Is the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID has 46 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (11 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (8 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID?

The 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID gets 46 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1043. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID has 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is electrical problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet malibu hybrid. while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle restarted independently after five seconds. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the ecm may have possibly failed. the transmission was replaced. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

1 crash report 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

11 complaints

24%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER FIVE SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ECM MAY HAVE POSSIBLY FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED
• DRIVING HOME, TURNED OFF HIGHWAY, CAR STOPPED A FEW FEET ONTO SIDE ROAD--NO BRAKES, STEERING, NOTHING. THE ICON FOR THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON AND STAYED ON.(MANUAL SAYS IT IS THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP.) TURNED CAR OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE. NO LUCK.; CALLED FOR A TOW. WAITE
• ON JUNE 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING MY CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID HOME ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TURNED ON AND A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAID 'SHIFT TO PARK'. I COASTED TO THE NEXT EXIT AND STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF A STREET. I PRESSED THE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER FIVE SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ECM MAY HAVE POSSIBLY FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID

Based on 25 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 26K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 49K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM08/07/2016

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,044

Per month

$87

Per mile

8.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,022/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,044/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 MALIBU HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 46 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER FIVE SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ECM MAY HAVE POSSIBLY FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER FIVE SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ECM MAY HAVE POSSIBLY FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VEHICLE IN MOTION IN LEFT HAND LANE, ON 5 LANE MAIN ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR, TRAFFIC GOING APPROX. 35 MPH. AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A WARNING MESSAGE SAID THE VEHICLE WAS "SLOWING DOWN" (IT STALLED COMPLETELY). I WAS UNABLE TO DRIFT INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND FORCED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: VEHICLE IN MOTION IN LEFT HAND LANE, ON 5 LANE MAIN ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR, TRAFFIC GOING APPROX. 35 MPH. AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A WARNING MESSAGE SAID THE VEHICLE WAS "SLOWING DOWN" (IT STALLED COMPLETELY). I WAS UNABLE TO DRIFT INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND FORCED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID — Year Comparison

How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 46
Recalls: 1
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 1
Injury reports: 3
Segment avg: 31

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU HYBRID

Compare With

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