2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 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
L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
46 combined · 49 city / 43 hwy
Length
193.7 in
Curb weight
3,087–3,386 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 71% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints726 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 43 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,087 lb (L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 46 MPG combined (49 city / 43 highway), 71% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 726 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2017

  • Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Malibu →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine–1.8L 4-cyl hybrid
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LT (1LT)LS (1LS)LTZ (2LZ)HybridLS (1FL)

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Pedestrian emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Kansas City, Kansas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan193.7 in72.8 in57.5 in111.4 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,087 lb59/41
Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan193.7 in72.8 in57.5 in111.4 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,386 lb61/39

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 Hybrid1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive49 / 43 / 46+71%$1,450194
Malibu1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+12%$2,250293
Malibu2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26-3%$3,150342
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.9 MPG2017 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)46 MPG★★★★★4
2017 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated3
2017 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★0
2017 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport32 MPGNot rated0
2017 Volkswagen Passat27 MPG★★★★★7
2017 Buick Regal24 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 20, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 402 vehicles

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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
Risk
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V870000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
Risk
Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

726Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
16Injuries reported
47,162 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine256
Electrical System171
Unknown Or Other151
Power Train134
Vehicle Speed Control133
Service Brakes69
Fuel/Propulsion System59
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)54
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 324/12: 125/01: 825/02: 425/03: 725/04: 325/05: 925/06: 425/07: 425/08: 325/09: 525/10: 125/11: 325/12: 726/01: 126/02: 326/03: 126/04: 126/05: 226/06: 226/07: 426/08: 326/09: 126/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 256 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 171 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 134 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,162 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 2017 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
2016 Malibu46193.7 inNot rated10865
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330
2013 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated11811

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