CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID · model year

2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID

46 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016CHEVROLETMALIBU HYBRID carries 46 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 MALIBU HYBRID is electrical system with 11 filings, followed by power train (8) and engine (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2016 MALIBU HYBRID, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

46
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

46 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
POWER TRAIN8
ENGINE8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SERVICE BRAKES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1

Recalls (1)

16V52100008/07/2016

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 p

Recent Complaints

20250616POWER 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.

Mileage: 72,000

20250616ELECTRICAL 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 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.

Mileage: 72,000

20250612SERVICE BRAKES

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 to Chevrolet dealership

20250612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 to Chevrolet dealership

20250319UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water leaks into the trunk and back seat of the vehicle because the seal around the upper brake light in the rear glass is faulty, causing a mildew/mold odor in the trunk. It is not available for inspection as I had it repaired and sold the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the glass company to did the repair for much less than the quote the dealership provided. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.

20250110SERVICE BRAKES

The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be a part of this recall. We purchased the car in mid November and the engine light showed up a couple weeks later. I contacted GM who said to contact this site to request further investigation for safety risks.

20250110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be a part of this recall. We purchased the car in mid November and the engine light showed up a couple weeks later. I contacted GM who said to contact this site to request further investigation for safety risks.

20250110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be a part of this recall. We purchased the car in mid November and the engine light showed up a couple weeks later. I contacted GM who said to contact this site to request further investigation for safety risks.

20240826ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There’s a warning on the display that says ‘shift to park’ 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. I’m surprised this hasn’t been recalled yet. Online search ‘Chevy Malibu shift to park’ shows this is a common problem. Here’s a YouTube link that includes comments to prove this further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240826UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There’s a warning on the display that says ‘shift to park’ 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. I’m surprised this hasn’t been recalled yet. Online search ‘Chevy Malibu shift to park’ shows this is a common problem. Here’s a YouTube link that includes comments to prove this further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240401VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. We brought the vehicle to the mechanic and there were a bunch of codes related to the accelerator position sensor. With parts and labor $415 to fix. Upon researching, there are a bunch of reports on car forums related to this. I believe there have been previous reports to the NHTSA. This problem needs to be fixed and a recall issued to have Chevy replace the Accelerator Position Sensor before someone gets hurt or killed. Once I pick up the vehicle, I will upload the invoice and see if I can get specific code numbers.

20240213SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually stopped as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer in production. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20220324POWER TRAIN

May car loses power when acceleration I don't why but there is something going on

20220324ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

May car loses power when acceleration I don't why but there is something going on

20220324ENGINE

May car loses power when acceleration I don't why but there is something going on

20220324ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving my car home from work and all of a sudden my car starting showing in the dash engine power reduced. My car literally couldn't go anywhere. So I pulled over and shut the car off for a minute started it back up and it was running great and then I happen again a few minutes later. So I took it to the dealership were i purchsed it and they replaced the gas pedal they said a sensor was bad and that was causing the problem.So picked up the car a couple days later and it happen again about two weeks later...

20220324ENGINE

I was driving my car home from work and all of a sudden my car starting showing in the dash engine power reduced. My car literally couldn't go anywhere. So I pulled over and shut the car off for a minute started it back up and it was running great and then I happen again a few minutes later. So I took it to the dealership were i purchsed it and they replaced the gas pedal they said a sensor was bad and that was causing the problem.So picked up the car a couple days later and it happen again about two weeks later...

20220324POWER TRAIN

I was driving my car home from work and all of a sudden my car starting showing in the dash engine power reduced. My car literally couldn't go anywhere. So I pulled over and shut the car off for a minute started it back up and it was running great and then I happen again a few minutes later. So I took it to the dealership were i purchsed it and they replaced the gas pedal they said a sensor was bad and that was causing the problem.So picked up the car a couple days later and it happen again about two weeks later...

20211001ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, electrical system, power steering, and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle proceeded to decelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The battery saver warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the radio and an electrical failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V084000 (Electrical System) or 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

20211001POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, electrical system, power steering, and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle proceeded to decelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The battery saver warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the radio and an electrical failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V084000 (Electrical System) or 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

Compare 2016CHEVROLETMALIBU HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID have?
The 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID has 46 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID?
Yes, the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 11 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ENGINE.
Is the 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.