DecodedCars2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,126–3,223 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) 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 3,126 lb (Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), 17% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Malibu — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Malibu →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kansas City, Kansas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,126 lb | 59/41 |
| Premier 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,223 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +17% | $2,100 | 273 |
| Malibu | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.3% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Passat | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan Altima | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Seats · May 19, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V359000 · 221 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
- Risk
- An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
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.
Not every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Malibu years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 44 |
| 2023 Malibu | 30 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 72 |
| 2022 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 99 |
| 2020 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 199 |
| 2019 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 711 |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 727 |
| 2016 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 865 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 267 |
| 2014 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 330 |
| 2013 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 811 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →