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#BS-2016-CHEMAL-5B502016 Chevrolet MalibuProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,452 owners and 9 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,452 complaints, 40 crashes, 3 fires, and 9 recalls. Complaint rate is 7.6x the class average.
Top reported problems
loss of power
19 complaints • Severity 8.8/10
shift to park message
13 complaints • Severity 6.6/10
check engine light is on
11 complaints • Severity 8.9/10
shift to park alert
6 complaints • Severity 6.3/10
brake failure multiple problems
5 complaints • Severity 9.2/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
306 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 51K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (308 reports) • Median: 51K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (306 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 21% of all reports filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with 306 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 50,821 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 51K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 15% of all reports filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with 221 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with 162 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Speed Control Issues
Speed Control complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with 150 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to speed control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (9 recalls)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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."
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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."
+ 4 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Chevrolet Malibu is the 2010 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
1,452
Class avg
190
7.6x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,452 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 9 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Chevrolet Malibu Model Years
2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,452 owner reports. Know before you buy.