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2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has 1 safety recall and 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
24
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid recalls

Recall 16V-521: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Jul 8, 2016 · 534 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

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.

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.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System11
Power Train8
Engine8
Vehicle Speed Control6
Unknown or Other6
Service Brakes3
Structure1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 72,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2025
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.…
Service Brakes · reported Jun 12, 2025
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
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 19, 2025
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.
Service Brakes · reported Jan 10, 2025
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…
Electrical System · reported Aug 26, 2024
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)

Other Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years

20182017201620092008

Compare all Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: 16V-521 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (11 reports), followed by power train (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.