--- title: "2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "6 documented problems with the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems and Years to Avoid 6 documented problems with the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number. **Quick answer**: We have 6 documented problems on record for the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu, of which 4 are serious and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin. ## 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and service bulletins | Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Multiple GM TSBs; no recall | CVT shudder, whine, and failure (2019+) | major | | NHTSA 18V-358 (GM 18188/18268) | High-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall) | major | | NHTSA 26V-212 (GM N262551720) | Rearview camera image distorted or blank (recall) | moderate | Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding. ## 1.5T turbocharger failure and wastegate faults (major) The LFV's turbo is this generation's signature complaint: failed turbos (often oil-starvation related) show up from ~60k miles with whining/rattling, smoke, low boost, and check-engine lights, while the electronic wastegate regulator solenoid causes P0234 overboost or P0299 underboost codes without a dead turbo. A solenoid is a cheap fix; a turbo assembly is not. Religious oil changes with dexos1 full synthetic are the best prevention. Most affected: 2016-2022 (1.5T), highest complaint volume 2016-2018. Typical cost: $80-$250 (wastegate solenoid) / $1,200-$2,500 (turbo replacement). ## 1.5T cracked pistons / misfire under load (major) A well-documented pattern on 2016-2019 1.5T engines: a cracked piston ringland causes a persistent misfire (usually one cylinder), rough running, and oil consumption; compression testing confirms it. GM repaired many under powertrain warranty with updated pistons, but out-of-warranty cars face a partial engine rebuild or replacement. Most affected: 2016-2019 (1.5T). Typical cost: $2,500-$4,500 out of warranty. ## Stop-start transmission accumulator failure (6-speed cars) (moderate) 2016-2018 1.5T cars pair the 6T40 with a hydraulic accumulator that holds pressure during auto-stop. When it leaks internally it sets P171D, disables stop-start, and causes a delayed, slipping re-engagement or brief stall when pulling away. The fix is an accumulator replacement; unrepaired leaks can eventually starve the transmission. Most affected: 2016-2018 (1.5T with 6-speed automatic). Typical cost: $350-$900. ## CVT shudder, whine, and failure (2019+) (major) The VT40 CVT that replaced the 6-speed in 2019 draws complaints for shudder on light acceleration, whining, and outright failure (loss of drive). GM issued technical service bulletins covering fluid and valve-body/belt repairs but never recalled it; several lemon-law firms track it as a known defect. A fluid service with the exact DEXRON CVT spec sometimes cures early shudder. Most affected: 2019-2022 (highest complaint years); CVT used through 2025. Typical cost: $400 (fluid/TSB service) to $3,500-$5,000 (replacement unit). Recall/TSB: Multiple GM TSBs; no recall. ## High-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall) (major) On 2016-2018 Malibus the engine-mounted high-pressure fuel pump could detach from its mounting flange and damage the high-pressure fuel line, causing leaks and stall/fire risk. Part of a multi-model GM recall; dealers replaced the pump and pipe free. Check your VIN for completion. Most affected: 2016-2018. Typical cost: Free under recall. Recall/TSB: NHTSA 18V-358 (GM 18188/18268). ## Rearview camera image distorted or blank (recall) (moderate) A Sharp-manufactured rearview camera with a weak internal adhesive bond lets moisture in, producing a distorted or blank backup image. GM recalled 271,770 US 2023-2025 Malibus in April 2026; dealers replace the camera free of charge. Most affected: 2023-2025. Typical cost: Free under recall (camera replacement). Recall/TSB: NHTSA 26V-212 (GM N262551720). Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu. Not every vehicle will experience these issues. ## Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover? These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2016 through 2025, the 9th generation (E2XX), mid-size sedan (production ended november 2024; 2025 is the final model year). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2016 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016) - [2017 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2017) - [2018 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2018) - [2019 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2019) - [2020 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2020) - [2021 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2021) - [2022 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2022) - [2023 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2023) - [2024 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2024) - [2025 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2025) ## What changed during the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2016 | Generation launch, nearly 300 lbs lighter, stop-start standard on 1.5T. Note: a 2016 'Malibu Limited' is the previous-generation car sold to fleets, use 2013-2015 data for those. | | 2017 | 2.0T Ecotec's transmission upgrades from an 8-speed to a 9-speed automatic, and the 2.0T becomes Premier-exclusive (dropped from LT) | | 2018 | Final carryover year before the 2019 mid-cycle refresh; LS/LT/Premier lineup and 1.5T 6-speed / 2.0T 9-speed powertrains unchanged from 2017 | | 2019 | Facelift: new fascias, RS trim added, 1.5T switched from 6-speed to CVT, 2.0T to 9-speed, fuel tank grew to 15.8 gal, low-beam bulb changed to H11. Final year of the Hybrid. | | 2020 | Base L trim gains standard 16-in aluminum wheels (from LS); all trims standardize on the 8-in Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, replacing the previous 7-in unit | | 2020-2022 | L dropped (2020 was its last year); lineup LS/RS/LT/Premier. 