2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu has 3 safety recalls and 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Recall 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Recall 15V-666: Air Bags
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
Recall 15V-164: Visibility
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 70 | |
| Electrical System | 68 | |
| Air Bags | 49 | |
| Unknown or Other | 35 | |
| Power Train | 31 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 16 | |
| Service Brakes | 16 | |
| Structure | 13 | |
| Seats | 10 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 12
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 1
- Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2015 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu: 16V-502 (electrical system, power train), 15V-666 (air bags), 15V-164 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners report engine problems most often (70 reports), followed by electrical system (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.