Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 44 | −83% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2006 | 270 | −14% | 4 | Steering | Average |
| 2005 | 326 | 1.2× | 3 | Steering | Average |
| 2004 | 434 | 1.4× | 3 | Steering | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Malibu Maxx year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems
Latest Chevrolet Malibu Maxx recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015.
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake…
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx should you avoid?
2004 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Malibu Maxx years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2004.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other Malibu Maxx years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (653), seats (140) and electrical system (112). Steering complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx had?
4 recalls across 2004–2007. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Chevrolet Malibu Maxx recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.