Is the 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU reliable?

The 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU has 1162 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Top problems: ENGINE (255 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (159 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (146 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU?

The 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU is approximately $1,601/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.

2017 Chevrolet MALIBU

Q: Is the 2017 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

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU has 1162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 561. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle engine turned off while driving in the city. it then caused the steering wheel to stiffen and making it difficult to steer. the car power went into low mode. the ac went into fan mode. and the car stayed stationary.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 11 crash reports 7 injuries

1162

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

255 complaints

22%

• THE VEHICLE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. IT THEN CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO STIFFEN AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR POWER WENT INTO LOW MODE. THE AC WENT INTO FAN MODE. AND THE CAR STAYED STATIONARY.
• THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 15 MINUTES -HORN STARTED WENT OUT SAW SMOKE CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME BACK AT FRONT DOOR FLAMES FROM FRONT END. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT FIRE -CAR TOTALED. WORRIED ABOUT SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ESPECIALLY IF CAR PARKED IN GARAGE OR CLOSER TO HOU
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB STEELE CHEVROLET (2800 FLORIDA 520, COCOA, FL 32926 (321) 632-6700) WHERE NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE F

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 3 crashes

“THE VEHICLE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. IT THEN CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO STIFFEN AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR POWER WENT INTO LOW MODE. THE AC WENT INTO FAN MODE. AND THE CAR STAYED STATIONARY.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU

Based on 652 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 51K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

160

30-60K

236

60-100K

210

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 51K mi · 31 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 53K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Reported earliermedian 55K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 49K mi · 81 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 76 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 70 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 (4)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION14/06/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Risk: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

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 2017 Chevrolet MALIBU

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/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 2017 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

$1,601

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-4%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1601

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 2017 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

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1162 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: THE VEHICLE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. IT THEN CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO STIFFEN AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR POWER WENT INTO LOW MODE. THE AC WENT INTO FAN MODE. AND THE CAR STAYED STATIONARY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB STEELE CHEVROLET (2800 FLORIDA 520, COCOA, FL 32926 (321) 632-6700) WHERE NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AN ELECTRIC MOTOR KICKS IN FOR ABOUT 30 SECOND AND THEN THE ENGINE MOTOR RESTARTS MAKING THE CAR WHAT TO JUMP FORWARD. IF THE DRIVER HAS ONLY A LIGHT FOOT ON THE BREAK PETAL HE/SHE COULD HIT THE CAR IN FRONT. I HAVE NOTIFIED BOTH ME DEALER AND GM AS I BELIEVE THIS TO B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION THAT IS IN THE 2017 MALIBU, WHICH IS THE 6T40, IS NOT RATED TO BE IN THIS VEHICLE. THE 6T40 IS RATED AT 177LB-FT TORQUE, THE MALIBU HAS 184LB-FT. GMAUTHORITY.COM/BLOG/GM/GM-TRANSMISSIONS/MH8/ THIS LINK IS THE PAGE FOR THE 6T40. HOW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)