2013–2024
Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid: 2016–2018 (1.5T). Best used years: 2013–2015 (2.5L), 2019+ (2.0T). Malibus are cheap transportation done right if you pick the engine right: 2.5 or 2.0T yes, undocumented 1.5T no.
Years to avoid
2016–2018 (1.5T)
Oil consumption and turbo failures on the small turbo — the engine to skip without records.
Best years to buy
2013–2015 (2.5L)
Simple port-injected four with a conventional auto — the durable budget pick.
2019+ (2.0T)
The stronger engine with fewer complaints, at heavy depreciation discounts.
The bottom line
Malibus are cheap transportation done right if you pick the engine right: 2.5 or 2.0T yes, undocumented 1.5T no.
Year guidance narrows the search, but every used car is its own story. See the full used Chevrolet Malibu buyer check for known issues, mileage guidance, and what to verify before you visit.
Found a Malibu listing? Check the actual car.
Paste the ad link or text into the analyzer and Dealscan scores the deal, flags year-specific risks when they apply, and lists the questions worth asking this specific seller.
Check a listing free