A Guide to the Starter on Your 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu
Is your Malibu clicking or refusing to start? Here’s what you need to know about replacing your starter.
- A clicking sound with no engine crank is the most common symptom of a failing starter.
- No recalls or specific TSBs exist for starter failure, meaning issues are typically from normal wear.
- Replacement is an intermediate-level job (1.5-3 hours) located on the back of the engine.
- New aftermarket brands like Remy and BBB Industries offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to more expensive OEM parts.
Is Your Malibu's Starter Failing?
A starter problem on your 2016-2024 Malibu can leave you stranded. The most common sign of trouble is a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but the engine doesn't turn over. Other times, you might hear a single click, a slow, weak crank, or nothing at all. If the dashboard lights and radio turn on but the engine won't crank, the starter is a likely suspect.
Pro Tip: Before blaming the starter, make sure your battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean. A weak battery can cause similar symptoms. If a jump-start doesn't get the engine to crank, the problem is almost certainly the starter or its wiring.
🎬 Watch: A professional mechanic diagnoses a Malibu no-start concern.Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
As of early 2026, there are no active recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the starter motor on the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu. Likewise, searches for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have not revealed a widespread, recognized fault with the starter itself. While many TSBs exist for this vehicle, none point to a pattern of premature starter failure. This indicates that starter failures are typically due to normal wear and tear rather than a specific design flaw.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Starter
When replacing the starter on your Malibu, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. A new OEM starter from GM costs around $220. High-quality new aftermarket starters offer a reliable alternative at a competitive price, providing similar performance without the dealership markup.
For this repair, two solid aftermarket brands are available:
- Remy: Remy has a long history in automotive electrics, once being part of GM's original supplier, Delco-Remy. Today, they are a well-regarded aftermarket brand, and many mechanics use their new starters with good results.
- BBB Industries: BBB is a major supplier of new and remanufactured parts to large auto parts stores. They focus on rigorous testing to ensure their parts meet or exceed original specifications, making them a dependable choice.
Both brands offer a cost-effective solution compared to the OEM part, without a significant compromise in quality for daily driving. Since the labor for this job can be intensive, choosing a quality new aftermarket part from a reputable brand is a smart investment to avoid doing the job twice.
Starter Replacement Cost for 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (BBB, Remy) | $257 - $261 |
| New OEM (GM Genuine) | $220 - $250 |
| Shop Labor | $127 - $186 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $384 - $447 (Aftermarket) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the starter located on the 2016-2024 Malibu?
The starter is located on the back of the engine near the firewall, underneath the intake manifold. It is typically accessed from below the vehicle.
Can I replace the Malibu starter myself?
This job is considered to have intermediate difficulty. If you have experience working on cars and are comfortable lifting the vehicle safely with a jack and jack stands, it is possible to do it yourself. The job takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours and requires tools like 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm sockets, extensions, and a torque wrench.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step starter replacement walkthrough for the 1.5L Malibu.What are the symptoms of a bad starter relay vs. a bad starter?
A bad starter relay can also cause a no-start condition. You might hear a single click from the fuse box area under the hood when you turn the key, but no sound from the starter motor itself. The starter system in these vehicles can have multiple relays related to the start-stop system, making diagnosis more complex. However, a rapid clicking sound from the engine bay usually points to the starter motor itself.
🎬 See this video for 5 common symptoms of a bad starter.Is a new aftermarket starter better than a remanufactured one?
A new aftermarket starter is built with all-new components and often comes with a strong warranty. A remanufactured starter has been rebuilt to factory specs, but its history is unknown. For a critical part that is difficult to access, a new part from a quality brand like Remy or BBB Industries is often the more reliable long-term choice.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12657797 126611 12690481 12680615 12673600
Fits 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu, primarily with 1.5L LFV and 2.0L LTG engines. The starter is a gear-reduction type, typically rated at 1.2kW to 1.4kW. It mounts to the engine block at the bellhousing area.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chevrolet Malibu: