CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 841 complaints with NHTSA, including 23 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (304 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Loose Rear Seat Belt Retractor May Fail in a Crash
Some rear seat belt retractors may be installed with loose or missing fasteners, so the retractor may not work properly during a crash.
Passenger Airbag May Deploy Incorrectly in a Crash
Some 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibus may have had a Passenger Presence System installed during servicing that was not calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach, Risking Fuel Leak and Fire
The high-pressure fuel pump in these vehicles may detach from its mounting flange.
Side Air Bag May Tear During Deployment, Reducing Protection
Certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles built between November 18, 2015 and June 7, 2016 may have side-impact air bags whose fabric can tear when the bag deploys.
Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway
The electronic park lock lever on these vehicles may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in PARK.
Brakes may lose anti-lock and stability control
A memory chip in the electronic brake control module can fail on certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibus built in early March 2016.
Side air bags may detach during deployment, raising injury risk
Certain vehicles built between February 16, 2016 and March 5, 2016 have a defect in which the two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment.
Driver Airbag May Not Inflate Properly in High-Speed Crash
Certain 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Malibu, and GMC Canyon vehicles built in early 2016 have a driver frontal airbag that may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in a high-speed crash.
Radio May Not Warn of Unbelted Driver or Key Left In
Some 2016 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles may have a radio software problem that intermittently prevents the audio warning from sounding when the driver's seat belt is not fastened or when the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.
Most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Problem areas named in the 841 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 304 |
| Electrical System | 223 |
| Unknown Or Other | 175 |
| Power Train | 166 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 152 |
| Service Brakes | 95 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 76 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 51 |
| Steering | 42 |
| Structure | 40 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 61 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly began idling roughly. The contact stated that a loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle, and the cooling fan cycled on and off. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was found overheating. The cause of the failure could not be determined initially; however, the mechanic stated the failure was a known issue requiring a special diagnostic tool. Diagnosis revealed three piston rings leaking at 5 percent and the fourth piston ring leaking at 95 percent. The contact was informed that the piston rings could potentially be repaired if the necessary remedy parts were
It said service to stabilitrak press the gas and it won't go its delayed..
My vacuum pump has failed. Causing extremely dangerous driving conditions and potentially damaging my engine.
I believe my fuel pump was cracked
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and taking her children to school, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several air bags deployed. The steering wheel air bag struck the contact, and she was knocked unconscious. The vehicle drove across the street and crashed into a divider. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact sustained minor bruises on the nose. Medical attention was provided by the emergency personnel on the ambulance. The manufacturer was contacted over the phone after the issue. A product allegation was filed, and the contact was informed there would
2016 Chevrolet Malibu safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (10.2% rollover risk) |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu questions
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Loose Rear Seat Belt Retractor May Fail in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Deploy Incorrectly in a Crash; High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach, Risking Fuel Leak and Fire; Side Air Bag May Tear During Deployment, Reducing Protection; Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on 841 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (304), Electrical System (223), Unknown Or Other (175).
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.