2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 849 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2016 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 849 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 849
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like transmission and brakes.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like transmission and brakes.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are concentrated in engine problems and electrical faults, with a notable number of unintended acceleration reports. The data suggests potential issues with the engine, electrical system, and transmission, though the confidence level is low due to the nature of consumer-submitted complaints.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 307.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue with 232 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration complaints total 158, which may be related to electronic or mechanical components.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 307 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 232 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 175 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 174 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 158 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 103 | 11 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 77 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 49 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 41 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 41 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 17 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Main seal leaking and engine needs replaced at 95,000 miles.
My car will rev up to 4000 rpm’s and my car will not go about 20 mph. My cruise stopped working after my car went into reduce engine power. The dealership said they fixed all issues but was back to doing the high rev within a week. It started this week telling me to shift to park…
My car caught on fire under the hood. As I was driving on road I heard a sound and my car started slowing down and smoke started coming from under the hood got out the car not a minute later flames of smoke engulfed the car
Fuel Injector Backing ring Failing causing O-ring to dislodge and Rupture due to high pressure fuel leaking past the seal. This is causing a Major fire Hazard. Gm seal kits will not fix the problem do to Backer ring not being in the kit. part number for the o-ring kit is 12673056…
Have been getting reduced engine power since the summer on and off. Check engine light says its throttle bottle sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor. Which I was told there was a recall but my vin isn’t listed
I am reporting a recurring safety defect related to GM’s known “Shift to Park” issue. My vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” warning even when the vehicle is already in park, preventing the car from shutting off properly and creating a safety risk. This issue has been widely rep…
While driving, the vehicle experienced a mechanical failure involving the engine and lubrication system. Oil leakage was observed, and the engine began operating abnormally. This created a risk of sudden engine failure while the vehicle was in motion, which could result in loss o…
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a com…
The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with ALL GM vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due t…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact stated that severa…
My 2016 Malibu has a severe EBCM-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°F), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu EBCM recall (GM Recall 39440). I sought help from GM. A GM-certified dealer-Monken in Central…
URGENT Complaint: NO RESPONSE to Demand for Rescission - Odometer Fraud, Deceptive Practices - Banner Ford of Monroe, LA
UNKNOWN While I'm driving my car will lose power and go into reduced engine power mode and slows me down to a crawl. I've almost been hit in the back many times for to this. The coffee is P2138
Check engine light comes on and dash says reduced engine power
Car suddenly stopped dead cold while driving on a highly driven road. No power. Several attempts were made to get off the main road and drive to a close neighborhood. Finally started and at every stop sign the car grinded during stopping and threw me backwards in driver's sea…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact entered the residence; however, upon returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the …
Engine to power is reduced. Poor fuel efficiency. Rough idling while parked. Poor acceleration. Trouble starting up. Burning smell at times.
The engine power reduced came light came on along with service stability trac. The car would stall after going into auto stop and just shut off. In certain instances it would shutoff when slowed down enough. It was brought in for service where the turbo charge solenoid starter an…
My 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited is experiencing Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) failure symptoms that match Recall 39440, even though my VIN is not listed in the recall. Details of the problem: -The brakes would randomly feel like they were sticking and the car being held b…
The high-pressure fuel pump detached from the cylinder head. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P228C and reported that one mounting bolt was missing and another bolt was broken off inside the cylinder head, causing the pump to come loose and fail. The damaged parts…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 849 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Engine Problems (307 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (232 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (175 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 849 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.