2007 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.

Chevrolet Malibu
Pictured: Chevrolet Malibu LT (IX, Facelift) – f 02112024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt, 4dr Sedan FWD Ltz/SS, Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Lt/Ltz, Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD SS
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
Length
187.8–188.2 in
Curb weight
3,122–3,649 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2007 midsize car (21 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints528 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 93 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2007 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 188 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,122 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 19% better than the 2007 midsize car average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 528 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2007

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2006 Malibu — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Malibu →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt188.2 in70.1 in57.5 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,122 lb63/37
4dr Sedan FWD Ltz/SS188.2 in70.1 in57.5 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,373 lb63/37
Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Lt/Ltz187.8 in69.7 in58.3 in112.6 in59.4 / 60.2 in3,543 lb60/40
Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD SS187.8 in69.7 in58.3 in112.6 in59.4 / 60.2 in3,649 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu2.2L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+19%$2,700355
Malibu3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23+10%$2,900386
Malibu Maxx3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 21+17%$3,200423
Malibu3.9L 6-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-10%$3,550468
Malibu Maxx3.9L 6-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18+1%$3,700494
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2007 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2007 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2007 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)25 MPGNot rated3
2007 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2007 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2007 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated9
2007 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated7
2007 Volkswagen Passat24 MPGNot rated5
2007 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (3)

Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 4, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V064000 · 69,633 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Apr 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V224000 · 1,131,113 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2007 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

528Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
15Injuries reported
121,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering379
Electrical System65
Air Bags55
Engine21
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Power Train18
Service Brakes17
Vehicle Speed Control15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/02: 722/03: 222/09: 122/10: 223/01: 123/02: 223/03: 123/04: 123/06: 123/07: 223/08: 123/09: 323/11: 324/02: 124/03: 424/08: 124/09: 125/01: 125/02: 325/03: 125/04: 126/01: 126/02: 126/06: 122/0222/1023/0323/0723/1124/0825/0226/01max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2007 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 379 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 65 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 55 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 121,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Malibu years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★112
2024 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★244
2023 Malibu30193.7 in★★★★★272
2022 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★199
2021 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★290
2020 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★1199
2019 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★1195
2018 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★6711
2017 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★4726
2016 Malibu46193.7 inNot rated10865
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →