2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 861 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, filed between 2015-10-14 and 2026-09-04. The most common problem areas are the engine (310, 36%), electrical system (233, 27%) and power train (174, 20%). Owners reported 24 crashes, 2 fires, 17 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Chevrolet Malibu complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 310 | 36% | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 233 | 27% | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Unknown or other | 180 | 21% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 174 | 20% | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 158 | 18% | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Service brakes | 97 | 11% | 10 | 0 | 6 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 77 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 51 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 42 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 41 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 19 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 19 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 18 | 2% | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Wheels | 12 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 11 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 310 complaints
- 310 complaints of 861 (36%) name the engine.
- 83 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 7 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Electrical system: 233 complaints
- 233 complaints of 861 (27%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 82 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes, 4 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu; the latest, campaign 16V502000, says: “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…”
Power train: 174 complaints
- 174 complaints of 861 (20%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 49 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 158 complaints
- 158 complaints of 861 (18%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 83 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 6 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Service brakes: 97 complaints
- 97 complaints of 861 (11%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 19 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 10 crashes and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu covers this system.
Electronic stability control (esc): 77 complaints
- 77 complaints of 861 (9%) name the electronic stability control (esc) — stability and traction control.
- 27 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu; the recall, campaign 16V272000, says: “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…”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 95 |
| 2019 | 203 |
| 2020 | 154 |
| 2021 | 98 |
| 2022 | 79 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 18 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MALIBU, MALIBU ECO, MALIBU LIMITED, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's most common problem areas are the engine (310 of 861 complaints), electrical system (233 of 861 complaints) and power train (174 of 861 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA has 861 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, including 24 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's problems?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.