Recall homework
There are 2 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
2 Total recalls
May 19, 2022 Latest recall date
74 Complaint reports
$2,086 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention power train, unknown or other, electrical system. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
690 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to power train, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 1 tested variant of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
Verify with official VIN lookup2 official recalls on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. 16 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: May 19, 2022
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V359000 | SEATS | 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. | An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury. | 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. | May 2022 | 2024-1 |
| 21V649000 | SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS | 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. | An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. | 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. | Aug 2021 | 2023-2 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Official records show 690 manufacturer communications on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
1 warranty 3 service campaigns 3 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues | 11032763 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue | 11032764 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available. | 11030974 |
| Mar 2026 | Over The Air | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Improvements to OnStar functionality. | 11030532 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect. | 11030092 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | 11030091 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss | 11029950 |
| Feb 2026 | Emissions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Emission Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module. | 11028909 |
| Feb 2026 | Over The Air | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Improvements to OnStar functionality. During the update process, your radio may stay on up to 5 minutes after you exit the vehicle. This is expected behavior when an update package is onboard the vehicle. Do not service your vehicle during installation. | 11028977 |
| Feb 2026 | Emissions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Emission Recall. Additional VINs moved to Open status. | 11028382 |
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Malibu complaints?
POWER TRAIN 13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
AIR BAGS 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2
ENGINE 2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION 2
74 total complaints on record
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,086 $174/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 25.9 MPG
Energy used 464 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
342 g/mi CO2Fuel score 5/10Smog 5/10