# Chevrolet Malibu specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2025
- **MPG (combined):** 31
- **Drive:** FWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2025

## Quick answer

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car rated at 31 mpg combined. Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo.

## Every 2025 Chevrolet Malibu version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | CVT | 28/36 | 31 mpg | $2,150 | 283 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Chevrolet Malibu specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2025 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | FWD | 31 |
| 2024 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | FWD | 31 |
| 2023 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | FWD | 30 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-32 |
| 2021 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT, Automatic | FWD | 26-32 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-32 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-46 |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-46 |
| 2017 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-46 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 1.5L 4-cyl turbo; 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-46 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | FWD | 24-29 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Malibu changed over the years?

- **2024:** combined mpg went from 30 to 31.
- **2023:** dropped 2.0L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2020:** dropped 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid.
- **2017:** dropped 2.5L 4-cyl.
- **2016:** added 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid.

## Chevrolet Malibu problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Engine | 1104 |
| Electrical System | 881 |
| Power Train | 714 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 474 |
| Service Brakes | 358 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 269 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 172 |
| Steering | 170 |

From 3,273 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2016**.

## Guides for common Chevrolet Malibu problems

- **Engine** (1,104 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Electrical** (881 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Transmission and drivetrain** (714 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)
- **Brake** (358 complaints): [Why are my brakes squeaking](/symptoms/squeaky-brakes) - [Why do my brakes make a grinding noise](/symptoms/brake-grinding-noise) - [Why does my brake pedal go to the floor](/symptoms/brake-pedal-goes-to-floor) - [brake pad replacement cost](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) - [brake rotor replacement cost](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) - [brake caliper replacement cost](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement)
- **Fuel and propulsion** (269 complaints): [Why does my car stall while driving](/symptoms/car-stalls-while-driving) - [Why does my car lose power when accelerating](/symptoms/car-loses-power-when-accelerating) - [Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-hesitates-when-accelerating)

## Chevrolet Malibu warning lights

- [Malibu: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints
- [Malibu: Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu): 134 complaints
- [Malibu: Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints
- [Malibu: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-malibu): 63 complaints
- [Malibu: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-malibu): 53 complaints
- [Malibu: ABS warning light](/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-malibu): 22 complaints
- [Malibu: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-malibu): 14 complaints

## Chevrolet Malibu recalls (19)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [26V212000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V212000) | 2023-2025 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2026-04-02 |
| [24V575000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V575000) | 2024 | Equipment: Other | 2024-08-01 |
| [22V923000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V923000) | 2022-2023 | Structure: Frame And Members | 2022-12-14 |
| [22V359000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V359000) | 2021 | Seats | 2022-05-19 |
| [21V649000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V649000) | 2016-2021 | Seat Belts: Critical Fasteners | 2021-08-20 |
| [20V668000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V668000) | 2018 | Power Train: Automatic Transmission | 2020-10-29 |
| [19V642000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V642000) | 2018 | Electrical System: Software | 2019-09-06 |
| [18V576000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V576000) | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components | 2018-08-30 |
| [18V400000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V400000) | 2016-2018 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2018-06-14 |
| [18V358000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V358000) | 2016-2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2018-05-31 |
| [16V870000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V870000) | 2017 | Air Bags: Side/Window | 2016-12-02 |
| [16V781000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V781000) | 2016 | Air Bags: Side/Window | 2016-10-26 |
| [16V502000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V502000) | 2015-2016 | Electrical System: Ignition | 2016-07-05 |
| [16V272000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V272000) | 2016 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2016-05-05 |
| [16V151000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V151000) | 2016 | Air Bags: Side/Window | 2016-03-11 |
| [16V125000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V125000) | 2016 | Air Bags: Frontal | 2016-03-02 |
| [16V084000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V084000) | 2016 | Electrical System: Software | 2016-02-11 |
| [15V666000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V666000) | 2015 | Air Bags: Side/Window | 2015-10-16 |
| [15V164000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V164000) | 2015 | Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | 2015-03-23 |

Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu comes with: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo. It uses cvt transmission and is offered with FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes. The Chevrolet Malibu has been offered as a hybrid in some model years; the table above shows which.

### Which Chevrolet Malibu year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has the highest combined rating, up to 46 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu for a year?

About $2,150 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most efficient 2025 version, the Malibu, is rated 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (31 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 283 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA lists 19 recalls for 2015-2026 Chevrolet Malibu models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2026-04-02 (26V212000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Malibu?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is engine, followed by electrical system. The 2016 model year has the most complaints (865), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## All Chevrolet cars

- [Chevrolet Corvette](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-corvette)

## More Chevrolet models

- [Chevrolet Blazer](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-blazer)
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado)
- [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox)
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-silverado)
- [Chevrolet Suburban](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-suburban)
- [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-tahoe)
- [Chevrolet Trailblazer](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trailblazer)
- [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-traverse)
- [Chevrolet Trax](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-trax)
- [Chevrolet Bolt EV](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-bolt-ev): discontinued
- [Chevrolet Camaro](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-camaro): discontinued
- [Chevrolet Spark](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-spark): discontinued

## Other midsize cars

- [Dodge Challenger](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/dodge-challenger)
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-accord)
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-civic)
- [Honda Clarity](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-clarity)
- [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra)
- [Hyundai Ioniq 6](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-ioniq-6)
- [Infiniti Q50](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/infiniti-q50)
- [Jaguar XF](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jaguar-xf)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

---

Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.