2016 Chevrolet Malibu: recalls and problems
9 recalls and 861 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.
Most common problems
What owners report
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
2016 chevrolet malibu hybrid lt 1.8l - current mileage 147,059 miles the factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. this caused check engine codes p0401 / p26be, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. gm has released 4 revisions of this part and all fail the same way, indicating known defective design. the part is currently on inde
“steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. when that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. all this happens while driving. after the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level
Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle.my car moves side to side. i have replaced everything in the rear end. i just recently bought this car.
Crash-test ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD |
Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering MALIBU LIMITED, MALIBU, MALIBU ECO. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.