Check a VIN

2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is engine and cooling, typically around 53,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical Malibu model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
63/100
Owner complaints
841
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
1,549
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-46mpg
Typical repair
$1,200

The worst 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Check engine light 181Loss of power 110Stalling 30Engine failure 26Battery drain 18Water leak 18Won't start 18Headlights 16Misfire 14ABS 13Grinding brakes 13Hesitation 13Won't shift 13Jerking 12Steering lock-up 9Brake failure 8Adaptive cruise 7Door locks 7Knocking 7Start-stop 7Warning lights 7No deployment 6Backup camera 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Fire or smoke 5Key fob 5Transmission failure 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu mention

P2138 18P1101 3P2097 3P2122 2P228C 2P3055 2P3056 2

Recalls 9

Seat belts: rear/other: retractorReported August 20, 2021 · 402 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.

Recall number 21V649000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported June 14, 2018 · 66 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
Risk
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

Recall number 18V400000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 31, 2018 · 895 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Recall number 18V358000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported October 26, 2016 · 18 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
Risk
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 16079.

Recall number 16V781000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported May 5, 2016 · 66 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020). GM's number for this recall is 39440.

Recall number 16V272000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported March 11, 2016 · 3,137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Malibu vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to March 5, 2016. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 31820.

Recall number 16V151000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported March 2, 2016 · 1,579 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.

Recall number 16V125000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported February 11, 2016 · 139 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.

Recall number 16V084000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 1,549

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,549 bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cyl HybridFWD474646
1.5L 4‑cylFWD273630
2.5L 4‑cylFWD233327
2.0L 4‑cylFWD223226

What 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · 66,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 61 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly began idling roughly. The contact stated that a loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle, and the cooling fan cycled on and off. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was found overheating. The cause of the failure could not be determined initially; however, the mechanic stated the failure was a known issue requiring a special diagnostic tool. Diagnosis revealed three piston rings leaking at 5 percent and the fourth piston ring leaking at 95 percent. The contact was informed that the piston rings could potentially be repaired if the necessary remedy parts were available for the model year. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Brakes, Fuel system · LA

It said service to stabilitrak press the gas and it won't go its delayed..

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · MI

My vacuum pump has failed. Causing extremely dangerous driving conditions and potentially damaging my engine.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Fuel system · AZ

I believe my fuel pump was cracked

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Airbags · 194,000 miles · CA · crash

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and taking her children to school, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several air bags deployed. The steering wheel air bag struck the contact, and she was knocked unconscious. The vehicle drove across the street and crashed into a divider. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact sustained minor bruises on the nose. Medical attention was provided by the emergency personnel on the ambulance. The manufacturer was contacted over the phone after the issue. A product allegation was filed, and the contact was informed there would be a response within four business days. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · CA

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT 1.8L - current mileage 147,059 miles The factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. This caused check engine codes P0401 / P26BE, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. GM has released 4 revisions of this part and all fail the same way, indicating known defective design. The part is currently on indefinite national backorder with no ETA from GM (Order #343585 from GMPartsNow on 08/22/2025 held without ship date). Dealers quote $1,587 and cannot obtain part either. This is a safety and emissions defect: coolant loss risks engine overheating, exhaust leak risks carbon monoxide in cabin, and coolant contaminates catalytic converter. GM discontinued Malibu Hybrid in 2019 without proper fix. This should be recalled. They produced a car, we bought it and now they don’t have the overpriced parts in stock to fix my car and when the parts is backordered, I keep driving it because i can’t work without my car which I very much need, the hybrid battery gets overheated, then they sell battery too and other damages too which will cost thousands to fix. This is a scam!

Filed Jul 19, 2026 · Electrical · DE

“Steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. When that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. All this happens while driving. After the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Steering, Wheels · OH

Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle.my car moves side to side. I have replaced everything in the rear end. I just recently bought this car.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IN

Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · KY

The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu before you buy

Compare the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Malibu vs Honda AccordMalibu vs Ford FusionMalibu vs Toyota CamryMalibu vs Hyundai SonataMalibu vs Nissan AltimaMalibu vs Volkswagen PassatMalibu vs Kia OptimaMalibu vs Subaru Legacy

Other model years

19971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners have filed 841 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 1.2 times a typical Malibu model year.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu year score?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu scores 63 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

Engine and cooling, with 305 complaints, typically around 53,000 miles. Next is electrical (222).

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?

9 recalls, covering seat belts, air bags and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (305 complaints), 2018 (286 complaints) and 2017 (258 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu range from 26 to 46 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 47 city and 46 highway.

Share your experience with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN