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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 2004–2007. Owners have filed 1,074 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 4 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most (434) and the 2007 the fewest (44).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx complaints by model year

1,074 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2007 · 44 complaints
  • 2006 · 270 complaints
  • 2005 · 326 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2004 · 434 complaints
  • 2005 · 326 complaints
  • 2006 · 270 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2004–2007. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2004200520062007
Steering 25118520710
Seats 933927
Electrical system 3740287
Exterior lighting 375185
Service brakes 2019231
Air bags 139318
Power train 203171
Electronic stability control 39120

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx recalls (4)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Malibu Maxx model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
15V064000Feb 4, 2015Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering2006, 200755.7%
14V252000May 14, 2014Brake Lights may or may not Randomly Illuminate2004–200759.6%
14V224000Apr 30, 2014Transmission Shift Cable may Fracture/Rollaway2004–200753.6%
14V153000Mar 31, 2014Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering2004, 2005, 200660.1%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

200422 mpg
200523 mpg
200619–22 mpg
200718–21 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx FAQ

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx had?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that cover at least one Chevrolet Malibu Maxx model year from 2004 to 2007. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Chevrolet Malibu Maxx year has the most complaints?

Among the last 4 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (434) and the 2007 the fewest (44). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems?

Across the 2004–2007 model years, owners most often name the steering, seats, electrical system in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx get?

EPA rates the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx at 18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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