The short answer
NHTSA's recall database lists 11 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2024 Chevrolet Malibu model year, as of Oct. 12, 2026. 2018 has the most (6); the components named most often are Air bags, Fuel system (gas), Seat belts and Hydraulic brakes.
A recall count is not a reliability score. One campaign can cover a few hundred vehicles or more than a million, some campaigns are software updates, and recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand. For a used vehicle, the question that matters is whether that VIN's recalls have been completed: check it on NHTSA's free VIN lookup before you buy.
At a glance
Recall campaigns by model year
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most (campaigns) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | Air bags (2), Fuel system (gas) (1), Seat belts (1) |
| 2018 | 6 | Air bags (1), Hydraulic brakes (1), Fuel system (gas) (1) |
| 2019 | 1 | Seat belts (1) |
| 2020 | 1 | Seat belts (1) |
| 2021 | 2 | Seat belts (1), Seats (1) |
| 2022 | 1 | Structure (1) |
| 2023 | 2 | Structure (1), Rear camera / backover (1) |
| 2024 | 2 | Equipment (1), Rear camera / backover (1) |
The campaigns that cover the most model years
| NHTSA campaign | Component | Model years covered (2017–2024) | What NHTSA says could happen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V649000 | Seat belts | 2017–2021 | An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V358000 | Fuel system (gas) | 2017–2018 | A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 18V400000 | Air bags | 2017–2018 | In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. |
| 22V923000 | Structure | 2022–2023 | An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 26V212000 | Rear camera / backover | 2023–2024 | A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V870000 | Air bags | 2017 | Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. |
| 18V576000 | Hydraulic brakes | 2018 | A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V642000 | Electrical | 2018 | Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Newest campaigns (filed in 2026)
Recalls keep arriving years after a vehicle is built. These were filed with NHTSA in 2026, so a used vehicle checked last year may need a fresh look:
- 26V212000, filed April 2, 2026: Rear camera / backover, model years 2023–2024. A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
How to check a specific vehicle
- Get the 17-character VIN (windshield, door jamb or title).
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years, by VIN, free.
- If anything is open, ask the seller to have it completed before delivery, or book it with a franchised dealer of that brand. Recall repairs are free.
- Ask for the service records; a completed recall shows on the dealer repair order.
- CarBravo vehicles: CarBravo says GM requires dealers to complete all open safety recalls before a CarBravo vehicle is listed or sold. Swant Graber Motors is a CarBravo dealer; see CarBravo in Barron.
- Wisconsin used-vehicle disclosures: Wisconsin dealers disclose a used vehicle's condition on the Wisconsin Buyers Guide (Trans 139.04); ask for it and read it with the recall printout.
- Our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
Getting recall work done in Barron
Recall repairs on Chevrolet Malibu vehicles are done at no charge by a franchised Chevrolet dealer. Ours: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge), 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-5657. Service is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (no Saturday service). Service loaners are available; ask the service department when you book.
Used Malibu checklist
Before you buy a used Malibu
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Questions
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Malibu have?
For 2017–2024 model years, NHTSA lists 11 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 12, 2026. 2018 has the most (6). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.
Which used Malibu year has the fewest recalls?
In NHTSA's data, 2019, 2020, 2022 have the fewest (1). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.
Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet.
Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?
Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
