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2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

525 reports with mileage · 312 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 302 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 222 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 166 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

50 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I was driving about 70mph on a highway trying to pass a semi-truck. As I signaled right blinker to merge back into the right lane, the speed reduced to 40mph without notice. I then seen a notification on the dashboard saying "Engine Power Reduced". The car would not accelerate fast enough to clear the truck therefore almost caus…

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I was driving about 70mph on a highway trying to pass a semi-truck. As I signaled right blinker to merge back into the right lane, the speed reduced to 40mph without notice. I then seen a notification on the dashboard saying "Engine Power Reduced". The car would not accelerate fast enough to clear the truck therefore almost causing a collision of 2 semi-trucks and myself. I was forced to drive off road to help avoid the collision. My fiancé was in the passenger seat when this happened on 11/25/2023. He then began telling me this happened to him a few months prior but he didn't mention it because it resolved itself. This was actually the 3rd time it had happened in this car over the last 2 years. I spoke to the chevy dealership about it the first time I experienced this and they advised that it had not been made a safety recall at that time yet, but the technician who helped me said his son experienced the same thing and it was becoming quite common. It still has not been recalled but there is currently a class action lawsuit because of this. I feel this is very dangerous and what I considered to be reliable transportation, is no longer the case for my family after this experience. This needs to be recalled immediately before people lose lives. Especially since the parts were Manufactured incorrectly and Chevrolet had knowledge prior to releasing 2016-2018 vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11556784

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainService Brakes

I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership…

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I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was emailed a recall notice on the fuel pump system and Air bags and it has never been repaired in my car even from the past owners.There have been 10 recalls from Malibu's manufactured in 2016 and my car shows every sign and indication that it is one of those few selected. My VIN should be updated or investigated for parts in my vehicle that have been recalled. The Car stops when idle for two minutes or longer and shuts off the engine and air if you use the USB outlet there is a serious electrical problem which is also a safety hazard according to NHTSA guidelines.

NHTSA ODI #11537472

Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

The low oil pressure - cut engine off notification appeared on the speedometer & as i was getting on the freeway the car literally cut off. All the electrical worked but power to the engine & everything stopped completely.

NHTSA ODI #11495405

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

When I accelerate, it hesitates to pick up speed. Once I made it to 75mph, a warning message came on that said engine power reduced and the check engine light came on. I looked up the issue and saw that several people with the same car were having the same issues. I added a gas treatment like they suggested but the light is stil…

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When I accelerate, it hesitates to pick up speed. Once I made it to 75mph, a warning message came on that said engine power reduced and the check engine light came on. I looked up the issue and saw that several people with the same car were having the same issues. I added a gas treatment like they suggested but the light is still on. I have not been to a dealership or mechanic shop yet due to not having the money. But if this is a common problem then Chevrolet needs to pay for repairs. If my car fails while I’m driving, I could cause an accident.I have had the throttle body cleaned before and the wheel sensors but I am still having issues.

NHTSA ODI #11474027

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I was driving down the Freeway at 65 mph. The roads were wet and slick from snow and in heavy traffic. I got a check engine light and immediately a Engine Power Reduced light. I suddenly lost power and another vehicle behind me almost hit me. I was able to get to the side of the road and shut it off. After a few minutes, I start…

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I was driving down the Freeway at 65 mph. The roads were wet and slick from snow and in heavy traffic. I got a check engine light and immediately a Engine Power Reduced light. I suddenly lost power and another vehicle behind me almost hit me. I was able to get to the side of the road and shut it off. After a few minutes, I started it back up and the light was still on. I needed to get off the freeway and find a way to work so I put on the emergency flashers and drove to the next exit. The light remained on but I had full power. I am trying to get an appointment to have it looked at.

NHTSA ODI #11445078

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I was driving on a highway approx 60 miles an hour when a message came in my dashboard stating reduction in engine power, the vehicle abruptly slowed to 20 mph without any warning and I was barely able to pull my vehicle off to the side of the road without being rear ended by the vehicle behind me on the highway.

NHTSA ODI #11444572

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

The car stalls if i stop or in traffic..the car is still running I can have the gas pedal to the floor it will not go then it takes off really quick when when it powers back on it feel like it loses power when I’m trying to go but the car is running the whole time it’s Hybrid propulsion system General Motors LLC (GM) is recallin…

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The car stalls if i stop or in traffic..the car is still running I can have the gas pedal to the floor it will not go then it takes off really quick when when it powers back on it feel like it loses power when I’m trying to go but the car is running the whole time it’s Hybrid propulsion system General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11430408

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Car suddenly lost power slowing to 20mph on highway slowing to the point I was an obstacle in the lane so had to abruptly drive on to shoulder and out of traffic to prevent a collision from behind me as I had a close call. Car showed reduced engine power message. I wait until late at night when there was no traffic to drive the …

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Car suddenly lost power slowing to 20mph on highway slowing to the point I was an obstacle in the lane so had to abruptly drive on to shoulder and out of traffic to prevent a collision from behind me as I had a close call. Car showed reduced engine power message. I wait until late at night when there was no traffic to drive the car home safely. The next day I had code read and it was a P2138. From what I have now learned online this is a wide spread problem that GM is very aware of.

NHTSA ODI #11423548

50,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I RECEIVED AN ALERT ON MY DASH "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY CAR BECAME MUCH LESS RESPONSIVE TO PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND SEEMED TO BE HAVING TROUBLE GOING MORE THAN ~30 MPH. AN INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM GAVE THE ERROR CODE P2138 AS THE SOURCE OF THE…

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I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I RECEIVED AN ALERT ON MY DASH "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY CAR BECAME MUCH LESS RESPONSIVE TO PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND SEEMED TO BE HAVING TROUBLE GOING MORE THAN ~30 MPH. AN INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM GAVE THE ERROR CODE P2138 AS THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11405011

79,510 miles · Dec 30, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING DOWNTOWN WHEN CAR ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SLOWED DOWN THEN SHUT OFF, LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME DIDN'T HIT ME. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I'VE HAD IT TOWED 2 TIME ONE MECHANIC SAID: I NEEDED A MOTOR. I BOUGHT A CODE READER REPLACED BOTH BATTERIES. NEXT CODE P2138 REDUDED ENGINE POWER. IT A DEFECTIVE THRO…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWNTOWN WHEN CAR ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SLOWED DOWN THEN SHUT OFF, LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME DIDN'T HIT ME. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I'VE HAD IT TOWED 2 TIME ONE MECHANIC SAID: I NEEDED A MOTOR. I BOUGHT A CODE READER REPLACED BOTH BATTERIES. NEXT CODE P2138 REDUDED ENGINE POWER. IT A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE CONTROL ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. I TOWED IT TO GM DEALERSHIP THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL ME A MOTOR AND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE, PEDAL PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL ONLY SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT #N192188250 GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATION DCS5117 GLOBAL WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11385684

Official recalls

9

21V649000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners; Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

Aug 20, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

18V400000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jun 14, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 31, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

16V781000 · Air Bags:side/window

Oct 26, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16079.

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

16V272000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

May 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020). GM's number for this recall is 39440.

16V151000 · Air Bags:side/window

Mar 11, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Malibu vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to March 5, 2016. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 31820.

16V125000 · Air Bags:frontal

Mar 2, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.

16V084000 · Electrical System:software

Feb 11, 2016

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.