2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Reliability
AVOID2016 Chevrolet Malibu: AVOID — 865 owner complaints, 4.5× the Malibu median year by raw count; top issue: engine (312 complaints).
The Chevrolet Malibu isn't scored by the verdict engine yet, so the 2016 is ranked on volume — owner complaints plus a quarter weight for service bulletins. It ranks 1st of 12 model years from 2014 to 2025, above the model median and among the three heaviest records.
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints (ODI), recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins, CarWhere verified buyer prices · Model years 2014–2025 compared · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
865
NHTSA complaints
4.5×
vs. median Malibu year
1,545
Service bulletins
9
Recall campaigns
Most-reported 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine is the clear leader, named in 36% of complaints.
| Component | Complaints | Share of 2016 complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 312 | 36% |
| Electrical system | 233 | 27% |
| Unknown or other | 181 | 21% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 174 | 20% |
| Speed control / throttle | 158 | 18% |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
9 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016, reported between Feb 11, 2016 and Aug 20, 2021.
| NHTSA campaign | Reported | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 21V649000 | Aug 20, 2021 | Seat belts › Critical fasteners |
| 18V400000 | Jun 14, 2018 | Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification |
| 18V358000 | May 31, 2018 | Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump |
| 16V781000 | Oct 26, 2016 | Air bags › Side/window |
| 16V502000 | Jul 5, 2016 | Electrical system › Ignition |
| 16V272000 | May 5, 2016 | Electronic stability control |
| 16V151000 | Mar 11, 2016 | Air bags › Side/window |
| 16V125000 | Mar 2, 2016 | Air bags › Frontal |
| 16V084000 | Feb 11, 2016 | Electrical system › Software |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu service bulletins
The manufacturer has filed 1,545 technical service bulletins with NHTSA for the 2016 — more than the 825 of the median Malibu year from 2014 to 2025. Coded bulletins most often cover electrical system (410), engine & cooling (186), engine (156). Bulletins are repair instructions for dealer technicians, not recalls.
The 2016 vs. the year before and after
From the 2015 to the 2016, owner complaints jumped 3.2× (270 → 865) — a step backward. The 2017 that followed fell 16% (865 → 727), so the 2017 has the lighter record so far.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Bulletins | Recalls | Avg. buyer-paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Malibu | — | 270 | 1,480 | 3 | — |
| 2016 (this page) | AVOID | 865 | 1,545 | 9 | — |
| 2017 Malibu | AVOID | 727 | 1,328 | 4 | — |
Prices are averages of CarWhere verified buyer transactions (shown when 3+ deals exist for the year). Full year-by-year table: Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid.
What to check on a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Engine (312 complaints on the 2016): cold-start it yourself and listen for ticking or knocking; check for oil leaks, low coolant and a lit check-engine light, and ask for oil-change records.
Electrical system (233 complaints on the 2016): test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Powertrain / transmission (174 complaints on the 2016): test-drive from cold through every gear and feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
Speed control / throttle (158 complaints on the 2016): check for surging, hesitation or a reduced-power warning, and test cruise control.
Service brakes (107 complaints on the 2016): check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, look at rotor and pad wear, and ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
Recalls: confirm all 9 campaigns above were completed on this VIN.
Know what to pay for the right 2016 Chevrolet Malibu — then negotiate it
Years-to-avoid tells you which year. Search live listings to see the target price and what verified buyers actually paid for it.
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
2016 Chevrolet Malibu: AVOID — 865 owner complaints, 4.5× the Malibu median year by raw count; top issue: engine (312 complaints). The Chevrolet Malibu isn't scored by the verdict engine yet, so the 2016 is ranked on volume — owner complaints plus a quarter weight for service bulletins. It ranks 1st of 12 model years from 2014 to 2025, above the model median and among the three heaviest records.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported areas on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are engine (312, 36%), electrical system (233, 27%), unknown or other (181, 21%). The manufacturer has 1,545 service bulletins on file for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?
9 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, most recently 21V649000 (Aug 20, 2021, seat belts); 18V400000 (Jun 14, 2018, air bags); 18V358000 (May 31, 2018, fuel system, gasoline). Recall completion is VIN-specific, so check the exact car.
How do I check a specific 2016 Chevrolet Malibu before buying?
Decode the VIN free at carwhere.com/tools/vin-decoder to confirm the build, then run the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report for the exact VIN — recall, complaint, and service-bulletin record for this model year, the original window sticker where the manufacturer publishes one, and a market price check from verified buyers. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Sources & method
Complaint, recall and service-bulletin counts for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu come from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation; the model is ranked on complaint and bulletin volume until the verdict engine scores it. Complaints are owner allegations, not verified defects. Full methodology.