2019 Chevrolet Malibu recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu and 192 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (67), engine (64), electrical system (62). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–46 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2019 ranks #6 of 14 Malibu model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (390). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seat belts · critical fasteners
Problem: 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.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P) however, the vehicle failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park(P), and the vehicle failed to turn off. During the failure, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed and the vehicle idled for approximately 15 minut…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the following morning while waiting at the school drop-off line with her foot on the brake pedal, there was an abnormal boom, and several warning lights illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The occupants inside the vehicle assumed that the vehicle was struck from behind.…
Due to the vacuum pump failing during driving, metal shards broke inside of the car and went into the engine destroying it completely. Now i need a whole new engine
Safety ratings
2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
Malibu
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Malibu
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Malibu Hybrid
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, most recently for seat belts · critical fasteners (08/20/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (67), engine (64), electrical system (62).
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2019 ranks #6 of 14 Malibu model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (390). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu range from 26 to 46 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: MALIBU, Malibu.