2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 25 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
11 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Thereâs a warning on the display that says âshift to parkâ while the vehicle is already in park. This is causing the battery to drain/die and needs jumpstart everyday. Battery was tested and does not need to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-26
Driving home, turned off highway, car stopped a few feet onto side road--no brakes, steering, nothing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-16
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted independently after five seconds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-06
Also filed under Power train
Power train
8 of 24 total reports mention: power train.
Engine
8 of 24 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
5/4/2018 took the car to service a check engine light. They reprogramed the hybrid powertrain control module 2 - per a factory service bulletin but it did not fix the problem, light came back on. 5/26/2018 - 100 degrees.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-17
Vehicle in motion in left hand lane, on 5 lane main road during rush hour, traffic going approx. 35 MPH. As I was driving the vehicle stalled, engine light came on and a warning message said the vehicle was "Slowing down" (It stalled completely).
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-11
Vehicle speed control
6 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Our 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid intermittently began alerting of "Reduced Engine Power" and the accelerator would not allow the vehicle to accelerate. This happened twice, once on a busy highway that caused rapid deceleration of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-01
Service brakes
4 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was involved in a collison with another vehicle. Immediatly after the collision the brakes on my vehicle failed. I had to use the curb and bushes to stop my vehicle after traveling approximately 300 yards from the collision site.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-03-02
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016-08-10Hybrid propulsion system16V521000 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.
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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V521000 · Hybrid propulsion system
FAQ
- Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.