Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 1.4/10 — Approach with caution. It has 9 NHTSA recalls on record and about 858 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 9 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

A used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $8,000–$12,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?

Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.

How many miles is too many for a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Eighth-gen redesign — 1.5T widely available; affordable and easy to service.

Typical price: $8,000–$12,000
Recalls: 9
Owner complaints: 858

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NHTSA Recalls

9 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#18V400000
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#18V358000
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)#16V272000
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#16V781000
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.
Electrical System:Ignition#16V502000
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical System:Software#16V084000
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#16V151000
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Air Bags:Frontal#16V125000
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(858 total)

Engine82
Unknown Or Other77
Transmission & Drivetrain56
Electrical System46
Speed Control38
Brakes37
Vehicle Speed Control,Engine28
Electrical System,Engine27

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -0.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

POWER TRAINModerate
-0.50 pts
6-speed automatic harsh shifts and transmission shudder. ~500 NHTSA complaints. GM issued a software reflash that resolves the issue on most vehicles. Also check for oil consumption on 2.5L 4-cylinder (same Ecotec issue as Equinox).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 1.4/10 — Approach with caution. It has 9 NHTSA recalls on record and about 858 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?: The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 9 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: A used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $8,000–$12,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?: Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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2016 Ford Fusion

$7,000–$12,000

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,000–$10,000

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

$7,000–$11,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Eighth-gen redesign — 1.5T widely available; affordable and easy to service.

Typical price: $8,000–$12,000
Recalls: 9
Owner complaints: 858

ShareX f

Have a specific 2016 Chevrolet Malibu to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

9 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#18V400000
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#18V358000
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)#16V272000
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#16V781000
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.
Electrical System:Ignition#16V502000
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical System:Software#16V084000
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#16V151000
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Air Bags:Frontal#16V125000
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(858 total)

Engine82
Unknown Or Other77
Transmission & Drivetrain56
Electrical System46
Speed Control38
Brakes37
Vehicle Speed Control,Engine28
Electrical System,Engine27

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -0.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

POWER TRAINModerate
-0.50 pts
6-speed automatic harsh shifts and transmission shudder. ~500 NHTSA complaints. GM issued a software reflash that resolves the issue on most vehicles. Also check for oil consumption on 2.5L 4-cylinder (same Ecotec issue as Equinox).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 1.4/10 — Approach with caution. It has 9 NHTSA recalls on record and about 858 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?: The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has 9 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: A used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu typically sells for $8,000–$12,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?: Chevrolet maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: A well-maintained Chevrolet Malibu can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Featured in

Also consider

2016 Ford Fusion

$7,000–$12,000

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,000–$10,000

2015 Chevrolet Malibu

$7,000–$11,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free