Model year guide

2020 Chevrolet Malibu

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 30 on record.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Chevrolet Malibu at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints189
Combined29 mpg
Typical price$19,699

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu recalls 1

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners NHTSA Campaign #21V649000 · 20/08/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,400

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Low
$18,500
Typical price
$19,699
High
$23,388

From 20 comparable 2020 Chevrolet Malibu listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,850
Total$16,850
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($19,699) with the same model 5 model-years older ($14,852), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu trims & engines on record

Trims
LT (1LT) · RS · LS (1LS) · Premier (2LZ)
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl

2020 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

2020 Chevrolet Malibu — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, engine, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu at about 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34 highway).

How much is a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Comparable 2020 Chevrolet Malibu listings run roughly $18,500–$23,388, typically around $19,699 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.