2016 Chevrolet Malibu Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 2%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,382miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the suspension of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,382 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.
“When parking my vehicle in park, it will not notice the car is parked and the on light will come on. I have to wiggle the shifter for the on light to go off. The shifter was replaced before, now it's doing the same issues as before.. And the back end is making a very bad bumping noise. The Chevrolet dealership say that they replaced parts and it's doing the same thing. I am not happy with this car at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11355001, filed 2020-09, 69,000 miles“When driving, hitting a bump, going over an uneven road, or even pulling into a drive way my car makes a creeping, thumping sound in the rear. Even while in park if someone pushes down on the trunk it makes the noise. I took it to the dealership and was told that it was the rear shock absorbers. I had both replaced and the noise has gotten worse. Also, each time it rains there is water underneath my spare tire and my floor gets wet on the back row.”
NHTSA complaint #11353431, filed 2020-09, 10 miles“My Malibu ls has 28000 miles I just purchased from a chevy dealership. I first noticed one pop when I was driving at a very low speed, then noticed when I would accelerate from a red light it would pop. When it is warmer outside it is almost everytime I stop and go. I can also lay down the back seats and put weight in the trunk and you can hear the popping noise. Everytime its just one loud pop when someone is sitting in the back seat you can also hear it.”
NHTSA complaint #11316956, filed 2020-03, 28,000 miles“The rear suspension of our car started making a metallic popping noise when we drove over bumps or accelerated from a traffic light. The sound also occurred when someone sat in the rear seat with the car parked. Integrity Chevrolet of chattanooga, tn determined that both knuckles in the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The service writer told me that if this had been left unaddressed, it could cause a safety issue as there was metal rubbing against metal.”
NHTSA complaint #11255414, filed 2019-09, 67,335 miles“I was driving northbound on I-435 when avoiding an accident. I pressed my brake as hard as I could. My vehicle did not stop so to avoid causing a serious accident I went off road in the center of the two highways. After hitting the guardrail to stop my vehicle from falling inbetween the overpass. My airbags did not deploy . I feel some concern after having my breaks checked and told they were good. Then if I'm at stop and I release the break for my car to start back up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241542, filed 2019-08, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11015409Feb 25, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
- 11007936Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10247352Nov 14, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer?s…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 13 | 2% |
| 2017 | 10 | 1% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2013 | 65 | 8% |
| 2012 | 10 | 1% |
| 2011 | 11 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 1% |
| 2009 | 11 | 1% |
| 2008 | 15 | 2% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 15 | 1% |
| 2005 | 21 | 2% |
| 2004 | 31 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 14 | 2% |
| 2001 | 20 | 3% |
| 2000 | 33 | 4% |
| 1999 | 82 | 10% |
| 1998 | 108 | 11% |
| 1997 | 55 | 12% |
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 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsExterior lighting
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 30, 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