2016 Chevrolet Malibu Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Malibu
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (310 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 310 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (233 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 233 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (174 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 174 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (158 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 158 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (106 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 106 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
77 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
9
Air Bags Red flag
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) Red flag
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical System Red flag
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Seat Belts Red flag
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Malibu–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Malibu. The most serious involve Air Bags (18V400000) and Electronic Stability Control (esc) (16V272000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Malibu?
The top complaint areas are Engine (310 complaints) and Electrical System (233 complaints), out of 861 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Malibu?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 310 complaints for this model-year.