2017 Chevrolet Malibu Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Malibu
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (256 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 256 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (172 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 172 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (144 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 144 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (136 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 136 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (72 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 72 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
78 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Air Bags Red flag
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Air Bags Red flag
Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Malibu–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Malibu. The most serious involve Air Bags (18V400000) and Air Bags (16V870000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Malibu?
The top complaint areas are Engine (256 complaints) and Electrical System (172 complaints), out of 724 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Malibu?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 256 complaints for this model-year.