Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% | 11,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% | 123,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% | 26,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% | 6,000 miles |
| 2014 | 21 | 6% | 52,000 miles |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% | 41,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 2% | 92,000 miles |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% | 34,000 miles |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 27 | 2% | 61,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 0% | 140,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 11 | 1% | 91,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% | 146,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% | 18,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2001 | 18 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2000 | 34 | 4% | 28,000 miles |
| 1999 | 81 | 10% | 50,000 miles |
| 1998 | 67 | 7% | 65,000 miles |
| 1997 | 18 | 4% | 74,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR27. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, there was a blowout of the front driver's side tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire was replaced. The contact stated that later while inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the front passenger's side tire had developed a sidewall blister. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the front driver's side tire was replaced several times due to air loss. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced an unknown filter. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the unknown filter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who confirmed that the unknown filter and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Turned ignition off car computer read car not in park. All lights were on yellow ignition light on and door chime kept ringing. Started car moved car forward then backed up. Shut car off car still not working properly in park same problem. Moved shifter to park and bumped it a few times. Message went off. Tires make a grinder noise.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was difficult to turn over. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the fuel injectors were leaking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,074.
I had a tire installed by a repair shop approximately one month ago. I recently discovered that the tire installed on my vehicle is the incorrect size. My vehicle requires size 225/55R17, but the shop installed size 245/45R17. This creates a safety concern due to improper fitment, which can affect handling, stability, and overall vehicle performance. I only discovered the issue after experiencing a separate flat tire and inspecting all tires on the vehicle. I contacted the business to have the issue corrected, but they refused to assist me. During multiple phone calls, both the manager and assistant manager were dismissive, unprofessional, and terminated the calls without providing any resolution. The incorrect tire remains on the vehicle, and the business has failed to correct their error.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated upon attempting to change a flat tire, the contact was unable to replace the wheel because the lug nuts were swollen. The contact called Roadside Assistance, who informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen, and Roadside Assistance replaced the wheel with specialized equipment. The vehicle was taken to Goodyear Tires, where the front tires were replaced with new tires and the rear tires were rotated. Additionally, the contact was advised that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen due to cold weather. The dealer charged a fee and replaced the lug nuts with the same parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be contacted later. …
the trottle body position sensor just started acting up. took it to mechanic. they stated they can try to fix it but it may only work for a month then go back out. may end up paying over 6k and the car isn't worth it
Tires came on vehicle OEM Firestone FT140. 205/65/R16. The vehicle, a 2016 Chevy Malibu LS, has 25, 652 miles on it. The tires are maintained, rotated regularly, correct tire pressure etc. No signs of uneven wear, cupping etc. no wheel alignment needed etc. as per dealer. The tire tread is down to 4/32 in the rear and 6/32 in the front. Tread wear seems to be excessive for the rear tires on a vehicle with only 25K on it. I reached out to Firestone and Chevrolet. OEM tires should not be wearing out this premature. When I asked the Firestone rep about tread life they told me that they did not know what the expected tread life was on OEM tires because they were made to specifics provided by vehicle manufacturer. If I were to buy the same again now as a replacements, they have a 50K tread life warranty, nut I am concerned about the premature tread wear. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (81), 1998 (67), 2010 (39), 2000 (34) and 2013 (31) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for any Chevrolet Malibu model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (71 mentions), followed by the rim (14).
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.