Model year guide

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 18 on record.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints803
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$12,873

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 803 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 11.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited worth?

Low
$9,995
Typical price
$12,873
High
$17,494

From 16 comparable 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Fuel only$12,500
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
191.7 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
57.5 in
Wheelbase
107.9 in
Curb weight
3,583 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
61.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 1429

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 1429.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…

Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025

This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.

Bulletin 18-NA-180 · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Sep 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MALIBU LIMITED FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited trims & engines on record

Trims
LT (1LT) · LTZ (1LZ) · LS (1LS) · LS (1FL)
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited vehicles on record

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited?

Across all 803 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited get?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited has a U.S. EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined (23 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited worth?

Comparable 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited listings run roughly $9,995–$17,494, typically around $12,873 (from 16 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.