2016 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 5%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the body and structure of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On the both back side, where the seat belts are next to small windowand top part of roof waterbis leaking in when I wash my car and maybe even when it rains. There probably mildew, and rust. Also when I park my car the warning light says put car in park, but its in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11362661, filed 2020-10, 36,000 miles“Water poured into the back seat and onto my son. Took car to dealership where diagnosed that third center brake light is not sealed and leaking water. Same issue as all other 9th gen malibus (2016+ model years). Did not notice leak until 43,000 miles, out of warranty. Who knows how long it has been there! Many parts ruined and potentially moldy from water damage. Gm customer care said the repair is $4300 of which they want me to pay $1900 despite this being a design or production flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #11222277, filed 2019-06, 43,000 miles“I first noticed the problem on my 2016 Malibu ls when going through a car wash. I'm not sure when exactly the issue happened, but according to the body shop it appears to be faulty designing. The water and chemicals were leaking at the rear window. Heavy rains would also result in the car leaking non-stop. I took the car in and the found that the third brake light was not secured fully and water was spilling through there. Apparently it was lose to the point where it didn't take much to take the light out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372857, filed 2020-11, 27,000 miles“Large amount of water has accumulated in my trunk near my spare tire. My trunk has also began to grow mold. The water is also leaking into my car and causing water stains.”
NHTSA complaint #11115499, filed 2018-08, 61,000 miles“Everytime it rains the inside of my trunk is soaked and smells like mildew. Not to mention when I lifted my spare tire out from the trunk there was several inches of water just sitting in there. While driving in a thunderstorm I noticed there was water leaking inside near the back windows and I noticed the headliner is badly water stained. Spoke to my extended warranty coverage and they don't cover 'water damage'! Well I wouldn't have water damage if I had a decent made car that doesn't leak when it rains! I have small children that sit in the back seat and have to get rained on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353363, filed 2020-09, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017876Apr 10, 2025This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
- 11015382Feb 20, 2025This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
- 11014171Jan 31, 2025This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11009764Sep 21, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10250244Jan 18, 2024This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10239124Jun 30, 2023This service bulletin provides information on Paintless Dent Repair Process.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 19 | 3% |
| 2016 | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 3% |
| 2012 | 16 | 2% |
| 2011 | 19 | 2% |
| 2010 | 44 | 3% |
| 2009 | 31 | 2% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
304 complaintsElectrical system
222 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
166 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsBrakes
104 complaintsElectronic stability control
76 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology