The Most Common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Problems

The 2016 Malibu suffers mainly from engine issues, but its airbags and transmission have problems, too.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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The most common problem reported by 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners involves a sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, but the car has also been involved in 10 recalls.
Critics and drivers alike were excited to hear of the completely redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Unfortunately, it suffered from some of the same issues that plagued older models.
From part failures to engine failures,
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Chevrolet Malibu insurance costs
.
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The most common 2016 Chevrolet Malibu problems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has recorded 672 complaints from 2016 Chevy Malibu owners, the most common of which follow a similar pattern: You’re driving down the highway when the car suddenly displays an engine power reduction warning on the dash. Almost immediately, the car loses power, slowing to about 20 mph and leaving you to limp off the road before someone runs into you.
Over 200 drivers have reported this problem, but Chevy has no answers and no fixes. 
Brake system issues are the next most common. Chevy issued a recall for Stabilitrak problems to address these issues, as well as two other recalls associated with miscellaneous problems with “bad wiring.”
In total, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 10 times, often for minor issues with airbags, but also for problems with seat belts, fuel pumps, and even a flaw that allowed the ignition key to be removed while the car is in motion.
But not all customer complaints resulted in recalls. Here are a few other common problems 2016 Malibu owners have reported:
  • Transmission issues
  • Trouble with rear visibility
  • Uncomfortable driver’s seat
  • Air or water leaks due to loose exterior trim
  • Squeaks and rattles
  • Oil leaks
  • Passlock sensor locking out ignition
  • Power steering issues

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Despite the myriad problems reported by owners, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is still considered above average when it comes to reliability. A big reason for this is that Chevy has dealt with most of the issues reported, making them more minor inconveniences than expensive complications.
RepairPal awards the Chevy Malibu with four out of five stars for reliability, and J.D. Power offers a similarly glowing review with its 82/100 reliability score. 
Annual repair costs for the 2016 Malibu will run you about $565, which is significantly less expensive than the overall vehicle average of $652, but a bit higher than the average for midsize cars—$526.

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!) 

While the 2016 Chevy Malibu has a bit of a past when it comes to customer complaints, they shouldn’t be enough to warn you off from the vehicle when you head for the used car lot. Being prepared for potential problems is half the battle when it comes to just about anything, and that’s certainly the case with cars—and
car insurance
!
No matter what you drive, you need to be sure you’re prepared to tackle issues following an accident or other situations that might damage your vehicle by ensuring you’ve got it covered with solid, quality insurance. The best place to find that quality coverage is with
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