Is the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU reliable?

The 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU has 395 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Top problems: ENGINE (70 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (66 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (48 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU?

The 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU is approximately $1,473/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2015 Chevrolet MALIBU

Q: Is the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU often stolen?

The Chevrolet MALIBU was the #19 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 5,300 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU has 395 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 561. The most common issue is engine problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: i have been having numerous problems with a pause in the engine when i'm speeding up onto a highway or to pass on the highway . it's most dangerous when i enter the highway. the car instead of just speeding up has been known to pause.. and then speed up. this is very dangerous because it's hard t. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 15 fire reports filed.

15 fire reports 20 crash reports 15 injuries

395

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

70 complaints

18%

• I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH A PAUSE IN THE ENGINE WHEN I'M SPEEDING UP ONTO A HIGHWAY OR TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY . IT'S MOST DANGEROUS WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR INSTEAD OF JUST SPEEDING UP HAS BEEN KNOWN TO PAUSE.. AND THEN SPEED UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT'S HARD T
• DRIVING DOWN I-65 SOUTH IN NASHVILLE TN MIDDLE LANE WITH NO COMPROMISING ROAD CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, I GOT A WARNING ABOUT THE STABILITRAC SYSTEM AND THEN WITHIN 25-30 SECONDS THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. I WAS NEARLY REARENDED BY NUMEROUS VEHICLES AS THIS IS A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. I WAS FINA
• ON MAY 28, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THESE FUMES IN THE CAR, BUT WE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THEY WERE COMING FROM. WHEN WE OPENED THE CAR TRUNK, WE FOUND THAT THE TIRE SEALANT IN THE COMPRESSOR KIT WAS LEAKING ON IT'S OWN. HE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP'S AUTO SHOP AND THE COMPRESSOR KIT WAS REPLACED

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports

“I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH A PAUSE IN THE ENGINE WHEN I'M SPEEDING UP ONTO A HIGHWAY OR TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY . IT'S MOST DANGEROUS WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR INSTEAD OF JUST SPEEDING UP HAS BEEN KNOWN TO PAUSE.. AND THEN SPEED UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT'S HARD T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU

Based on 227 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 54K mi · 45 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 44K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 41K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 48K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (3)

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 2015 Chevrolet MALIBU

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

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

Show:

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 2015 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

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 2015 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

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 395 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I HAVE BEEN HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH A PAUSE IN THE ENGINE WHEN I'M SPEEDING UP ONTO A HIGHWAY OR TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY . IT'S MOST DANGEROUS WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR INSTEAD OF JUST SPEEDING UP HAS BEEN KNOWN TO PAUSE.. AND THEN SPEED UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT'S HARD T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE DRIVING THRU HOUSTON, TEXAS ON INTERSTATE 10 WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE ANALOG INSTRUMENTS SHUT OFF, THE CENTER MY LINK SCREEN SHUT OFF AND THE DIGITAL READOUT ALTERNATED BETWEEN MPH AND MILES TRAVELED READOUT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, NO RESULT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: CPSC: AIRBAG: 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU: CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER A COLLISON DURING A SPEED OF 60 MPH. *SS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: ON MAY 28, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED THESE FUMES IN THE CAR, BUT WE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THEY WERE COMING FROM. WHEN WE OPENED THE CAR TRUNK, WE FOUND THAT THE TIRE SEALANT IN THE COMPRESSOR KIT WAS LEAKING ON IT'S OWN. HE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP'S AUTO SHOP AND THE COMPRESSOR KIT WAS REPLACED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)