2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has 1 recall and 24 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is electrical system.

Pictured: a 2017 model; the 2016 may differ in details. Photo: 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How the 2016 compares

High

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 7 Malibu Hybrid model years — 2nd most.

1recalls

24complaints

1crashes

0fires

3injuries

30,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

1 recall

Hybrid Propulsion System

Jul 8, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V521000 · 534 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Electrical System11

Engine8

Power Train8

Unknown or other6

Vehicle Speed Control6

Service Brakes4

Electronic Stability Control1

Fuel System1

Structure1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

NHTSA investigations

Pedestrian alert sounds

DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

Summary

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 have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

2016 vs. other Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2016. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, the latest from Jul 8, 2016 (hybrid propulsion system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

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

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention electrical system (11), engine (8), power train (8). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.