2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Chevrolet Malibu
Pictured: Chevrolet Malibu LT (IX, Facelift) – f 02112024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan, Limited 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz, Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
46 combined · 47 city / 46 hwy
Length
191.7–193.7 in
Curb weight
3,087–3,583 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 76% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints865 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 111 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,087 lb (L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 46 MPG combined (47 city / 46 highway), 76% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,450 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 865 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

  • New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New hybrid version
  • Engines added: 1.8L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 29 to 46

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Malibu →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl

Trims

LT (1LT)LS (1LS)LTZ (2LZ)LT (2LT)

Built in: Kansas City, Kansas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan193.7 in72.8 in57.5 in111.4 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,087 lb59/41
Limited 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz191.7 in72.8 in57.5 in107.9 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,583 lb60/40
Premier/Hybrid 4dr Sedan193.7 in72.8 in57.5 in111.4 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,386 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu Hybrid Hybrid1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive47 / 46 / 46+76%$1,450196
Malibu1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+15%$2,250293
Malibu Limited2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 27+3%$2,500329
Malibu2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26-1%$2,600342
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)46 MPGNot rated10
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Chevrolet Impala25 MPGNot rated0
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated3
2016 Volkswagen Passat29 MPGNot rated5
2016 Buick Regal28 MPGNot rated1
2016 Nissan Altima31 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (10)

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 20, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 402 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Risk
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Oct 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V781000 · 18 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jul 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V521000 · 534 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the MSD and correct the installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 51230.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V272000 · 66 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V151000 · 3,137 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V125000 · 1,579 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V084000 · 139 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

865Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
44,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine312
Electrical System232
Unknown Or Other181
Power Train170
Vehicle Speed Control154
Service Brakes98
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)77
Fuel/Propulsion System52
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 324/11: 124/12: 225/01: 425/02: 225/03: 525/04: 425/05: 325/06: 425/07: 325/08: 525/09: 525/10: 725/11: 125/12: 726/01: 126/02: 226/03: 226/04: 326/05: 226/06: 426/07: 226/09: 226/10: 424/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 312 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 232 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 170 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Malibu years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★112
2024 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★244
2023 Malibu30193.7 in★★★★★272
2022 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★199
2021 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★290
2020 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★1199
2019 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★1195
2018 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★6711
2017 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★4726
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330
2013 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated11811

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →