Problems · by component
2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited structure problems
38 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited cite structure, 5% of all 779 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
38
5% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the structure
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am writing to report a serious and unacceptable issue with the exterior paint and clear coat on my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The clear coat has become dull and faded on the hood and roof, and the side panels are beginning to chip and peel, despite regular washing and maintenance. This paint deterioration started well before what would be expected in a properly manufactured vehicle finish, especially for one that has been well cared for and is only a few years old. The vehicle has never been in an accident, and the finish failure appears to be due to a defect in the clear coat or paint application process at the factory. This not only affects the appearance and value of the vehicle, but also raises concerns about long-term body protection. Once the clear coat is compromised, the base paint and metal underneath are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. There are countless reports online of other GM vehicle owners experiencing similar issues, and I believe this should be investigated as a widespread manufacturing defect. I request that GM address this issue, either through a recall or a goodwill repair/paint reimbursement program. Vehicle Details: Year: 2016…”
“Water has been leaking into my car from the roof and onto my seats. Today I discovered that I have black mold under my headliner. So water is somehow leaking through and had been for some time.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was water leaking through the panel housing of the third brake light onto the headliner and the rear seats and trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third brake light panel housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
“I was traveling home on JTB near Hodges coming from Jax Beach way at about 4:45-4:50pm today. In the far left lane. when I saw a vehicle in front of me swerve and then I saw a roll of carpet but it was to late for me to move over so I ran over it and it damaged my front end”
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated as the vehicle was being washed at the car wash, he noticed that there was water leaking into the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the windows of the vehicle would become foggy while driving in all seasons of the year, affecting his visibility of the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.”
“I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON MY 2016 MALIBU LS WHEN GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH. I'M NOT SURE WHEN EXACTLY THE ISSUE HAPPENED, BUT ACCORDING TO THE BODY SHOP IT APPEARS TO BE FAULTY DESIGNING. THE WATER AND CHEMICALS WERE LEAKING AT THE REAR WINDOW. HEAVY RAINS WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE CAR LEAKING NON-STOP. I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THE FOUND THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT SECURED FULLY AND WATER WAS SPILLING THROUGH THERE. APPARENTLY IT WAS LOSE TO THE POINT WHERE IT DIDN'T TAKE MUCH TO TAKE THE LIGHT OUT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR OTHER YEARS BUT MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IF THE PROBLEM EXISTED WITH MY CAR I'M SURE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WATER WAS ALSO GETTING INTO THE TRUNK AND NOW I HAVE A HUGE MOLD/MILDEW PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY, THEY FIRST THOUGHT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE SIDE PANEL WINDOWS AS THE ADHESIVE TO PUT THOSE WINDOWS IN WAS FAULTY.”
Showing 6 of 38 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.