Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has a notable number of owner complaints, primarily in engine and electrical systems, and six recall campaigns. The concerns range from engine issues to electrical and brake system problems, indicating a need for thorough inspection. Potential buyers should be vigilant about these areas despite limited data on some issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 351 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V502000 Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V164000 Roof Panel May Inadvertently Auto Close/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V247000 Loss of Brake Vacuum Assist/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V240000 Incorrect Brake Rotors may be Installed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V092000 Broken Transmission Adjuster Cable/FMVSS 102/114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V567000 Windshield Defrost Inoperative/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 125 complaints
- Electrical System 86 complaints
- Unknown or Other 54 complaints
- Power Train 52 complaints
- Service Brakes 42 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 31 complaints
Of the 351 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 351 complaints, owners report 17 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent engine stalling
How to check: Listen for irregular engine sounds during idling.
Ignition key removal issue
How to check: Ensure the key cannot be removed when not in PARK.
Loss of brake vacuum assist
How to check: Test brakes thoroughly for any loss of power assist.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent check engine light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check transmission smoothness when shifting.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test for consistent power delivery.
Red flag: Engine hesitates or stalls
- 05
Braking
What to check: Assess brake response and power assist.
Red flag: Soft brakes or delayed stopping
- 06
Parking
What to check: Ensure ignition key cannot be removed in gear.
Red flag: Key removes without PARK
- 07
HVAC operation
What to check: Check if defroster works and controls respond.
Red flag: Defroster does not function
- 08
End idling
What to check: Monitor for overheating signs.
Red flag: Temperature gauge indicates overheating
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition recall been resolved?
- Any recurring engine issues reported?
- Have regular maintenance records been kept?
- Were all recall fixes applied?
- Any major repairs in the past?
- Why is the car being sold?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair receipts
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Chevrolet Malibu? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.