2007 Chevrolet Malibu: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Late sixth-gen with far fewer steering complaints than 2005-06, but the electric power-steering recall still applies; a budget midsize that needs the recall and electrical history checked. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu ranged from $17,805 to $24,265 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Late sixth-gen with far fewer steering complaints than 2005-06, but the electric power-steering recall still applies; a budget midsize that needs the recall and electrical history checked.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=mal…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-malibu-reliability-and-common-problems/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/problems-with-electric-power-steering-system-may-requir…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/malibu
Known issues
-
Loss of electric power-steering assist, still the leading complaint despite lower volume than 2005-06 (recall applies)
widespread · 237 NHTSA complaints · steering
-
Air-bag warning-light and deployment concerns
isolated · 15 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Electrical-system faults
isolated · 18 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=mal…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-malibu-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, compliant ride for a budget midsize sedan
- Roomy interior and large trunk; the Maxx hatchback adds cargo versatility
- Available 3.5L/3.9L V6 gives respectable power
- Inexpensive to buy and simple, cheap to maintain
Cons
- Dated, hard-plastic interior materials
- Premature wear of tie rods, suspension bushings and front brakes
- Assorted electrical gremlins and weak resale value
- Widespread electric power-steering failures that can cut assist while driving (NHTSA recall)
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $17,805 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | 25 |
| LT | $19,025 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | 25 |
| LT V6 | $20,735 | — | 3.5L V6 | 23 |
| SS | $24,060 | — | 3.9L V6 | 19 |
| LTZ | $24,265 | — | 3.9L V6 | 19 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (4)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2007-chevrolet-malibu-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/23251
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/23252
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/23253
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($17,805). Higher trims started higher (up to $24,265), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/malibu/depreciation
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 23 MPG) | ≈ $1,670/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/malibu
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu have?
Documented issue patterns include: Loss of electric power-steering assist, still the leading complaint despite lower volume than 2005-06 (recall applies); Air-bag warning-light and deployment concerns; Electrical-system faults. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Late sixth-gen with far fewer steering complaints than 2005-06, but the electric power-steering recall still applies; a budget midsize that needs the recall and electrical history checked.
How much did the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu cost new?
Between $17,805 and $24,265 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.