NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 187 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 places it firmly in the Strong band. This assessment primarily reflects the model's robust crash protection, evident in its solid crash-test record. That strength is somewhat offset by the limited standard crash-avoidance technology offered. The vehicle currently carries one active recall.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid received a 5-star frontal crash rating and an overall 4-star NHTSA rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 derived from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 187 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid posts a Safety Index of 80 out of 100 in the Strong band, with no prior-year index on file to measure movement against. The score is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, the strongest component of the three index pillars. The perfect 5-star frontal rating is the defining crash-test result for this specific model year and separates it from a generic mid-cycle sedan. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects a meaningful limitation: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this year's configuration, meaning some 2019 Malibu Hybrid units on the used market may not carry those features at all. The defect-record sub-score of 13 out of 20 is shaped by the single rear seat belt retractor recall and the 187 unverified owner complaints, the largest alleged clusters sitting in powertrain, electrical, and engine categories. For a 7-year-old vehicle, the combination of a strong frontal result and one targeted recall represents a defined, checkable safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid achieved a 4 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal crash protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5 stars in that category. Side impact protection and rollover resistance both received 4 stars. The vehicle carries a 10 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip-test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14013
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
One recall covers this model year. General Motors recalled certain 2016 to 2021 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for a seat belt defect specifically involving rear seat belt retractor critical fasteners. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA before purchase or continued use.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V649000
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Reported 2021-08-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA records 187 unverified consumer complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Power Train with 65 reports, Electrical System with 61, and Engine with 61. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects. Eight alleged crashes and seven alleged injuries are included in that total.
187 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm whether the rear seat belt retractor remedy has been completed. Also verify whether optional forward collision warning or lane departure warning was included on the specific unit being evaluated.
- The 2019 model year carries one recall targeting rear seat belt retractor critical fasteners, a safety-critical component that should be confirmed as remedied on any specific used unit via VIN lookup at NHTSA.
- The frontal crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual score in this year's NHTSA test results, while side and rollover each hold at 4 stars.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning used-market examples may lack these crash-avoidance features depending on original trim and option selection.
- The 187 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year include alleged concentrations in powertrain, electrical system, and engine categories, with 8 alleged crashes and 7 alleged injuries reported by consumers.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 187 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Malibu years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14013), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 76 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.