Is the 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU reliable?

The 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU has 133 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Top problems: ENGINE (29 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (28 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (26 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU?

The 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU is approximately $1,753/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.

2022 Chevrolet MALIBU

Q: Is the 2022 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

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU has 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 561. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: i have issues with my 2022 malibu trying to accelerate while applying the brakes. i was in a parking lot looking for a parking space with the brake down (my foot nowhere near the accelerator), and the engine was revving to over 3000 rpms. i called the dealer today and the service department closed . There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

6 crash reports 1 injury

133

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

29 complaints

22%

• I have issues with my 2022 Malibu trying to accelerate while applying the brakes. I was in a parking lot looking for a parking space with the brake down (my foot nowhere near the accelerator), and the engine was revving to over 3000 rpms. I called the dealer today and the service department closed
• My vehicle engine light came in around 20k miles. It would come on and go off at that time. When I went in for my oil change, I was told that it was an air filter issue and Chevrolet would fix it. That was not the case when I tried to have it fixed. I begin to experience the engine light coming on a
• The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the transmission. Later while operating the vehicle, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I have issues with my 2022 Malibu trying to accelerate while applying the brakes. I was in a parking lot looking for a parking space with the brake down (my foot nowhere near the accelerator), and the engine was revving to over 3000 rpms. I called the dealer today and the service department closed ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU

Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 70K mi · 13 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. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (1)

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS14/12/2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.

Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

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 2022 Chevrolet MALIBU

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

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 2022 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

$1,753

Full coverage / month

$146

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

+5%

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 rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1753

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 2022 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

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 133 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I have issues with my 2022 Malibu trying to accelerate while applying the brakes. I was in a parking lot looking for a parking space with the brake down (my foot nowhere near the accelerator), and the engine was revving to over 3000 rpms. I called the dealer today and the service department closed
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to use the Infotainment System, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the cell phone was extremely hot while connected to Bluetooth. The contact stated that while using the radio the fa
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: My vehicle engine light came in around 20k miles. It would come on and go off at that time. When I went in for my oil change, I was told that it was an air filter issue and Chevrolet would fix it. That was not the case when I tried to have it fixed. I begin to experience the engine light coming on a
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: While my daughter was attempting to exit a parking lot, she put the car in drive pressed accelerator pedal and there was no response from car. Pressed accelerator again and car took off and hit a 13 inch curb causing major front end damage to vehicle. An initial diagnostic scan revealed a transmissi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)