Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 810 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 77 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 74 | 9% |
| Power train | 56 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 46 | 6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 36 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 32 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 28 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 24 | 3% |
| Power train | 21 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 18 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
When I was driving my car with my child in it my break tightened up and I couldn’t apply them to stop I had to let my foot off the gas and let my car slow its self down safely. When I got my car home my husband looked at
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 p
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 m
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 shi
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Stability track warning randomly appears while driving and spontaneously causes total brake failure and the brakes fail to slow or stop vehicle. It has newer brakes but it’s very dangerous to drive. Currently being sent
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the message “Engine
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Shift to park message and park not fully engaging. This caused the vehicle to roll back when parked on an incline.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
| Reliability | 50 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 65 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 85 | excellent |
| Performance | 50 | average |
| Efficiency | 49 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 810 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 77 of them (10%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 50/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 65/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.