The best Malibu of its generation
The 2015 Malibu drew about half the model's average complaints. Watch for reduced power warnings and an air bag light, but there is no strong pattern.
Updated November 2026 · based on 270 owner complaints and 3 recalls
139 52% below the Malibu average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Malibu year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2015 Malibu
Top problems and what they cost
Engine power reduced
Some owners report the car cutting out with an air intake fault.
Fix: Sensor or throttle body $200 to $600.
Engine
Auto stop and electrical faults
Stop-start faults and wheel speed sensor errors.
Fix: Wheel speed sensor $150 to $300.
Electrical
Air bag warning light
Service air bag light on, often from a seat wiring fault.
Fix: Seat connector repair $100 to $300.
Air bags
Recalls
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not prope...
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
- Confirm the ignition (16V502), side air bag (15V666) and sunroof (15V164) recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2015 Malibu has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the air bag light goes out after start.The air bag light should go out a few seconds after start. If it stays on, the air bags may not work in a crash. On some cars a worn clock spring also kills the horn.49 of the 270 owner complaints about the 2015 Malibu involve the air bags (18%).
- Accelerate firmly and watch for reduced power warnings.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.70 of the 270 owner complaints about the 2015 Malibu involve the engine (26%).
Questions
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
The best Malibu of its generation. The 2015 Malibu drew about half the model's average complaints. Watch for reduced power warnings and an air bag light, but there is no strong pattern.
How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Engine power reduced; Auto stop and electrical faults; Air bag warning light.
Crash rating shown for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.