US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Chevrolet Malibu Classic recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

← View all Chevrolet models

At a Glance

Total Recalls 3
Total Complaints 406
Years Covered 1978–2008

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Ask About This Model

Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu Classic. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Brakes

1 campaign · Years: 1978

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 77V181000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Wheel cylinders

Electrical

1 campaign · Years: 2004–2005

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Chevrolet Malibu Classic in NHTSA complaint data are Electrical system, Steering, Exterior lighting.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2008 0 36 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Latches/locks/linkages.
2007 0 16 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Air bags.
2005 1 123 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Engine.
2004 1 144 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Exterior lighting.
2003 0 18 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Electrical system:ignition:switch, Power train.
2002 0 21 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine.
2001 0 17 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control.
2000 0 13 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Exterior lighting.
1999 0 5 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Structure.
1998 0 10 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Electrical system:ignition.
1997 0 3 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Wheels.
1978 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Electrical system and Service brakes

Show recall evidence by year

2005

  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V400000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency

2004

  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V400000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency

1978

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Wheel cylinders: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (77V181000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The rear brake wheel cylinder retainer on the involved vehicles may not have been properly installed. Should the wheel cylinder retainer become completely disengaged, the wheel cylinder could move outboard causing a loss of brake fluid and a loss of rear braking action.

Other Chevrolet Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Chevrolet models.

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov