NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, contributing to its strong 87/100 NHTSA Safety Index. However, this model year presents a notable weakness in its avoidance technology, reflected in a particularly low sub-score. Additionally, one active recall is on record, a factor that prospective owners should consider in their assessment.
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 61 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.3% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2025 Malibu represents a two-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 85/100 in the 2024 model year to 87/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental gain is best understood by looking at where the score lives: crash protection contributes a near-ceiling 66 out of 70 points, and the defect record sub-score holds at 19 out of 20, reflecting only one recall campaign. The drag on the overall Index is the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10, a figure that signals the Malibu's active-safety feature set is not meeting the benchmark that modern scoring rewards. The single recall, centered on a potentially blank or distorted rearview camera display, is directly relevant to the Back Over Prevention complaint cluster, which ties for the most-reported alleged issue among the five owner filings. That alignment between a known recall and the complaint pattern is a signal worth noting. The five-star overall NHTSA rating confirms strong structural crash performance in this model year, but shoppers should treat the avoidance-tech gap and the open camera recall as the two defining safety considerations specific to the 2025 edition.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Malibu achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. Both frontal and side impact tests yielded five out of five stars. The rollover category presented a relative weak point, scoring four out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 10 percent. Notably, the dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20385
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2025 Malibu. General Motors is recalling certain 2023-2025 Malibu vehicles because the rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image, directly compromising back-over prevention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but the safety function involved warrants prompt remedy verification.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Malibu. The top alleged problem areas are Back Over Prevention, Electrical System, and Unknown or Other components, each with two reported allegations, plus one involving the powertrain. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
A specific recall concerning the rearview camera system warrants immediate attention for any prospective owner of a 2025 Malibu. Before purchase, buyers should verify the remedy status of this recall through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Resolution of this safety-critical item is essential.
- The 2025 Malibu's Safety Index rose two points over the 2024 model year to 87/100, driven by strong crash-protection and defect-record sub-scores.
- One active NHTSA recall covers the rearview camera on certain 2023-2025 Malibu vehicles, with the screen potentially showing a distorted or blank image during back-over maneuvers.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the single largest drag on the 2025 Index, reflecting a gap in the active-safety feature set that the crash-test stars alone do not capture.
- Five unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Back Over Prevention and Electrical System tied as the most frequently alleged problem areas in this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu places
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Chevrolet Malibu safety questions
Was the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2025 Chevrolet Malibu crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Malibu years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20385), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Malibu 2025.
- 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 61 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.