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2016 Chevrolet Malibu body problems

40 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
40
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
40,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    33
  • Body: trunk lid
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu body problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202023

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu body

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Water leak 18

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 27, 2025 · Body · OH

I own a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN: [XXX] , black, approx. 56,310 miles). The paint and clearcoat are failing prematurely, with peeling, cracking, and delamination appearing on the hood and roof panels. A repair estimate confirmed the need for full refinishing and corrosion protection to restore the exterior condition 2016 Chevrolet Malibu . This is not normal wear. The defect stems from faulty paint materials, defective clearcoat, or improper factory application. Although it manifests over time, GM knew or should have known of these issues but sold the Malibu without disclosure and refuses to provide assistance. The defect lowers the resale value, leaves the vehicle exposed to premature corrosion, and requires costly resanding and repainting. I respectfully request the federal safety agency investigate paint and clearcoat defects in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and determine whether a recall, service campaign, or consumer restitution is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Body, Lights · IL

Water leaking and running into spare tire compartment in truck. Due to no recall alert and dealership won't do anything, now my dome light shorts out and water stain on ceiling liner by rear window.

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Body · OH

I am writing to report a serious and unacceptable issue with the exterior paint and clear coat on my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The clear coat has become dull and faded on the hood and roof, and the side panels are beginning to chip and peel, despite regular washing and maintenance. This paint deterioration started well before what would be expected in a properly manufactured vehicle finish, especially for one that has been well cared for and is only a few years old. The vehicle has never been in an accident, and the finish failure appears to be due to a defect in the clear coat or paint application process at the factory. This not only affects the appearance and value of the vehicle, but also raises concerns about long-term body protection. Once the clear coat is compromised, the base paint and metal underneath are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. There are countless reports online of other GM vehicle owners experiencing similar issues, and I believe this should be investigated as a widespread manufacturing defect. I request that GM address this issue, either through a recall or a goodwill repair/paint reimbursement program. Vehicle Details: Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Malibu E2 Color: Black Thank you for your time and attention. I hope to see GM stand behind its product and take responsibility for this defect. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Body · MO

Water has been leaking into my car from the roof and onto my seats. Today I discovered that I have black mold under my headliner. So water is somehow leaking through and had been for some time.

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · Body · 92,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was water leaking through the panel housing of the third brake light onto the headliner and the rear seats and trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third brake light panel housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2022 · Body · FL

I was traveling home on JTB near Hodges coming from Jax Beach way at about 4:45-4:50pm today. In the far left lane. when I saw a vehicle in front of me swerve and then I saw a roll of carpet but it was to late for me to move over so I ran over it and it damaged my front end

Filed Sep 2, 2021 · Body, Visibility · 36,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated as the vehicle was being washed at the car wash, he noticed that there was water leaking into the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the windows of the vehicle would become foggy while driving in all seasons of the year, affecting his visibility of the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2021 · Body, Lights · TX

The 3rd brake light broke(high mount stop lamp) which caused water leakage into the trunk and filled the compartment where the spare tire goes.

Filed Apr 6, 2021 · Body, Engine · MN · crash

Engine light is on. Involved in a collision

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Body · WI

Car paint coming off. Exposing metal.

Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu body

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have body problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the body of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Malibu body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most body problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most body complaints are 2010 (44 complaints), 2016 (40 complaints) and 2009 (31 complaints).

Other 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Engine 305Electrical 222Transmission 166Acceleration 152Brakes 104Driver assistance 84Fuel system 55Steering 42Lights 19Suspension 19Airbags 18Visibility 15Wheels 12Seat belts 9Seats 6Tires 3Locks 1

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