BestCarRank
Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet MALIBU

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU has 561 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 561. The most common issue is engine problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: as i was driving and come to a stop light, my vehicle cut off and once i let off the brake, to go, the car started back without me doing anything. when i was at the drive thru window, my foot was on the brake and i was still in drive mode, the car cut off, and when i let of the brake slightly . There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 11 fire reports filed.

11 fire reports 17 crash reports 9 injuries

561

Total Complaints

6

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

128 complaints
23%
  • AS I WAS DRIVING AND COME TO A STOP LIGHT, MY VEHICLE CUT OFF AND ONCE I LET OFF THE BRAKE, TO GO, THE CAR STARTED BACK WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. WHEN I WAS AT THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE, THE CAR CUT OFF, AND WHEN I LET OF THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ENGAGED INTO SLEEP MODE. ONCE THE CONTACT RELEASED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOWLY REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS AD
  • THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DO BELIEVE THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 6 fire reports💥 1 crashes

AS I WAS DRIVING AND COME TO A STOP LIGHT, MY VEHICLE CUT OFF AND ONCE I LET OFF THE BRAKE, TO GO, THE CAR STARTED BACK WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. WHEN I WAS AT THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE, THE CAR CUT OFF, AND WHEN I LET OF THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU

Based on 352 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
86
30-60K
81
60-100K
114
100-150K
57
150-200K
10
200K+
4

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 52K mi · 36 reports
0-30K
14
30-60K
7
60-100K
8
100-150K
6
150-200K
0
200K+
1

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 35K mi · 18 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
4
60-100K
3
100-150K
2
150-200K
1
200K+
0

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 45K mi · 11 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
2
60-100K
4
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 20K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SUSPENSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 44K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

WHEELS

Reported earliermedian 54K mi · 17 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
7
60-100K
7
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION05/07/2016

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.

Above-average theft risk

#19 most stolen in 2025

The Chevrolet MALIBU was the #19 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 5,300 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Popular midsize sedan

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,778
Per month
$148
Per mile
14.8¢
MPG
27
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,286/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,334/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,473
Full coverage / month
$123
Liability only / year
$574
vs US avg
-12%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.06x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1473

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet MALIBU Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
45K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
23K mi
Engine air filter
45K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / 100K mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2014 MALIBU, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 561 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: AS I WAS DRIVING AND COME TO A STOP LIGHT, MY VEHICLE CUT OFF AND ONCE I LET OFF THE BRAKE, TO GO, THE CAR STARTED BACK WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. WHEN I WAS AT THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE, THE CAR CUT OFF, AND WHEN I LET OF THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: HENDRICK CHEVROLET NORFOLK VIRGINIA DEALER SERVICE FOUND GM HISTORY CODE DTC U0121 FOR THIS FAILURE. MY 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU SUDDENLY AND FULLY CEASED OPERATING WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC RED LIGHT IN DOWNTOWN NORFOLK VA; EVEN LOST ALL ELECTRICAL INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY / HAZARD LIGHT NOT OPERATI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT AND T-BONED MY CHEVY MALIBU ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS I WAS PROCEEDING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY HEAD SLAMMED IN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS SMASHED IN. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT COULDN'T BE DRIVEN. I HAVE A CONCUSSION THA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: 1ST INCIDENT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WOULD DO A EXTREME PULL TO THE RIGHT. 2ND INCIDENT 2/24/14 MILE 2940 - TRANSMISSION SHUTS DOWN AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY. *TR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
561
Recalls
6
Fire reports
11
Crash reports
17
Injury reports
9
Segment avg
561

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2014 Chevrolet MALIBU