NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu's crash-test performance is excellent, contributing to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100. This places the Malibu in the Strong safety band. While its recall record is modest, with only two issued, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score notably detracts from its otherwise robust safety profile. This compact sedan presents a well-supported safety record.
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.3% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu's overall NHTSA rating is anchored by perfect frontal and side crash-test scores. This strong performance in impact protection contributes to the model's Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the "Strong" band. This represents a two-point gain over the 2023 Malibu's 83/100, an improvement primarily due to a tighter defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20, combined with an already robust crash protection score of 66 out of 70. A notable area for improvement lies in the Malibu's avoidance technology, which scored 2 out of a possible 10 points. This gap pulls the Safety Index below what the crash-test results alone would suggest. The vehicle's two recalls warrant examination. One addresses a rearview camera distortion issue, affecting the 2023-2025 generation. This recall directly correlates with the four Back Over Prevention complaints reported to NHTSA, indicating a real-world safety concern. The second recall involves a documentation error in the owner's manual. In total, NHTSA received 22 owner complaints for the 2024 Malibu, with 10 of these concentrated in the Electrical System. These complaints, while unverified, should be monitored as the vehicle ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance included perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle's rollover rating was 4 out of 5 stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18968
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, affecting 2023-2025 Malibu vehicles, targets the rearview camera, which may display a distorted or blank image, directly implicating back-over prevention. The second involves an incorrect owner's manual shipped with certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data, but the camera recall has direct safety relevance.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA26V212000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262551720. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-02
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL24V575000
Risk: The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will provide owners with the correct manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 26, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454040.
Reported 2024-08-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
Twenty-two owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The Electrical System leads with 10 reported concerns, followed by Unknown or Other at 6, Back Over Prevention at 4, and both Power Train and Forward Collision Avoidance each drawing 3 alleged reports.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
A critical safety check for any 2024 Malibu buyer is confirming the rearview camera recall remedy. The recall directly impacts vehicle safety and necessitates a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase to ensure completion.
- The 2024 Malibu's Safety Index rose two points to 85/100 versus the 2023 model year's 83/100, driven by crash-protection and defect-record sub-scores, not by avoidance technology.
- NHTSA's rearview camera recall covers 2023-2025 Malibu vehicles, meaning this model year sits squarely within the affected range, and the distorted or blank display issue maps directly onto four Back Over Prevention complaints already filed.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the single largest drag on the 2024 model year's Index, reflecting limited credit for the forward collision warning and lane departure warning configurations in NHTSA's scoring framework.
- Ten of the 22 unverified owner complaints filed for this model year target the Electrical System, a concentration worth tracking as the vehicle moves further into the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 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 2024 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18968), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2024.
- 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 66 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.