2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu and 199 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (59), power train (58), electrical system (57). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–32 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #7 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 2020 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 back up camera randomly fails. There appears to be no rhyme or reason to it. It will work completely fine for days sometimes weeks and the all of a sudden it will only show a black screen that states system failure. Sometimes it will remain in system failure or a day or a week, its completely random. I see that there was a recall on the cameras for the Chevy malibu not work…
The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter. When shifting the physical gear lever forward into the "Park" position and attempting to shut off the engine, a warning message reading "Action Required: Shift to Park" appears on the driver instrument dashboard display.This exac…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. The contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that a Lexus engineer retrieved the ED…
Safety ratings
2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 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
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (59), power train (58), electrical system (57).
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2020 ranks #7 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu range from 26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 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.