DecodedCars2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,126–3,223 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine 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 3,126 lb (Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 11% better than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 32 to 30
- NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Malibu →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kansas City, Kansas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,126 lb | 59/41 |
| Premier 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,223 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 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +11% | $2,250 | 292 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.3% |
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 Toyota Crown | 41 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Subaru WRX | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Apr 2, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V212000 · 276,879 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Structure › Frame And Members · Dec 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V923000 · 2,108 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
- Risk
- An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Not every 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Back Over Prevention — 14 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →