2016
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Malibu Change Vehicle

Striking styling distinguishes the Chevrolet Malibu, complete with sumptuous curves that evoke the luxurious Audi A7. Beyond the style there is true substance, with a comfortable ride, an almost absurdly quiet cabin, and undaunting controls. And, compared to the previous model, the rear seat now has more room. But there are several form and functional setbacks that result from this swoopy look, most notably visibility.
Alerts
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Malibu

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2016 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years *Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
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NA
Potential Trouble Spots
Engine Major
NA
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NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
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Engine Cooling
NA
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Transmission Major
NA
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NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
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NA
Drive System
NA
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Fuel System
NA
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Electric System
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Climate System
NA
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Suspension
NA
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Brakes
NA
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Exhaust
NA
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Paint/Trim
NA
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Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
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Body Hardware
NA
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NA
Power Equipment
NA
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NA
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NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"The spare tire area in the trunk filed with water and over flowed in to the back seat. From the rain"

Brad L., MO (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Seal around the third break light was leaking, as water would come in when it rained. Took to dealer body shop and they fixed it be repairing the seal. Haven't had any issues since"

Anonymous, KS (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Squeaks or rattles

"Several rattles within the dash and headliner"

Scott H., OR (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The car developed a rattling noise deep in the dash that is constant, but faint, at any speed above 0 mph. I've also noticed a similar rattle near the rear shelf in the area below the rear glass"

Anonymous, MI (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"rattles from two different places in the interior of vehicle"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"A buzzing noise seems to be in the dash"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT Unsure)
Wind noise

"Wind noise is horrendous"

Kay E., OH (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier Unsure)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Parking sensors were disabling the parking system. After two appointments it appears to be fixed"

John V., NC (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The "park assist" system stopped working, meaning the vehicle would not park itself nor indicate the closeness of objects during manual parking, plus no rear cross traffic alert. Backup camera and turn signals were NOT affected. Took vehicle to dealer. Codes were read and system reset. All then good"

Craig B., CA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Warranty issue with sensors and sunroof were resolved to our satisfaction"

Anonymous, MA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"radio stopped working. New radio was installed on two occasions"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Rt side tail signal break lights"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Heated or cooled seats

"Wiring interference with moving seats"

Steven K., IL (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire pressure monitor

"Dealer replaced defective presssure sensor in right rear tire"

Lou A., NJ (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Mirrors

"cover fell off. needed replacement"

Anonymous, CT (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Seat controls - movement

"Had to have the drivers seat fixed 3 times because it would slip out of place"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

"Car had to be towed TWICE at 1600 miles. "Bad computer sensor" on both occasions"

Dennis T., FL (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"I had a recall for the Engine Control Module (EMC). The car when stopped at a red light would power down and shut the engine completely off. It's not supposed to shut off the engine, just power down which I don't like at all. It took the dealership four tries to fix this problem! The car still powers down when stopped at a light. I don't like the operation of the power driver's window either. You can't control the downward operation without tapping the button. It wants to go all the way down! Th"

Michael S., ME (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"This was a recall item"

Anonymous, VA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"There was a minor flaw (cosmetic) in the leather wrap. When we took the car in to have the steering wheel replaced the dealer found that the steering wheel was incorrectly installed causing the dealer to have to order an entire steering assembly. The car was out of service for five days due to this error"

Warren M., GA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel gauge/sender

"Gauge indicator replaced twice and still doesn't register properly"

Kay E., OH (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier Unsure)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"the door weatherstrip came loose and had to be repaired and the carpet does not reach the moulding under steering column. There is a 1 inch section that you can see the underlayment. Dealer says this is normal!!!!"

Rodney J., WI (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"THE COMPLETE HYBRID TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN AFTER 7500 MILES AND GM BOUGHT THE CAR BACK FROM ME"

Steven S., AZ (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Transmission computer

"The manual shifting option would not work consistently"

Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Parking brake

"It took 6 weeks to get replacement part"

James B., ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Condenser

"I had bought the Chevy new. After a few days, the A/C didn't seem to be working. I took it back to the dealer, and they determined there was a pin hole leak in the condenser. It was replaced under warranty. Now it's working fine"

R B., CA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Compare 2016 Models

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Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM - OCS (FRONT PASSENGER)
Jun 14 2018
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General 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. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V400000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 66
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
May 31 2018
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General 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 Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V358000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 895
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Oct 26 2016
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General 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.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16079.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V781000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 18
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Jul 05 2016
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V502000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8367
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
May 05 2016
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020). GM's number for this recall is 39440.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V272000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 66
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Mar 11 2016
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 31820.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V151000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3137
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Mar 02 2016
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V125000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1579
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE
Feb 11 2016
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V084000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 139
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