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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
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
What owners report most
Engine
“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”
Electrical system
“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.”
Power train
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Limited Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
- 27mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 11.1%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.