2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 89
Recalls: 2
Crashes: 0
Fires: 1
Injuries: 1
Median mileage: 54,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 29 of 89 complaints (33%).
Transmission & Drivetrain (28) and engine (14) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 54,000 mi.
Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls on file.
It ranks 18th of 21 Chevrolet Malibu model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 55% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (198).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Unknown or other	31
Electrical system	28
Power train	28
Engine	14
Fuel/propulsion system	8
Air bags	6
Suspension	3
Back over prevention: warnings	3

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints that list mileage.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (2)

Recall 22V359000May 19, 2022221 vehicles
SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
Recall 21V649000Aug 20, 2021402 vehicles
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Recent 2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Sep 2, 2026NCOther / Unknown
The problem with this model is the CVT Trasmission thats in the vehicle when put into drive mode it stalls to change gears and want change gears for about 5 min then it kicks in to go it does that very often i have took it to the dealership and spent tremendous mount of money the transmission are crapy and stalls the car when put into drive mode please help im not the only one experiencing this issue there is a Chevrolet malibu group chat on Facebook and other sites these…
NHTSA complaint #11761497 · source
Filed Aug 21, 202696,035 miGATransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed; however, the RPM was extremely elevated. The vehicle then lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three separate occasions. After the first failure, the dealer stated that the failure was caused by an inoperable sensor, and the fuel pump was reprogrammed. The…
NHTSA complaint #11758483 · source
Filed Aug 20, 2026OKElectrical SystemEngine
The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal park-position sensor/switch. The issue is affecting the vehicle’s ability to shut down properly. It is necessary to turn the vehicle off and back on multiple times before the system will…
NHTSA complaint #11758225 · source
Filed Aug 14, 2026GAOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
Failure - B000A-00 Body Control Module Error code - Shift Lever Position not plausible . Safety - This causes the car to upon attempting to turn off the car say "Shift into Park" on the dashboard and the car refuses to turn fully off. This can cause the battery to drain excessively from repeated constant start/stop attempts and leaves the car in an impossible state. You cannot safely leave the car in this state but you have no choice until you get lucky enough to hope an…
NHTSA complaint #11757048 · source
Filed Aug 11, 2026GAAirbagsElectrical System
I was driving my car my electrical system is throwing all kinds of code.my sftey restrain is coming on to check my seat belt .the car goes blank .it stop in the middle of the road.this car has a lot of issues.can some one help me with this I work at the cardiologist office .
NHTSA complaint #11756284 · source
Filed Aug 11, 2026PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
I purchased this vehicle in April of 2026, 4 days after bringing it home it began displaying a “Shift To Park” message in the dash, essentially making it so the vehicle will not shut off even when the vehicle is in park. Took it to a shop and they diagnosed it as a common issue across the 2021 Malibus and stated the entire shifter assembly needed replaced. Have not had it replaced yet due to not having the funds to replace the entire assembly, but was informed eventually the…
NHTSA complaint #11756187 · source
Filed Aug 6, 2026AZElectrical System
The car has an issue recognizing that the car is in park when trying to turn off the vehicle. A message on the dash will appear “Shift to Park”. The car has not been inspected for this issue, but it does repeatedly happen, not every time I turn off the car, but it happens pretty frequently. If I am unable to get the shifter to fully engage the computer then it won’t let me completely power down the vehicle and drains the battery. I’ve had to get a battery replaced before due…
NHTSA complaint #11755166 · source
Filed Jul 30, 2026LAOther / Unknown
I am reporting a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Malibu that is experiencing a “Shift to Park” failure.The vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” warning message even when the gear selector is fully placed in Park. Because the vehicle incorrectly detects that it is not in Park, it will not allow me to properly turn the vehicle off. This creates a concern because the vehicle may remain powered on when it should be shut down, potentially draining the battery and leaving the…
NHTSA complaint #11753858 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology