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2016 Chevrolet Malibu Lights Problems

12 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data

12
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2019Oct 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (12)

criticalEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Apr 2021

Engine light is on. Involved in a collision

NHTSA #: 11406747
criticalEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2017

I recently purchased a 2016 malibu ls (july 29, 2017). At the time of purchase it has 2,100 miles. It currently has aprroximately 4,600 miles.

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NHTSA #: 11032765
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Water leaking and running into spare tire compartment in truck. Due to no recall alert and dealership won't do anything, now my dome light shorts out and water stain on ceiling liner by rear window.

NHTSA #: 11679455
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 2021

The 3rd brake light broke(high mount stop lamp) which caused water leakage into the trunk and filled the compartment where the spare tire goes.

NHTSA #: 11419430
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Mar 2020

THIRD REAR BRAKE LIGHT LEAKS/ALLOWS WATER INTO INSIDE OF CAR AND FRAME CRACKS ON BOTH SIDES. WATER LEAKS INTO HEADLINER AND TRUNK AND STAINS INTERIOR. CAR SMILES HUMID. HAPPENS VERY TIME IT RAINS AND WASH CAR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME PARTS WERE REPLACED, SECOND PARTS STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND ISSUE STILL OCCURS. POOR QUALITY PARTS.

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NHTSA #: 11317819
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jun 2019

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).

NHTSA #: 11222277
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2019

Water is getting in threw the 3rd brake mounted on the rear windshield. The light is fogged and water is leaking into the main cabin. The vehicle can be in motion or stationary.

NHTSA #: 11172477
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that water entered the vehicle from the high mount brake light. The failure caused water damage and mold to the headliner, trunk, and rear seats of the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11142944
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2018

The third brake light assembly is leaking water on the rear seats and trunk. Looking online, there are others affected by the same issue. The official answer from chevy is that the bolts become lose overtime.

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NHTSA #: 11128572
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet malibu. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact detected mold on the rear seats, in the trunk, on the front passenger and driver seats, and the vehicle floor. The contact mentioned that there was a manufacturer communication regarding the center high mount third brake light, which caused water to enter the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11124383
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet malibu. While driving over 25 MPH, the intellibeam headlight system disabled itself inadvertently and took a mile or more to reset. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but no failures were found.

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NHTSA #: 10917803
lowEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2019

The instrument panel dims at various times making it very difficult to see when driving or parked.

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NHTSA #: 11246108

Other 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Issues