2016 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
222 owners have reported electrical problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 27% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 30,000–74,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
222 complaints 27% of all 2016 complaints 52,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (129 of 222). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Electrical complaints by the year the problem happened.
Electrical complaints by Malibu year
Related recalls
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition
Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Recall 16V502000 · Jul 2016Radio may fail to sound seat belt and key warnings
Injury riskThe radio may not sound the audio warning when the key is left in the ignition with the door open, or when the driver's seat belt is not fastened. Without that reminder, an unbelted driver faces a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: The dealer will update the radio software at no cost to you.
Recall 16V084000 · Feb 2016Get an email when your 2016 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Other 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Common questions
What are common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
Complaints most often name the starter assembly and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 30,000–74,000 miles. The middle value is about 52,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
Yes: 16V502000, 16V084000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Malibu year has the most electrical complaints?
The 2013 Malibu, with 376 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.