U.S. vehicle reference
2021 Chevrolet Malibu MPG, Fuel Cost and Recalls
2021 Chevrolet Malibu MPG and annual fuel cost by engine, with EPA ratings and NHTSA recall records below.
At a glance
2021 Chevrolet Malibu reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 26 to 32 mpg across 2 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Engine / transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 29 mpg | 36 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,900 | 273 g/mi |
| 2.0L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 22 mpg | 33 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,350 | 342 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Front-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 2 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · 21V649000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
SEATS · 22V359000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 26 to 32 mpg across 2 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Malibu?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?
NHTSA returned 2 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05Last updated