NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 85 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its federal safety picture is solid, with competitive NHTSA crash-test results and only a single recall campaign issued for this model year.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu received a 5-star frontal crash rating and a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 68 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 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 85 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 68 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu maintains its predecessor's federal safety profile, holding a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, a score identical to the 2021 model year. This flat movement indicates no significant change in its safety standing. The largest contributor to this score is crash protection, which accounts for 61 of a possible 70 points, highlighted by a 5-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA. Avoidance technology contributes 6 of 10 points. This reflects the optional status of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning for the 2022 model year, though electronic stability control is standard. The vehicle's defect record adds 16.75 of a possible 20 points, a figure largely influenced by a single recall campaign. This recall addresses the front impact bar on both 2022 and 2023 units. Owners have filed 85 unverified complaints, primarily concerning electrical and powertrain systems. While these complaints do not affect the current Safety Index score, their accumulation warrants ongoing attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu earned a 5 star rating in frontal-crash protection, the strongest area of its performance in federal tests. NHTSA's overall rating for the vehicle is 4 stars. Side-impact protection also stands at 4 stars. The Malibu's rollover resistance is rated at 4 stars, with a 10 percent risk of rollover and no dynamic tip in testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16059
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers certain 2022 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for a structural concern: the front impact bar, a load-bearing frame member, was identified as potentially deficient. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS22V923000
Risk: An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Reported 2022-12-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has logged 85 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 Malibu. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (29 reports), Unknown Or Other (26), Engine (24), and Power Train (23). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
For the 2022 Malibu, a significant structural recall for the front impact bar warrants close attention from prospective buyers. This recall, if unresolved, represents a tangible safety concern. Checking a specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is a necessary step to confirm the completion of this remedy prior to purchase.
- The 2022 Malibu's Safety Index of 84/100 held flat versus the 2021 model year, with no gain or loss in the Strong band.
- A single recall specific to 2022 and 2023 Malibu units targets the front impact bar, a structural frame component. Remedy status should be verified by VIN.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 points.
- NHTSA has recorded 85 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (29 reports) and Engine (24 reports) among the most frequently alleged problem areas.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 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 2022 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 85 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16059), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2022.
- 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 68 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.