2014 Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Reliability
NOT FLAGGED2014 Chevrolet Malibu: NOT FLAGGED — 363 owner complaints, outside the three heaviest complaint-and-bulletin records for this model; top issue: engine (127 complaints).
The Chevrolet Malibu isn't scored by the verdict engine yet, so the 2014 is ranked on volume — owner complaints plus a quarter weight for service bulletins. It ranks 4th of 12 model years from 2014 to 2025.
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints (ODI), recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins, CarWhere verified buyer prices · Model years 2014–2025 compared · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
363
NHTSA complaints
12
Model years compared
1,725
Service bulletins
6
Recall campaigns
Most-reported 2014 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine is the clear leader, named in 35% of complaints.
| Component | Complaints | Share of 2014 complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 127 | 35% |
| Electrical system | 88 | 24% |
| Unknown or other | 57 | 16% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 53 | 15% |
| Service brakes | 50 | 14% |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2014 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
6 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2014, reported between Nov 13, 2013 and Jul 5, 2016.
| NHTSA campaign | Reported | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 16V502000 | Jul 5, 2016 | Electrical system › Ignition |
| 15V164000 | Mar 23, 2015 | Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly |
| 14V247000 | May 14, 2014 | Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum |
| 14V240000 | May 8, 2014 | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc |
| 14V092000 | Feb 21, 2014 | Powertrain / transmission › Automatic transmission |
| 13V567000 | Nov 13, 2013 | Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu service bulletins
The manufacturer has filed 1,725 technical service bulletins with NHTSA for the 2014 — more than the 825 of the median Malibu year from 2014 to 2025. Coded bulletins most often cover electrical system (443), engine & cooling (170), engine (146). Bulletins are repair instructions for dealer technicians, not recalls.
The 2014 vs. the year before and after
The 2015 that followed fell 26% (363 → 270), so the 2015 has the lighter record so far.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Bulletins | Recalls | Avg. buyer-paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (this page) | — | 363 | 1,725 | 6 | — |
| 2015 Malibu | — | 270 | 1,480 | 3 | — |
Prices are averages of CarWhere verified buyer transactions (shown when 3+ deals exist for the year). Full year-by-year table: Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid.
What to check on a used 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Engine (127 complaints on the 2014): cold-start it yourself and listen for ticking or knocking; check for oil leaks, low coolant and a lit check-engine light, and ask for oil-change records.
Electrical system (88 complaints on the 2014): test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Powertrain / transmission (53 complaints on the 2014): test-drive from cold through every gear and feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
Service brakes (50 complaints on the 2014): check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, look at rotor and pad wear, and ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
Electronic stability control (36 complaints on the 2014): make sure the stability-control and ABS lights go out after start-up.
Recalls: confirm all 6 campaigns above were completed on this VIN.
Know what to pay for the right 2014 Chevrolet Malibu — then negotiate it
Years-to-avoid tells you which year. Search live listings to see the target price and what verified buyers actually paid for it.
- Verified buyer-paid target price for your exact make, model & trim
- DealDrive AI negotiator reads any dealer quote and writes your counteroffer
- Comparable real deals near you, from verified transactions
Found a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu for sale? See what the seller isn't telling you.
The CarWhere Used Car Report checks salvage records, salvage-auction listings, stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail, and full market history for one VIN — $16.99, one time.
FAQ
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
2014 Chevrolet Malibu: NOT FLAGGED — 363 owner complaints, outside the three heaviest complaint-and-bulletin records for this model; top issue: engine (127 complaints). The Chevrolet Malibu isn't scored by the verdict engine yet, so the 2014 is ranked on volume — owner complaints plus a quarter weight for service bulletins. It ranks 4th of 12 model years from 2014 to 2025.
What are the most common 2014 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported areas on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu are engine (127, 35%), electrical system (88, 24%), unknown or other (57, 16%). The manufacturer has 1,725 service bulletins on file for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu have?
6 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, most recently 16V502000 (Jul 5, 2016, electrical system); 15V164000 (Mar 23, 2015, visibility); 14V247000 (May 14, 2014, service brakes, hydraulic). Recall completion is VIN-specific, so check the exact car.
How do I check a specific 2014 Chevrolet Malibu before buying?
Decode the VIN free at carwhere.com/tools/vin-decoder to confirm the build, then run the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report for the exact VIN — recall, complaint, and service-bulletin record for this model year, the original window sticker where the manufacturer publishes one, and a market price check from verified buyers. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Sources & method
Complaint, recall and service-bulletin counts for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu come from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation; the model is ranked on complaint and bulletin volume until the verdict engine scores it. Complaints are owner allegations, not verified defects. Full methodology.