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2007 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sudden loss of electric power steering assist.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu.

Reported to NHTSA

Sudden loss of electric power steering assist

STEERING

163 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2026-06

“No power steering for 25min drive home. Next day it worked. Dealership said it had an expired recall for power steering fix. No work was done by dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743766
“After several years of instability, the power steering on my 2007 Chevy Malibu has started to lock up while driving. Turning of the vehicle is then difficult”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655619
“GENERAL MOTORS LLC (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED APRIL 1, 2006, TO JUNE 30, 2006, AND 2006-2007 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED APRIL 18, 2006, TO JUNE 30, 2006”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake lights illuminate without pedal application

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2023-01

“The Vehicles brake lights are not working Properly. They are on when driving and no brake pedal pressure is applied. When you Apply Brake Pedal Pressure the Brake lights go out. This is a safety hazard cars approaching from the rear do not see a stopped car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501671
“I HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT 2020 WHERE THE BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11367054
“I TOOK MY CAR FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, BUT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. I THEN TOOK TO CAR FOR REPAIR AND WAS ADVISED THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE BRAKE PROBLEM AND IS OUTSTANDING ON THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414209

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Erratic or non-functional fuel gauge reading

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2024-03

“MY GAS GAUGE HASN'T BEEN WORKING FOR A FEW YEARS AND I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT, IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578495
“THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. OK IN FILLED THE TANK UP TODAY AND PUT IN A LOCUS FUEL CLEANER (01/22/2021) ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS LIKE MY CAR WAS GASPING FOR GAS. MY FUEL GAUGE KEEPS MOVING UP IN DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389508
“MY 2007 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE. THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WHEN I HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS THEN IT GOES UP TO FULL. WHEN I DRIVE FOR A WHILE THE GAUGE GOES DOWN TO EMPTY. ALSO THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11081117

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2024-08

“The contact's daughter owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547295
“TAKARA RECALL THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. ON THE RADIO PART IT HAS SAID SERVICE AIRBAG. EVERYONE TELLS ME U CAN NOT SERVICE IT. NOW THE RADIO SAYS AIRBAG WARNING AND WANT TO OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100078
“THIS VEHICLE HAS A SAFETY DESIGN FAULT WHERE THE PASSENGER PRESSENCE SENSOR(PPS) DEFAULTS CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON DISSABLING THE WHOLE WHOLE AIRBAG PROTECTION SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11187079

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

317 crashes 1990–2024

How the 317 occupant deaths break down

229

driver deaths

87

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

317

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

37

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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