2021 Chevrolet MalibuFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Trim Comparison
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Automatic 9-spd | Regular | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
vs. average new vehicle
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 273 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.3 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.5L, 4-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Direct Injection
- Efficiency Tech
- Auto Start-Stop
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,105/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,792/yrHIGHEST | +$687 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,823/yrLOWEST | $-282 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,939/yr | $-166 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,120/yr | +$15 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,114/yr | +$9 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,621/yr | +$516 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $2,165/yr | +$60 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $2,036/yr | $-69 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,085/yr | $-20 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 32 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Recall History2
Source: NHTSAOwner-Reported Problems74 complaints
Source: NHTSANHTSA has received 74 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Top reported issues include electrical system, power train and engine. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.
Problems by System / Component
2021 Chevrolet Malibu problems by category: Electrical System: 24 complaints, Power Train: 24 complaints, Engine: 12 complaints, Fuel System: 9 complaints, Air Bags: 5 complaints, Suspension: 3 complaints, Structure: 2 complaints, Brakes: 2 complaints.
Sample Owner Complaints
Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.