Car · Chevrolet problems
2020 Chevrolet Malibu problems
200 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The most reported area is engine and engine cooling (31% of them). NHTSA also lists 292 service bulletins and 1 recall campaign.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu: when owners filed, and how it differs from nearby years
The 200 complaints in the NHTSA complaints dataset (we count by complaint number) were filed between February 18, 2020 and October 29, 2026. By calendar year: 2020 (5), 2021 (17), 2022 (23), 2023 (36), 2024 (40), 2025 (46), 2026 (33).
45 of the complaints give an odometer reading. Half were at or under 68,000 miles; a quarter were under 50,198 and a quarter over 88,400. By band: 8 had under 25,000 miles, 3 had 25,000 to 49,999, 25 had 50,000 to 99,999 and 9 had 100,000 or more. Most filed from TX (31), CA (14), FL (14), IN (14), GA (12), NC (12), PA (10), MI (7). The parts named most: Engine (60), Electrical System (57), Power Train (56), Unknown Or Other (45), Service Brakes (43), Vehicle Speed Control (17), Steering (16), Fuel/Propulsion System (14), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (5), Air Bags (4).
Of the 292 repair bulletins filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, the oldest was received August 12, 2019 and the newest September 30, 2026. Most are about engine and engine cooling (59), electrical system (53), equipment (45). 4 of the 8 newest also appear in the 2018 list.
NHTSA defect investigations that name the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu:
- EA25005, opened October 21, 2025, still open. Air bags: DTN Air Bag Inflator Rupture
| Model year | Complaints | Crash or fire | Top area | Bulletins | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 700 | 23 / 4 | Engine and engine cooling, 41% | 406 | 6 |
| 2020 (this page) | 200 | 10 / 0 | Engine and engine cooling, 31% | 292 | 1 |
Share of complaints about engine and engine cooling: 31% here, 41% in 2018.
Chart made from NHTSA complaints data
Chart made from NHTSA complaints data
Complaints by area
- Engine and engine cooling62 · 31%
- Power train (transmission and drive)59 · 30%
- Electrical system57 · 28%
- Service brakes50 · 25%
- Other or unknown45 · 23%
- Fuel system18 · 9%
- Speed control and throttle18 · 9%
- Steering16 · 8%
7 smaller areas not shown (14 complaints in total).
Why complaint counts cannot rank models
Service bulletins
NHTSA lists 292 repair bulletins for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu (Chevrolet's filings; a bulletin is not a recall). 4 of the 8 newest are not on the neighbouring years' lists:
- PIT5698FReceived September 30, 2026
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- PIT5099JReceived July 29, 2026
PI to help diagnose A/C concern.
- PIP6032CReceived June 8, 2026
PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks.
- PIT3271QReceived April 7, 2026
Information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Full text of all 1.
- 21V649000, August 20, 2021, Seat belts
Repairs and what they cost
- Start with a diagnosis: Diagnostic scan (check engine light)$55 to $250
US ranges for all makes, not a quote. How to read these prices.
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Sources
- NHTSA datasets and APIs, checked November 1, 2026
- NHTSA complaints dataset (we count by complaint number), checked November 1, 2026:
safety-related defect complaints received
- NHTSA datasets and APIs, checked November 1, 2026
- NHTSA datasets and APIs, checked November 1, 2026
Repair prices are estimates from our own ranges. Not a repair shop, estimates only.