Chevrolet Malibu Lemon Law

In 2026, GM recalled about 271,770 Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2023–2025 model years because the rearview camera can display a distorted or blank image when the driver shifts into reverse. GM traced the fault to moisture intrusion in the camera housing, where compromised adhesive lets water reach the camera. A blank or garbled backup image is a safety defect, and the remedy is a free replacement of the camera.

Beyond the camera, Malibu owners across the 2016–2025 range report drivetrain and reliability complaints: transmission shudder, hesitation, or jerking (including the continuously variable transmission on the newest cars), stalling or a sudden drop into reduced-power limp mode, excessive oil consumption on the 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, and assorted electrical faults affecting the infotainment screen, sensors, and warning lights. Any one of these can send the car back to the dealer again and again.

Under California's Lemon Law, a vehicle qualifies when a warranty-covered defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety can't be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts, or when the car is out of service for an extended cumulative period. Whether the trouble is the recalled camera, a shuddering transmission, or repeated stalling, if the dealer can't make it right you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with GM paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Malibu has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Chevrolet Malibu qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Chevrolet pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.