2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 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
Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD, Ls/1lt/2lt/Ltz 4dr Sedan FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,455–3,459 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2009 midsize car (21.6 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,140 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 80 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,455 lb (Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 34% better than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1140 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2009

  • Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Malibu →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD191.7 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,455 lb59/41
Ls/1lt/2lt/Ltz 4dr Sedan FWD191.7 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,459 lb59/41

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
Malibu Hybrid Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+34%$2,300306
Malibu2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26+20%$2,600342
Malibu2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+16%$2,700355
Malibu FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23+6%$2,900386
Malibu3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22+2%$3,050404
Malibu3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-7%$3,350444
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.6 MPG2009 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)29 MPGNot rated3
2009 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated5
2009 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated10
2009 Chevrolet Impala23 MPGNot rated4
2009 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated9
2009 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (3)

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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 31, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V153000 · 1,373,177 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. 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 perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Sep 18, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V460000 · 426,240 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,140Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
27Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering675
Electrical System270
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)218
Exterior Lighting109
Power Train83
Service Brakes80
Engine57
Unknown Or Other53
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/09: 223/10: 123/11: 223/12: 424/02: 324/03: 624/04: 224/08: 124/09: 324/10: 124/11: 324/12: 225/01: 525/02: 525/03: 125/04: 125/06: 125/08: 225/11: 125/12: 326/01: 226/02: 426/03: 326/06: 223/0923/1224/0424/1025/0125/0425/1126/02max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 675 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 — 270 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 218 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 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 →