 688 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most frequently reported area is Engine. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have?

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

A used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?

Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.

How many miles is too many for a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Teen driver safety features added — good family sedan pick at accessible price.

Typical price: $10,000–$14,000
Recalls: 6
Owner complaints: 688

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NHTSA Recalls

6 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#18V400000
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper#18V576000
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#18V358000
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical System:Software#19V642000
Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission#20V668000
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners#21V649000
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(688 total)

Engine74
Unknown Or Other70
Transmission & Drivetrain57
Electrical System32
Speed Control31
Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other18
Electrical System,Engine17
Steering17

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 2.8/10 — Approach with caution. It has 6 NHTSA recalls on record and about 688 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most frequently reported area is Engine. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have?: The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: A used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?: Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Also consider

2016 Ford Fusion

$7,000–$12,000

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,000–$10,000

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

$7,000–$11,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Teen driver safety features added — good family sedan pick at accessible price.

Typical price: $10,000–$14,000
Recalls: 6
Owner complaints: 688

ShareX f

Have a specific 2018 Chevrolet Malibu to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

6 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#18V400000
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper#18V576000
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#18V358000
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical System:Software#19V642000
Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission#20V668000
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners#21V649000
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(688 total)

Engine74
Unknown Or Other70
Transmission & Drivetrain57
Electrical System32
Speed Control31
Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other18
Electrical System,Engine17
Steering17

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 2.8/10 — Approach with caution. It has 6 NHTSA recalls on record and about 688 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most frequently reported area is Engine. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have?: The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: A used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?: Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?: A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Featured in

Also consider

2016 Ford Fusion

$7,000–$12,000

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,000–$10,000

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

$7,000–$11,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free