NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 74 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu presents a strong safety foundation, as reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100. This score, coupled with a 4-out-of-5 star overall rating from NHTSA, indicates a solid performance in crash protection. The sedan's safety profile is further supported by its record of two resolved recall campaigns.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door FWD sedan received an overall 4-out-of-5-star safety rating and a 5-star frontal crash-test score from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.3% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 74 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2021 Malibu marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring: its Safety Index of 84 out of 100 represents a 4-point gain over the 2020 model year's 80 out of 100, with both years sitting in the Strong band. The improvement is reflected most clearly in the defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20, which benefits from a manageable two-recall footprint for this specific model year. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is anchored by the perfect 5-star frontal result, the single strongest data point in this year's profile. Where the 2021 model gives back points is in avoidance technology: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard, holding the avoidance tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and signaling that not every 2021 Malibu on the used market will carry those systems. Electronic stability control is standard across the lineup. The 74 unverified owner complaints, concentrated in electrical and powertrain categories, are worth monitoring but do not alter the crash-test or recall picture that drives the Safety Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Malibu 4-door FWD sedan achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in frontal crash tests, contributing to an overall 4 out of 5 star rating from NHTSA. Both side impact protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with a dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15292
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in August 2021, targets rear seat belt retractors affecting 2016-2021 Malibu and select Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The second, issued in May 2022, addresses driver seat components across a broader GM lineup that includes the 2021 Malibu. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
SEATS22V359000
Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
Reported 2022-05-19
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 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners have filed 74 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Malibu. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Power Train, each cited in 24 reports, followed by Unknown or Other issues in 23 reports and Engine concerns in 12. One fire and one injury are alleged among the filings. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
74 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Two open recalls, one for the seat belt retractor and another for the driver's seat, present a critical safety concern for the 2021 Malibu. Shoppers considering a used model must verify, via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool, that these campaigns have been adequately addressed. Any unfulfilled recall on a pre-owned vehicle ultimately falls to the new owner to resolve.
- The 2021 Malibu's Safety Index of 84 out of 100 is 4 points higher than the 2020 model year's 80, a year-over-year gain driven in part by this year's limited two-recall record.
- The frontal crash test is the strongest single data point for this model year, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, while side and rollover protection each scored 4 out of 5.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on the 2021 Malibu, meaning used-market examples vary in crash-avoidance equipment. Buyers should verify which features are physically present on any specific vehicle.
- Two active recall campaigns specific to this model year cover rear seat belt retractors and driver seat components. VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2021 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 74 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Malibu years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15292), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2021.
- 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 63 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.