Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Chevrolet Malibu LimitedRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 803 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited. Most complaints involve engine (291) and electrical system (217). The EPA rates it 27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
27mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
803
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

803 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Jul 2025
  1. Engine291
  2. Electrical system217
  3. Power train170
  4. Vehicle speed control151
  5. Service brakes79
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)75
  7. Fuel/propulsion system44
  8. Structure39
  9. Steering39

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Malibu Limited model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

291 reports4 crashes1 fire
“Brake booster pump failed ( gm part # 12704586 ) Causing limited braking and severe damage to internal engine components, camshafts ,timing chain have been damaged This is a ongoing problem in which i have had this pump replaced at my expense several times. The problem stems brake booster pump is lubricated using the engine's oil . Booster pump has a small screen to filter oil, this filter can easily become clogged resulting in booster to run dry and grenade into top of engine. These pieces then interfer with camshafts and timing gears other components”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2025Service brakes, EngineODI 11671410

Electrical system

217 reports3 crashes
“When I put the car in park and try to turn the car off the Shift Park message comes on preventing me from cutting the car completely off. I put in back in drive or reverse then back in park it still dings and shows the message. I takes a number of repeating these steps for it to stop and turn off and this is happening every time I'm trying to turn the car off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2025Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11668474

Power train

170 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). The contact had to manipulate and maneuver the gear shifter several times before the vehicle recognized that the gear shifter was in park(P). The message to "Shift-to Park" was illuminated. While receiving a routine oil change, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic charged the battery; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the was experiencing the "Shift to Park" failure. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train); and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2025Power train, Electrical systemODI 11667071
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu Limited
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233327$2,300329
  • Malibu Limited
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet Malibu Limited 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10267
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Malibu Limited questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited problems?

Owners filed 803 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (291), electrical system (217), power train (170). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited at 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026