2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 46 combined · 49 city / 43 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,087–3,386 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 71% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints726 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 43 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,087 lb (L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 46 MPG combined (49 city / 43 highway), 71% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 726 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Malibu →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kansas City, Kansas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,087 lb | 59/41 |
| Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,386 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Hybrid Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 43 / 46 | +71% | $1,450 | 194 |
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +12% | $2,250 | 293 |
| Malibu | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -3% | $3,150 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.2% |


Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 46 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Buick Regal | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 20, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 402 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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 is N212333380.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · 66 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V870000 · 113 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
- Risk
- Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.
Not every 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 256 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 171 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 134 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,162 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Malibu years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 44 |
| 2023 Malibu | 30 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 72 |
| 2022 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 99 |
| 2021 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2020 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 199 |
| 2019 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 711 |
| 2016 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 865 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 267 |
| 2014 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 330 |
| 2013 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 811 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →