The Lemon Index2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is worse than average by owner complaints: 354 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 156, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 26 to 46 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Malibu year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2016–2024 Chevy Malibu, 15.1M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.3M views
Chevrolet Malibu with "Start/Stop" (2016-2024) - New Battery InstallThe Battery Shop · 320K views · 7 videos - Transmission & shifter726K views
2016 + Chevy Malibu Shifter Error FAST FIX (Shift To Park Message) Traverse Volt Cadillac Buick gmNoNonsenseKnowHow · 470K views · 3 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors686K views
2014 (2013-2016) Chevrolet Malibu LS 2.5 Code P16D0 (P16D1) Intake Solenoid Valve ReplacementFixIT · 261K views · 5 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring584K views
👉 AT NIGHT 2016 Chevrolet Malibu - Interior and Exterior LightingMikesCarInfo · 175K views · 5 videos
Show 4 more
- Heat, A/C & blend door240K views
Chevy Malibu AC Recharge 2016- 2023Flashback502 · 127K views · 2 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition212K views
2018 CHEVY MALIBU NO CRANK/ NO START UP ISSUE...DIY DIAGNOSIS -FIXED...Peter L · 73K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS141K views
2022 HARD Brake Pedal On Chevy Malibu, Equinox FIXMenjicar · 74K views · 2 videos - Cooling system84K views
Chevy Malibu Thermostat Change! 2013-2016Flashback502 · 84K views
Before you buy, watch
Chevy Malibu 9th Gen 2016-2022 common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 172K views
2016-2022 Chevy Malibu 9 Problems and Issues Before You BuyFixIT · 79K views
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Premier - Exterior and Interior Walk AroundFrontSeatReviews · 1.1M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 864 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Malibu year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 71K miles on the car (535 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 30K–77K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 29K–71K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 23K–56K miles
Recalls 9
- seat belts 2021
The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
- airbags 2018
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 2018
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Show all 9 recalls
- airbags 2016
The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
- electrical 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
- stability control 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).
- airbags 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.
- airbags 2016
The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
- electrical 2016
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1549 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Turbocharger Noise and/or Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTC P2261
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Malibu Eco e-Assist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1400–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I could be driving down the road and it'll say engine power reduced. If I press the gas, it'll slow down. When I put my car in park, and turn it off it'll say shift to park.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu owner · NHTSA complaint 11242169
More owner reports
Takata recall, check engine light comes on and a reduce power indicator said reduce engine power, the car goes from 70mph to 40 mph on the interstate putting you and your family in grave danger
NHTSA complaint 11196471
Throttle position sensor has gone bad on my 2016 Malibu it has to be a known problem because there are thousands of videos of people showing how to fix the problem and installing a new tps and pedal.
NHTSA complaint 11172267
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 156; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Malibu year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (32%), electrical (24%) and speed control (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?
9 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu get?
26 to 46 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,000 and 71,000 miles. The middle report was at 49,100 miles, from 535 complaints.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel a year?
About $1400 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?
1.5L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Malibu year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2014 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works