The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 2477 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag engine problems: timing chain wear (2010–2016) leading to potential catastrophic damage; oil consumption/loss; turbocharger failures on 1.5l/2.0l engines; vacuum pump explosions; faulty sensors causing poor fuel economy and rough idle. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 13 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 189 (2019) to 3,043 (2009). With 2,477 complaints, the 2016 Malibu sits abovethe model's median of 1,697.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 18V400000General 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. …
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 18V358000General 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 Te…
electronic stability control (esc)
Campaign 16V272000General 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 …
air bags:side/window
Campaign 16V781000General 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.
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on model year. The 2013 model year is universally panned, described as so poorly received that it required an emergency refresh for 2014 and was replaced by a new…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu. See the full Malibu owner picture and every model year.
Used Malibu listings typically run $10,900–$18,249 across 2013 to 2025 model years.
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.