Here Are The Chevy Malibu Years To Avoid
We've rounded up 15 Chevy Malibu years to avoid based on commonly-reported issues. See which ones (and which Malibu years are safe to buy used).
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size vehicle designed to combine style and practicality for many families. The Chevy Malibu began production in 1964 and has been in production ever since, an impressive lifespan for the car. You can find many excellent models of this car, but there are some Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
If you want to make this vehicle yours, you need to know which years are the best. Here at CoPilot, we will inform you about the Chevy Malibu years to avoid and which ones to invest in for your life. You deserve the best car for your money.
Quick Answer - Avoid Chevy Malibu Year Models 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHEVY MALIBU
We’re going to dig into the question of what is the most reliable year for a Chevy Malibu. We’ll also take a look at how that reliability changes throughout the production life of the Chevy Malibu, and what factors may have an impact on it.
The first began production in 1964 and has been providing drivers with excellent rides ever since. If you want to call this roomy vehicle yours, you need to know which Chevy Malibu years to avoid so you can make the most out of your funds. We recommend staying away from the 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2016 models.
Engine problems are the most common issues that appear when there’s something wrong with the Chevy Malibu. This trouble can cause expensive repairs most drivers can’t afford regularly. It’s vital to know which Chevy Malibu years to avoid and which ones to trust.
Which Models of the Chevy Malibu Are Safe to Buy Used?
There are a lot of Chevy Malibu years to avoid, but there are also plenty of options if you want something safe and affordable to drive. We can help you understand the best choices to save money and enjoy every drive.
According to carcomplaints.com, the best years for the Chevy Malibu include:
- 1979 Chevy Malibu
- 1980 Chevy Malibu
- 1981 Chevy Malibu
- 1982 Chevy Malibu
- 1983 Chevy Malibu
- 1996 Chevy Malibu
- 1997 Chevy Malibu
- 2015 Chevy Malibu
- 2017 Chevy Malibu
- 2018 Chevy Malibu
- 2019 Chevy Malibu
- 2020 Chevy Malibu
- 2021 Chevy Malibu
These versions of the Chevy Malibu perform much better than other models on the market, much better than the Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
There are still some troubles that occur in these models of the Chevy Malibu. Some of the most common include transmission problems, electrical issues, and interior accessory faults. Still, none come close to the damage the worst models might sustain.
If you invest in one of these models, you can feel comfortable on the road. These are the most reliable versions of the Chevy Malibu.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
Which Models of the Chevy Malibu Are Not Safe to Buy Used?
If you’re looking for a Chevy Malibu that will work well for your life, the previously mentioned models will work well for your life. We’ve talked about the good, and now it’s critical to go over the Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
According to carcomplaints.com, the worst years for the Chevy Malibu include:
- 1999 Chevy Malibu
- 2000 Chevy Malibu
- 2001 Chevy Malibu
- 2002 Chevy Malibu
- 2003 Chevy Malibu
- 2004 Chevy Malibu
- 2005 Chevy Malibu
- 2006 Chevy Malibu
- 2007 Chevy Malibu
- 2008 Chevy Malibu
- 2009 Chevy Malibu
- 2010 Chevy Malibu
- 2011 Chevy Malibu
- 2013 Chevy Malibu
- 2016 Chevy Malibu
These are the Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
The worst year of all for the Chevy Malibu was 2010. This year had tons of engine problems, meaning expensive repairs for drivers. The 2002 model comes in a close second with passlock and leakage issues.
Other common troubles with Chevy Malibu models include electrical problems, brake troubles, and steering faults. The 2004 model had issues with power steering, and the 2002 model had leaking coolant.
If you want to pick the best from the Chevy Malibu lineup, stay away from these models. They aren’t even close to the best for the brand.
Problem Counts By Year
It’s much easier to understand which years are better than others with the Chevy Malibu if the data is laid out in a table format. Let’s take a look at the number of problems reported each year.
According to carcomplaints.com, here is some of the customer complaint data with each Chevy Malibu model:
** **
It’s simple to see which years come out on top with this format.
If you want to find the ideal Chevy Malibu year for your life, it’s critical to consider customer complaints. Drivers have first-hand experience with the vehicles. Years that have more complaints are less likely to last a long time on the road. Look into complaints to make a wiser decision about your investment.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
How Do You Find a Quality Chevy Malibu Near You?
If you’re searching for a Chevy Malibu, it can seem scary to find one for yourself. We have the ideal assistance for you - the CoPilot car shopping app. The technology scans the area and finds local dealerships that will work for your preferences. You can choose the year you want right on your device.
CoPilot utilizes the same technology as dealerships to locate the best vehicle for customers. Everything is simplified here.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new model of the Chevy Malibu, take advantage of CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly new cars. Here, you will only find vehicles five years old or newer. Most have CPO availability and low mileage. The system will compare savings if you invest in a new car versus a used option.
You can cut right to the chase with CoPilot - we don’t work with any advertisers to get our listings. Read more about this app on our About Us page. We look forward to helping you out!
IS GAP INSURANCE WORTH IT?
Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples.
Are Chevy Malibus typically reliable?
The Malibu is a long-running Chevy nameplate, first appearing in 1964. We’ll skip a reliability discussion that goes back that far (classic cars tend not to be dependable). But, many Malibus from more recent decades can be considered reliable.
How much does a used Chevy Malibu typically cost?
Concentrating on more recent examples (the Malibu goes back 60 years), a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has an average selling price of $7,521, reports CoPilot Price Pulse. Unsurprisingly, a newer model will cost more. For instance, a 2020 Malibu goes for $20,960. Both model years reflect above-average pricing due to volatile conditions (tighter supplies as people search for affordable alternatives to costlier used SUVs).
Is the Chevy Malibu a good car to purchase?
The Chevrolet Malibu can be a great buy, mainly because it’s more affordable than competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. However, just buying any Malibu could be a costly mistake. Instead, learn about the most reliable Chevy Malibu years before shopping.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
