2015 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 270 owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The EPA rates it 24 to 29 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 3
- Owner complaints
- 270
- Crashes / fires reported
- 18 / 9
- EPA combined
- 24–29 MPG
2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Electrical SystemJul 5, 2016 · NHTSA 16V502000+
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Air BagsOct 16, 2015 · NHTSA 15V666000+
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
VisibilityMar 23, 2015 · NHTSA 15V164000+
Risk: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine70
- Electrical System68
- Air Bags49
- Unknown or Other35
- Power Train31
- Vehicle Speed Control28
- Fuel/Propulsion System19
- Service Brakes16
2015 Chevrolet Malibu gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Malibu | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, most recently for the electrical system (Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners filed 270 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (70), electrical system (68), air bags (49).
What gas mileage does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu at 24 to 29 MPG combined (best version: 25 city / 36 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.