2021 CHEVROLET Malibu

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified60ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has some notable reliability concerns, primarily with seat belts and seats. The presence of recalls and a peak failure range between 0-20k miles suggests that issues may arise early in ownership, making it essential for owners to take preventative measures.

Key Factor:Seat belt reliability issues

📋Why This Matters

Seat belts and seats are critical components that directly impact safety. The recall regarding improperly secured rear seat belt retractors raises significant concerns about passenger security in the event of an accident. Coupled with the seat frame welding issue, these defects call into question the overall manufacturing oversight during this vehicle's production run. A clean sheet of recalls is not just about numbers; it's about ensuring drivers and passengers feel safe on the road.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.9)
    📝
    Summary: When evaluating the safety record of the Malibu, it's evident that there are notable flaws compared to similar models on the market. Given its track record for previous years, this year's issues represent a worrying trend, indicating a potential decline in manufacturing quality and attention to detail.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

81/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-3
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 CHEVROLET Malibu

Model Year2021
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelMalibu
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

20 complaints (33% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 60 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(3%)
🟡Medium
7(12%)
🟢Low
51(85%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that owners should be particularly vigilant during the early months of ownership. Problems are surfacing before many vehicles even hit their first service interval, which could lead to unexpected repair costs or more serious safety risks if not addressed promptly.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 17 of 60 complaints (28% coverage)
0-20k
7 reports (41%)
20k-40k
2 reports (12%)
40k-60k
3 reports (18%)
60k-80k
2 reports (12%)
80k-100k
2 reports (12%)
100k+
1 reports (6%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSSEATS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured.

✅

Immediately verify that seat belts are functioning correctly and securely fastened.

🔍

Check for recall completion records regarding seat belt repairs.

Campaigns:21V14600021V191000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your CHEVROLET dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 21V649000

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 22V359000

SEATS

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

60 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Malibu.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning33%
Display20%
Battery13%
Stall7%
Acceleration Issues7%
Check Engine Light7%
Jerk5%
Electrical🔶 Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle has a repeated issue recognizing that it is in park when trying to turn vehicle off. This causes concern that the vehicle may not actually be in park, will not fully power down therefore draining the battery and leaving driver stranded, or lead to other body control module/shifting problems. This is a known issue with GM spanning multiple years and multiple models. The only official fix is to replace the entire shifter assembly with an updated version which can be a couple of thousand dollars. GM refuses to cover the cost knowing that they installed a faulty part during assembly.

Dec 11, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

The component is D automatic transmission shift to park switch. The vehicle is and will be available for immediate inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk when the car lost power while they’re celebrating install in the floor of traffic, causing other cars to swerve around and blow horns. The underlying issue with the car was confirmed by independent service center. There was no reason to have your vehicle inspected all by manufacturer , police insurance for others the warning sign once the car installed and attempted to like it was gonna turn off with service ESC and the light stayed on for four hours

Dec 2, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE

Transmission failed to engage gear properly after backing up. Grinding sounds heard when vehicle was in drive. Problem has been confirmed and inspected by Chevrolet dealership. Vehicle is available for inspection. Occupants safety was at risk because gears could have locked up during commute causing vehicle to be undriveable, leaving driver and passengers stranded. Blind spot feature is unavailable randomly, which can cause a possible side swipe crash. When radio is playing suddenly switches to bluetooth randomly.

Dec 2, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving when coming to a stop, my brakes became stiff causing me to almost hit the vehicle in front of me. Also, the car has been stopping while I am driving and on busy roads when I am at a stop light and press the accelerator to proceed, the vehicle just stop and cuts off completely leaving me stranded while trying to restart the vehicle. Also the vehicle has a long crank before it starts. I have been without my vehicle for a month now and it’s very inconvenient due to these issues. It has been to the dealership where they quoted me over 8,000 to fix the problem.

Oct 28, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Dear NHTSA: I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN [XXX] ), is included in Emission Recall N252516900 issued by General Motors concerning the Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Despite that inclusion, I have experienced the following: - A prior near-fatal incident in 2023 when the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while stopped at a red light (engine stall) due to the root defect. - The dealer has informed me I now need a new 12-V battery (just over one year old), a new AC compressor, and a new drive/serpentine belt. - The defect referenced in the recall (interruption of fuel flow) is reasonably the root cause of these consequential failures (battery stress, accessory drive stress). - I have been without the vehicle for 11 days, have not been provided adequate interim mobility support, and have not received timely resolution from GM under my Case #XXX (agent Jasmine who has followed her company's protocol while remaining helpful and empathetic; supervisor Stephanie called October 17, 2025). Requested relief: 1. That GM be required to pay for the recall work (module replacement) **and** reimburse/cover the consequential damage (battery, compressor, belt). 2. Interim remedy: loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement for days without vehicle. 3. Acknowledgment of the safety risk posed by the defect and record of the stall incident. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 22, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before slamming into gear. The contact stated that when the vehicle slammed into gear, the contact was violently pushed into the back of the seat. No warning lights were illuminated, but the message “Shift to Park” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that during the failure, the brake pedal was depressed to reboot, and the contact had to manually move the leather cover on the shift lever to move the lever. The contact stated that whenever the temperature on the transmission was at 180 degrees, the transmission would downshift. The vehicle was taken to several dealers; however, the dealers were unable to replicate that failure. The solenoid valve was replaced on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failures to Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5819B. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,300.

Oct 16, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently upon arriving at my destination and shifting the vehicle into park, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed with the gear shifter already in park(P). The primary engine was off but the electrical features remain on/operating. After abruptly jerking the vehicle into park a few times, I was able to turn off the vehicle. The most recent time, after several attempts to have the car read that the car was in park, I was unable to disengage. I searched the internet and read that this is a common issue with the Malibu and instructed how to open the center console to work with the wires and a button to force it to turn off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer for repair. They agreed that this is not an unusual occurrence, but confirmed there was no recall for the issue. I will also be contacting GM/Chevrolet for further assistance/complaint. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Oct 14, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Took my car to the dealer for a "shift to park" problem. Vehicle would not turn off and twice it restarted itself without the button being pushed. I checked my VIN number and there was no recall regarding this but Chevy stated that they were aware of the problem since the 2018 Malibu cars. Mine is a 2021. Apparently there was also a class action regarding this but I was never notified on one. I have not had to pay $481.86 to have this safety feature repaired and don't feel that this is my responsibility since Chevy was aware of the problem prior to me buying this care new. I'm asking to be reimbursed for the cost of this repair. Please assist me as to how I can make this happen as there was not even any warning light on the dash to notify me of this problem. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 3, 2025Under Review
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car has about 82000 miles and while driving it stated that I was shifted to neutral and needed to be restarted. After a few seconds the steering wheel locks up and I can’t press the gas anymore, even though the car is still in drive. This happened about 6 times on the half mile drive home. I haven’t been able to diagnose it yet since the dealership is backed up for a month. I think it’s the neutral safety switch

Sep 15, 2025Under Review
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After shifting into park and turning vehicle off -warning beep "place vehicle into park" comes on. It takes several "jerks" of gear shift to turn off. I'm scared its not in park and may roll.

Aug 15, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the safety recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has two significant recalls related to its seat belts and seats. These involve potential security issues with rear seat belt retractors and improper welds in driver’s seat adjustment mechanisms. If you own this vehicle or plan to purchase it, ensure these recalls have been addressed by checking with a dealership or through NHTSA's database.

How reliable is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu compared to previous models?

While earlier models of the Chevrolet Malibu had a better reliability reputation, the 2021 version shows concerning trends due to recalls affecting critical safety components like seat belts and seating mechanisms. It's advisable for both potential buyers and current owners to stay informed about these issues as they can significantly impact safety.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified CHEVROLET service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in CHEVROLET's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 2 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
⚖️

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2021 Toyota Camry
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2021 Honda CR-V
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2021 Ford F-150
View Analysis→

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.