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Chevrolet Malibu (9th Gen)

13-15 · Chevrolet Malibu

81out of 100

The 9th gen added standard ESC and a new 2.5L, but early models had engine timing chain issues and electrical gremlins that dragged its reliability below the competition.

Score breakdown

60/ 100Reliability×2.579/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.087/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

GM's most ambitious Malibu redesign, built on the Epsilon II platform. The new 2.5L Ecotec A25XF had documented timing chain tensioner failures on early production. GM issued a TSB. Electrical issues (infotainment, power accessories) are more common than in competing Japanese models. Standard ESC is a genuine improvement.

Why it's on this list

Sub-$10k prices with standard ESC, good safety ratings, and decent fuel economy make this a budget pick. The timing chain issue was addressed in later production. 14-15 models are better.

The honest trade-offs

Timing chain tensioner TSB on 2013 models, verify it was addressed. RepairPal rates reliability 3.0/5, below average. HVAC and electronics are complaint items. The 2.0T Ecotec option is significantly less reliable than the 2.5L, avoid.

What to buy and what to avoid

14-15 LT with 2.5L 4-cylinder. Avoid 2013 (timing chain TSB) and avoid the 2.0T entirely. The 6-speed auto is adequate. Verify timing chain service and electronics in test drive.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,375 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$531 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,880 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,420 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,793 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,333 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
29[5]
MPG city / hwy
25 / 36[5]
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl (Ecotec A25XF)
Horsepower
196 hp
Torque
186 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
14.3 cu ft
Stock tires
225/55R17
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
16%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$531 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
15%[1]
250k-mile survival
38%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chevrolet Malibu?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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