NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 189 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in our "Strong" safety band. Its crash-test performance, as published by NHTSA, includes a perfect score in the frontal crash category. A single recall has been documented for this model year. This is a solid safety record.
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu received a 5-star frontal crash rating and a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA under the New Car Assessment Program.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 83 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 | 189 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 83 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu carries a notable safety point: its single recall for a rear seat belt retractor spans an unusually wide production window, from 2016 through 2021. This places the 2020 model year directly within the affected range. This defect record contributes 13 out of 20 points to the Malibu's overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100, a score identical to the 2019 model. Crash protection accounts for 61 of a possible 70 points. This strong showing derives from a 5-star frontal crash rating and consistent 4-star ratings in both side impact and rollover tests. However, the Malibu's avoidance technology score is limited to 6 of 10 points. This is directly due to forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems being optional rather than standard equipment, meaning many vehicles on the road today lack these features. Furthermore, 189 owner complaints have been filed. While these remain unverified, a significant concentration in engine, powertrain, and electrical issues is evident.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
For the 2020 Malibu, federal data shows a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for frontal crash protection. This strong performance contributes to an overall NHTSA rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Side impact protection also received 4 stars. Rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test showing no tip; this category also earned 4 stars. No crash-test categories for the 2020 Malibu were left unrated by NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14317
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu carries one NHTSA recall campaign. It targets rear seat belt retractors, specifically critical fasteners, and covers certain 2016 through 2021 Malibu vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but the seat belt system is a primary safety component and remedy verification is essential.
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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has received 189 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Malibu. Alleged problem areas include the engine, powertrain, electrical system, service brakes, and vehicle speed control. Reported allegations also include 10 crash events, 7 injuries, and 1 death. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
189 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old Malibu should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the rear seat belt retractor recall has been remedied. Open safety recalls on used vehicles carry over to new owners, and a seat belt system recall warrants prompt attention before driving.
- The 2020 Malibu's Safety Index of 80 out of 100 held flat versus the 2019 model year, indicating no safety-profile change between the two years at the index level.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning avoidance-tech capability varies by individual vehicle depending on how it was originally equipped.
- A single recall covering rear seat belt retractor critical fasteners applies to this model year and remains a primary safety concern to verify by VIN before purchase or continued use.
- NHTSA has logged 189 unverified complaints for this model year, with the highest alleged incident concentrations in engine, powertrain, and electrical system categories, and the most recent complaint filed as recently as mid-2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 189 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Malibu years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14317), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2020.
- 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 83 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.