2016 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
302 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu — 36% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT 1.8L - current mileage 147,059 miles The factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. This caused check engine codes P0401 / P26BE, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. GM has…”
filed Sep 2, 2026
“Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues”
filed Jun 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 Malibu | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 Malibu | 29 | 30% |
| 2021 Malibu | 14 | 16% |
| 2020 Malibu | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 Malibu | 63 | 33% |
| 2018 Malibu | 279 | 40% |
| 2017 Malibu | 253 | 36% |
| 2015 Malibu | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 Malibu | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 Malibu | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 Malibu | 99 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.