2022 was the final year for the Premier trim and 2.0T engine. | | 2021 | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added | | 2022 | Mechanical parking brake replaced by an electronic parking brake across all trims | | 2023 | Premier trim replaced by 2LT; LT no longer comes standard with leather seats | | 2023-2025 | 1.5T only (LS/RS/1LT/2LT). Production ended at Fairfax Assembly in November 2024; 2025 is the final model year. | | 2024 | Final full model year of Malibu production; Chevrolet ended assembly at the Fairfax plant (Kansas City) in November 2024 with no direct successor | ## 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu? The recurring ones are: 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults; 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load; stop-start transmission accumulator failure (6-speed cars); cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+); high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Which 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid? The years to be most careful with are those affected by 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults (2016-2022 (1.5T), highest complaint volume 2016-2018) and 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load (2016-2019 (1.5T)) and cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+) (2019-2022 (highest complaint years); CVT used through 2025) and high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall) (2016-2018). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely. ### Are there recalls on the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu? 3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Multiple GM TSBs; no recall (cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+)), NHTSA 18V-358 (GM 18188/18268) (high-pressure fuel pump detachment (recall)), NHTSA 26V-212 (GM N262551720) (rearview camera image distorted or blank (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding. ### How much do 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: 1.5t turbocharger failure and wastegate faults, $80-$250 (wastegate solenoid) / $1,200-$2,500 (turbo replacement); 1.5t cracked pistons / misfire under load, $2,500-$4,500 out of warranty; stop-start transmission accumulator failure (6-speed cars), $350-$900; cvt shudder, whine, and failure (2019+), $400 (fluid/TSB service) to $3,500-$5,000 (replacement unit). ## Sources - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.5L LFV / 2.0L LTG / 1.8L LKN capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2016/chevrolet/malibu/) - [ChevyMalibuForum, 2016-2017 5W-30 to 2018+ 0W-20 oil spec change](https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/threads/2016-2017-oil-spec-change.126013/) - [parts.chevrolet.com, GM 23430313 engine air filter fitment](https://parts.chevrolet.com/product/acdelco-gm-original-equipment-air-filter-23430313) - [PartsGeek, ACDelco PF2257G oil filter, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.8L Hybrid](https://www.partsgeek.com/22s3tpg-chevrolet-malibu-oil-filter-set.html) - [AutoZone, Malibu battery guide (Group 48/H6, 2016-2024)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/malibu) - [TireSize.com, Malibu OE tire sizes by year and trim](https://tiresize.com/tires/Chevrolet/Malibu/) - [NHTSA, recall report 18V-358 (high-pressure fuel pump)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCLRPT-18V358-3649.PDF) - [BizzyCar, April 2026 rearview camera recall 26V-212, 2023-2025 Malibu](https://www.bizzycar.com/blog/april-2026-gm-recall-for-rearview-camera-defect-on-chevrolet-malibu-affecting-271770-vehicles) - [Go-Parts, P0234 wastegate solenoid on 2016-2022 Malibu 1.5L](https://www.go-parts.com/garage/obd-p0234-chevrolet-malibu-2016-2022-lfv-1-5l) - [Margarian Law, 2019-2022 Malibu CVT shudder/stall defect tracker](https://www.margarianlaw.com/chevrolet/malibu/) - [GM Authority, 2023 Malibu drops Premier trim and 2.0L LTG](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/08/2023-chevy-malibu-drops-premier-trim-2-0l-engine/) - [Automotive News, Malibu production ends November 2024 at Fairfax](https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/2024-chevy-malibu-production-ending-year-kansas/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2016 and 2019 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2016_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [Car and Driver, 2016 Malibu Hybrid powertrain details (1.8L, 1.5 kWh pack)](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15103297/2016-chevrolet-malibu-hybrid-first-drive-review/) - [PartsGeek, 2016-2025 Malibu 300mm front / 288mm rear rotors](https://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/brake_rotors/chevrolet/malibu.html) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu generations - [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/common-problems) - [2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/common-problems). ## More for the 2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.