2021 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It comes with a standard 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some owners appreciate its user-friendly infotainment system and quiet cabin, while others find the engine performance adequate but not particularly exciting, and the CVT transmission can occasionally feel sluggish. Some reviews of the vehicle ding it for being uninspired and lacking in features compared to some of its competitors.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LYX)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning light, smoky exhaust, and the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: There is no current solution to this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature turbocharger failure. Symptoms include reduced engine power, whistling noises from the engine bay, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Shuddering/Hesitation During Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This may feel like the transmission is slipping or struggling to find the right gear ratio.
  • Solution: A software update or replacement of the CVT is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for software update, $3,000 - $5,000+ for CVT replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a delay in transmission engagement, especially when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse. This can result in a noticeable pause before the vehicle begins to move.
  • Solution: There is no current solution to this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can affect access to navigation, audio, and other vehicle controls.
  • Solution: Software update to the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0-$100
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle is left unused for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery and checking for parasitic draws, such as aftermarket parts that could be draining the battery while the car is off.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported cracking on the dashboard, specifically on top near the windshield.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from moderate to severe. Engine and transmission problems, such as excessive oil consumption, turbocharger failure, and CVT shuddering, can lead to significant repair costs, potentially costing between $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on the severity and the specific repair needed. Electrical issues like infotainment freezing and battery drain can be inconvenient but are generally less costly to fix. Interior problems, such as cracked dashboards, can affect the vehicle’s appearance and value. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, being aware of these potential issues can help buyers make a more informed decision and prepare for potential maintenance costs.