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2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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: 1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 64% better than the average 2019 midsize car (28.1 MPG).
Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Many owner complaints195 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 44 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 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), 64% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2019

NHTSA overall rating down from 5 to 4 stars

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Malibu →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo 4-cyl

Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LT (1LT)LS (1LS)RSLS (1FL)Premier (2LZ)

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional

Pedestrian emergency brakingOptional

Forward collision warningOptional

Blind-spot monitoringOptional

Lane departure warningOptional

Lane keeping assistOptional

Adaptive cruise controlOptional

Parking assistOptional

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamOptional

Keyless startStandard

Built in: Kansas City, Kansas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 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	+64%	$1,450	194
Malibu	1.5L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	Front-Wheel Drive	29 / 36 / 32	+14%	$2,100	281
Malibu	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 9-spd	Front-Wheel Drive	22 / 32 / 26	-7%	$3,150	344

10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

10/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

28.1 MPG2019 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	5★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	10.3%

StandardElectronic stability control

OptionalForward collision warning

OptionalLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2019 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)	46 MPG	★★★★★	1
2019 Honda Accord	48 MPG	Not rated	6
2019 Chevrolet Impala	25 MPG	★★★★★	1
2019 Toyota Camry	52 MPG	★★★★★	7
2019 Volkswagen Passat	29 MPG	★★★★★	1
2019 Buick Regal	26 MPG	Not rated	3
2019 Nissan Altima	32 MPG	★★★★★	7

Recalls (1)

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.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

195Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

8Involved a crash

1Involved a fire

7Injuries reported

41,750 miTypical mileage at failure

Engine66

Power Train64

Electrical System63

Unknown Or Other36

Service Brakes22

Fuel/Propulsion System17

Vehicle Speed Control12

Air Bags6

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Engine — 66 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Power Train — 64 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Electrical System — 63 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,750 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 2019 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
2018 Malibu	46	193.7 in	★★★★★	6	711
2017 Malibu	46	193.7 in	★★★★★	4	727
2016 Malibu	46	193.7 in	★★★★★	10	865
2015 Malibu	29	191.7 in	★★★★★	3	267
2014 Malibu	29	191.7 in	★★★★★	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 →