The 2016 Malibu is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
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.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Road noise is very noticeable on rough or dirt roads. Low profile wheels/tires transmit road noise to the interior. Very distracting."
Anonymous, MI (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Makes noise from the back of car"
Anonymous, (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"Six months ago the right back door handle will not open the door from the inside. Can be opened from the outside."
Anonymous A., AL (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS Unsure)"The car is low and it is hard for an old person to get into the car. Prefer my SUV."
Anonymous, MI (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"drivers side seat moves when making turns. The dealership said that maybe it wasn't locked into position. Even when locked into position it did the same thginhg. They then on other complaints that that movement was "normal""
Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)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.
"Rear Sway bar link broke"
Anonymous A., (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Both front wheel bearings were bad according to the sensors. Dealer replaced both of them"
Anonymous, IA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"Oil leaks occurred and caused reduced oil and thus the car went into limp mode as I had not realized the issue . Oil leak was about 1 quart per month. I took the car to the mechanic who diagnosed it as a leaking head gasket . At great expense and time in the shop the head was machined and the gasket/ timing chain replaced."
Anonymous A., ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"That is where the oil leak is coming from they say."
Anonymous, OH (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
""Related to the defective spark plug previously mentioned, at was the cause of the engine knock.""
Anonymous A., ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Started to see oil on the ground under the engine. Took to service and they put a die in the oil to detect where the oil is coming from. Have not gone back yet. I will soon."
Anonymous, OH (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"About two years ago.crackling on the roof, now seeing it on the trunk. I paid to have the top painted last spring, will probably haven to do the trunk, too. Repair shop said they saw this all the time, but Chevrolet will not sponsor a recall."
Anonymous A., AL (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS Unsure)"The paint around my doors and hood has started to fade and it started about 8n the first 2 years. I was told they will not fix it because there was no recall but it's a common complaint with this car."
Anonymous, SC (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
""The transmission cooler lines were leaking at around 110,00 Kilometers. It was a costly repair at a GM Canada dealer of $1700.00 Canadian.""
Anonymous, ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
""Spark plugs were replaced (by dealer) after only 30,000 kms from previous due to a defective plug. It had caused an engine misfire upon cold startup but corrected itself due to its random nature, per OBD error code.""
Anonymous A., ON (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"There were no other brake problems."
Anonymous, OH (2016 Chevrolet Malibu L 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"check engine light resulting in repair. Also switch to park problem which should be a recall"
Anonymous, NJ (2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"I have had a leak in the front of the car since I ourchased the car. Dealer cannot find source of leak and has not been able to fix. I need to park my car in a manner that it is facing away from direct rain."
Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)