VehicleVerdict

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Malibu Hybrid year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 7 Malibu Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (26% of the total).

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Malibu Hybrid years?

Malibu Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted46 complaints2008: 9 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 2 complaints2016: 46 complaints2017: 31 complaints2018: 22 complaints2019: 4 complaints
Malibu Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1226%
Transmission817%
Engine817%
Other613%
Speed Control613%
Brakes49%
Fuel System12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V521000Fuel SystemJuly 8, 2016 · 534 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“COMING OFF THE HWY MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN FROM 55 MPH TO ABOUT 40 MPH FAIRLY FAST THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TRIED PRESSING ON THE PEDALS BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT SPEEDING UP AT ALL. THE TRACTION LIGHT ALSO CAME UP. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALER RIGHT AWAY AND THEY SAID IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 14, 2019

“VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DESPITE SERVICING AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. BOTH TIMES, POP UP ALERT SAYS "SHIFT TO PARK" AND THEN "ENGINE HAS REDUCED POWER" AFTER WHICH THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKS. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 6, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING EVERYTHING IS FINE, AS SOON AS I STOP AND PUT MY CAR IN PARK IT WILL SHOW AN INDICATION TO (PUT THE CAR IN PARK). I CAN LITERALLY SPEND 30 MINUTES JIGGLING THE SHIFTER BACK AND FORTH UNTIL THAT NOTIFICATION GOES AWAY. IF I DON'T MAKE IT GO AWAY, ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND MY CAR WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 18, 2020

“COMING OFF THE HWY MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN FROM 55 MPH TO ABOUT 40 MPH FAIRLY FAST THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TRIED PRESSING ON THE PEDALS BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT SPEEDING UP AT ALL. THE TRACTION LIGHT ALSO CAME UP. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALER RIGHT AWAY AND THEY SAID IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 14, 2019

“VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DESPITE SERVICING AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. BOTH TIMES, POP UP ALERT SAYS "SHIFT TO PARK" AND THEN "ENGINE HAS REDUCED POWER" AFTER WHICH THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKS. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 6, 2019

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 7 Malibu Hybrid years. It is one of the Malibu Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Malibu Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu Hybrid years to avoid are 2016, 2009. The cleanest record among Malibu Hybrid years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.