Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% | 104,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% | 55,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% | 49,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 2% | 76,000 miles |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% | 54,000 miles |
| 2012 | 36 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% | 92,000 miles |
| 2010 | 22 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2009 | 30 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 2% | 125,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% | 79,000 miles |
| 2005 | 62 | 6% | 89,000 miles |
| 2004 | 68 | 6% | 96,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 0% | 56,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% | 144,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 1999 | 3 | 0% | — |
| 1998 | 6 | 1% | 163,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Engine light continues to come on repeatedly. Resetting does not fix the problem. Engine shuts off while driving. Then suddenly the engine comes back on at an accelerated speed. Engine shuts off at traffic light when my foot is on the brake. When I remove my foot from the brake and press the accelerator the car jerks into gear. Sometimes the STABIL TRACK appears on my dash board. Also, STEERING REDUCE BE CAREFUL appears on my dash board. Sometime the driver side window will not go up or down. I have CAR SHIELD but I can not find a mechanic to accept it. They all say that CAR SHIELD is a rip-off.
Transmission has been slipping since the day I bought the car in 2023 approximately at 90,000 miles, I have been keeping up with the manufactured recommendations on the transmission and march of 2026 I went to move the passenger seat and it no longer moves
My vehicle has not been inspected, but while I was driving the brake pedal became stiff, luckily my e brake was able to prevent any wrecks. I saw that the 2016 chevy malibu has a known issue with the, "ebcm" and that would certainly cause these kinds of issues, my brake pads and rotors still have plenty of life left. Also, the driver side seat switch stopped working, according to reviews by other 2016 chevy malibu owners, and mechanics, that's because of the design flaw in the switch, it somehow rubs itself raw until there's nothing left and it snaps, leaving the switch nothing to grab on to. So, my driver seat is stuck, all the way reclined, and all the way forward. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact noticed that the rear driver side seat was burnt. The vehicle was taken to bob bell Chevrolet (1 kane st, baltimore, md 21224, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the failure was not under warranty. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the power seat wiring was the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,114.
Air bag light is on dashboard and my driver seat won't recline back up to a normal driving position. Brought it to the mechanic to have it checked and was told I am in need of a new driver seat do to a faulty airbag. The car is not even 10 years old yet and I can't use the seat properly to drive safely.
I have enjoyed my Malibu but I have a issue from the day I purchased it. The plastic cover over the seat controls was torn when I purchased the car the cover has gotten worse as time has gone by and to be honest has become a hazard I torn a pair of slacks on the extremely sharp plastic piece and I am very careful getting in and out of the car because of the piece. Drivers side seat control cover piece. There is a defect in the seat design there is a metal tube running front to back you can see it in the pictures it cracked this cover and will crack any new cover that replace this cover. This is a design defect please find out if it is covered from Chevy. There are multiple complaints listed on the internet for this exact piece cracking
I have an electrical problem with my car. Driver seat is electrical and the seat has been stuck in one position. The siding of the seat where the buttons are broke. The seatbelt gets stuck from the plastic being broken. I've had the car for a year and within 3 months of purchase I had to change brakes and it needs brakes again.
Whenever a passenger rides in the front seat all electrical components lose proper function. Heating/air-conditioning does not work, multiple warning sensors go off, radio does not work, gas gauge does not work, speedometer does not work, blinkers do not work.
Related recalls (1)
Seats
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (68), 2005 (62), 2011 (37), 2012 (36) and 2009 (30) model years. Seat complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu seat problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-359 (seats, May 19, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (10 mentions), followed by the front assembly › power adjust (5).
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.