YearToAvoid

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 7 Malibu Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid ranks worst of 7 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 24 NHTSA complaints, half of them engine-related. It carries an Avoid verdict driven mainly by engine stalling and electrical faults reported at a median of 15,000 and 30,000 miles.

Complaints
24
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
46
47 city / 46 hwy

Top 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine12 (50%)
  2. Electrical System11 (46%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain8 (33%)
  4. Other6 (25%)
  5. Brakes5 (21%)
  6. Fuel System1 (4%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Engine loses power or stalls suddenly while driving at highway speed, sometimes displaying a "reduced engine power" or "shift to park" message.
  • Vehicle stalls and restarts on its own after several seconds, with dealers replacing the transmission in at least one case.
  • Electrical faults cause complete loss of brakes, steering, and power while slowing to a stop, requiring a tow.
  • Accelerator pedal stops responding after the check engine and traction control lights come on.
  • Shifter fails to register park, keeping warning lights on and preventing doors from locking until the shifter is jiggled repeatedly.
  • Water leaks into the rear compartment or floor near the third brake light due to fasteners losing torque over time.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month6Mar 2017Aug 2018Feb 2019Jul 2020Jul 2021Mar 2022Aug 2024Jun 2025
44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Jun 2025; peak Mar 2022 (6).

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V521000Jul 8, 2016Fuel System534 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    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. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.

    Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

    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. GM's number for this recall is 51230.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
47 MPG
Highway
46 MPG
Combined
46 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,400
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other Malibu Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Avoid8325029
2010No verdict02029
2016Avoid10024146
2017Caution6722046
2018Caution5011046

All Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 model ranks worst among the 7 Malibu Hybrid years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 24 complaints, half involving the engine.
What problems does the 2016 Malibu Hybrid have?
Owners most often report engine stalling and reduced-power warnings, followed by electrical system faults, transmission issues, and brake problems. Engine complaints occurred at a median of 15,000 miles.
Does the 2016 Malibu Hybrid have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA recall 16V521000 covers the fuel system's high-voltage battery shut-off switch installation on vehicles built between October 27, 2015 and June 3, 2016. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2016 Malibu Hybrid compare to other years?
It has the highest complaint index (100) and the worst rank (1st worst of 7) among tracked years, compared to a complaint index of 33 for the 2008 (rated Good) and 0 for the 2010.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Malibu Hybrid?
EPA rates it at 46 mpg combined (47 city / 46 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,400.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.