Used Car Checklists

2025 Chevrolet Malibu: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on other Malibu years with the same design are listed below the checklist.

Chevrolet Malibu2025
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Excellent
80/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/4 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/3

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Malibu years with the same design

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. These years share the 2025's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2024 Malibu

8 owner complaints
  • Automatic emergency braking 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Lift the trunk floor and check the spare tire well for standing water, damp carpet, or a musty smell.
  • Test adaptive cruise behind slower traffic and confirm it slows the car without driver input.
  • Start the car and watch the cluster for messages saying forward collision or blind spot systems are inoperable.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 Malibu

23 owner complaints
  • Electrical 7
  • Airbags 4
  • Transmission 3

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Let auto-stop engage at a red light, then accelerate and confirm the car pulls away without a restart.
  • Lock, unlock, and start the car several times with the fob and watch for a key fob not detected message.
  • With the engine running, check for Service ESC, airbag, or check engine lights, and scan for stored codes such as P023F.
Open the 2023 checklist

2022 Malibu

66 owner complaints
  • Transmission 20
  • Electrical 14
  • Engine 6

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Shift into Park and shut the car off several times. Watch for a Shift to Park message or the car staying powered on.
  • Ask for records showing whether the gear shifter was replaced and whether the work was covered or paid by the owner.
  • Scan for stored codes before buying, especially P0299 turbo underboost and P0826 shift faults.
Open the 2022 checklist

Which Malibu is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
1.5L 4-cylFWD31 mpg
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Malibu that averages well under the EPA 31 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Where the 2025 fits in the Malibu's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2025 is the tenth model year of the Malibu's ninth generation (2016 on).

It includes the 2024 update.

What changed for 2024

  • Final year of production in the US.
  • End of sales in the US.
  • No immediate successor announced.

Also looking at these instead of a Malibu?

Cars shoppers compare with the Chevrolet Malibu, with their own 2025 checklists.

2025 owner complaints, side by side