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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

Power Train complaints

166 reports
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70,000 miles · Aug 15, 2023
Power TrainSeat BeltsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

The contact's finance owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hardened when depressed without warning. While driving at 15 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle due to the hardened brake pedal. The driver side air bag failed to deploy as needed; the air bag slightly popped out of place…

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The contact's finance owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hardened when depressed without warning. While driving at 15 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle due to the hardened brake pedal. The driver side air bag failed to deploy as needed; the air bag slightly popped out of place but did not deploy. A police report was filed; no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic verified that the vacuum pump needed repair. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle would independently downshift while driving at a high rate of speed as the "engine reduce speed" warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified the failures; a case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11538729

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 · Jul 19, 2023
Power TrainService BrakesWheels

I just bought this car 2 weeks ago. Had to replace the windshield wiper pump. There are at least 10 TSBs on the vehicle I'm on disability I can't afford to fix all that. The rear hub bearing was barely making noise when I bought it. Now tire feels like it's going to fall off. I believe there's a TSB on when you put the car in p…

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I just bought this car 2 weeks ago. Had to replace the windshield wiper pump. There are at least 10 TSBs on the vehicle I'm on disability I can't afford to fix all that. The rear hub bearing was barely making noise when I bought it. Now tire feels like it's going to fall off. I believe there's a TSB on when you put the car in park and shut it off then it's not going in to gear even though it said it's into gear so I have to get that fixed as well. Can't Chevy fix thermostats just like I have to fix my mistakes in life.

NHTSA ODI #11533373

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Power TrainService Brakes

#1 3RD BRAKE LIGHT LEAKING INTO BACK SEAT AND TRUNK MANUFACTURE BOLTS BACKED OUT AND/OR MISSING, CAN ALSO CAUSE WATER TO GET INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT WHICH TENDS TO CAUSE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE, INCREASING RISK OF A CRASH. #2 GEAR SHIFT LEVER INNER LOCK BLOCKING THE ABILITY FOR USER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE…

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#1 3RD BRAKE LIGHT LEAKING INTO BACK SEAT AND TRUNK MANUFACTURE BOLTS BACKED OUT AND/OR MISSING, CAN ALSO CAUSE WATER TO GET INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT WHICH TENDS TO CAUSE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE, INCREASING RISK OF A CRASH. #2 GEAR SHIFT LEVER INNER LOCK BLOCKING THE ABILITY FOR USER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO INDICATE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT THE TRANSMISSION MAY ACTUALLY BE IN ANOTHER GEAR. THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION OR INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. A RECALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR CHEVY MALIBU 2016-2020 BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHILE MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES. ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE POP UP ON DASH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF UNSURE OF EXACT START DATE BUT STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE SINCE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH ON ISSUES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS.

NHTSA ODI #11532199

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train

When the vehicle is shifted (manual transmission) from any gear into park, and the vehicle is turned off, the "Shift into Park" warning appears. I verified it was in the park. Warning stays on from 1-5 minutes, leaving all outside marker and headlights on until the sensor engages and the vehicle returns to proper state (outside …

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When the vehicle is shifted (manual transmission) from any gear into park, and the vehicle is turned off, the "Shift into Park" warning appears. I verified it was in the park. Warning stays on from 1-5 minutes, leaving all outside marker and headlights on until the sensor engages and the vehicle returns to proper state (outside marker and headlights shut off and interior dome light turns on for exiting the vehicle. This occurs each time the vehicle is driven, and the malfunction has caused a reduced battery power (eventually replacement) and outside light replacement from unnecessary use. Losing battery power has left us stranded, and the loss of outside lighting reduces our visibility for other drivers to see the vehicle. Upon research, this has been reported and reproduced numerous times to the manufacturer, dealers, and NHTSA with no solutions reached except charging the customer to repair the issue (this is unacceptable). There were no warnings and the symptoms started approximately 2-3 years after purchased in 2016 and still continue (brand new car).

NHTSA ODI #11531544

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

While driving, my car will read reduce power engine, and go to 40mph and then i have to pull over and turn off my car and restart, sometimes it will dismiss the problem and drive normal but sometimes it goes right back to reduce power engine and 40mph again. My gears sometimes will be stuck in park.

NHTSA ODI #11520091

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train

Intermittent "Shift to Park" message started to show up when attempting to turn off vehicle. GM does have a special bulletin 19-NA-206 but doesn't have the coverage stated in it. There is also class action law suits as well so this is a common concern.

NHTSA ODI #11512691

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2023
Power Train

My 2016 Chevrolet malibu is displaying a "shift to park" message for the second time. We had the Automatic Transmission Control (GM part# 84347430) replaced two separate times already costing us over $1600 in repairs. Also had to replace 2 batteries within the past 3 years which cost over $300. First replaced in March of 2020 an…

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My 2016 Chevrolet malibu is displaying a "shift to park" message for the second time. We had the Automatic Transmission Control (GM part# 84347430) replaced two separate times already costing us over $1600 in repairs. Also had to replace 2 batteries within the past 3 years which cost over $300. First replaced in March of 2020 and now again in Feb 2023. Current lawsuits for this problem are on-going. No loaner cars were given for these repairs resulting in inconvenience of over 2 months. Manufacturers and dealers are aware this problem exists yet they do nothing. As far as danger it causes is you can't turn off your car, also will lead to battery drain which will leave you stranded in the middle of no where and late for work. Please issue a recall for this problem GM.

NHTSA ODI #11507614

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2023
Power Train

Shift into park alert on the dash. I have to restart the vehicle to get it to let me leave the car. It tells me to shift into park even tho I already am.

NHTSA ODI #11504577

53,000 miles · Dec 14, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that an electrical failure and power train failure was present. No additional in…

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The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that an electrical failure and power train failure was present. No additional information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #11497431

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.