Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
930–25K
16425–50K
14350–75K
7175–100K
36100–150K
18150K+
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
What owners actually said
837 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other
All of a sudden my Pistons just went in my car the whole engine block actually. There was never any warning or anything I got an oil change and after the oil change the check engine light came on plus it said service stabilitrak. Without the stability track you can get into an accident because the car is not in control the way i…
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All of a sudden my Pistons just went in my car the whole engine block actually. There was never any warning or anything I got an oil change and after the oil change the check engine light came on plus it said service stabilitrak. Without the stability track you can get into an accident because the car is not in control the way it's supposed to be. The Pistons being worn in the engine block going. Without any notice of anything being wrong. Causes bad emissions leaks etc. The dealership knows about it. They can't give me a reason why the Pistons and the engine block went. Or why this service to stabilitrak came on. They're trying to say it's a pipe that has a dent in it. But the entire system is rotted out it only has 34,418 mi on it.
NHTSA ODI #11467658
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Electrical System
While in drive and at stop sign the car starts to shut off. It can be very dangerous due to the fact it completely cuts off at while in drive. There are multiple reviews on this issue on youtube and chevy review websites regarding this issue. If I did not put my hazard lights on I could have been badly hurt and even worst. Someo…
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While in drive and at stop sign the car starts to shut off. It can be very dangerous due to the fact it completely cuts off at while in drive. There are multiple reviews on this issue on youtube and chevy review websites regarding this issue. If I did not put my hazard lights on I could have been badly hurt and even worst. Someone came to assist me off the road and I had to call pop and lock to come jump start the car and after I did that I made it home but tired to restart the car it was completely dead. By the way I have a new battery. And not Starter or alternator issues during being tested. I am so thankful my children were not in the car. This can be a life threatening situation.
NHTSA ODI #11466985
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2022
EngineSuspension
Bought car 4/27/22 with 94,602 miles. Within a week vehicle shown problems in the engine leaking oil most likely from the oil cooler causing a bad smell of burnt tire, the shocks most likely cause the car to shake once you hit 50 mph or let go off the break pedal they need to be replaced and the tail light is retaining or holdin…
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Bought car 4/27/22 with 94,602 miles. Within a week vehicle shown problems in the engine leaking oil most likely from the oil cooler causing a bad smell of burnt tire, the shocks most likely cause the car to shake once you hit 50 mph or let go off the break pedal they need to be replaced and the tail light is retaining or holding water on the inside also the hose connected to the coolant reservoir has a small leak I don’t think the clamp was placed properly by the last person who worked on it, plus how long should it take my car to cool up so far minutes and has to be on max and 2 tires are different brand
NHTSA ODI #11465600
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2022
Unknown Or Other
Reduced engine power on my display for the 3rd time since I purchased the vehicle. This is ridiculous and needs to be addressed. Good thing it never happened on a highway. This is a safety hazard to people and property. Regards, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11463813
Mileage unknown · May 1, 2022
Engine
I purchased this car new and continue to own it. During the past 6 years I have had this engine issue several times. I purchased this car from a Chevy dealership, [XXX] u now [XXX] in Flint, who denied there was a problem several times. In the past week, I was driving North on I75 from Edgewood KY and, once again, my engine po…
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I purchased this car new and continue to own it. During the past 6 years I have had this engine issue several times. I purchased this car from a Chevy dealership, [XXX] u now [XXX] in Flint, who denied there was a problem several times. In the past week, I was driving North on I75 from Edgewood KY and, once again, my engine power cut out. I had a semi behind me, a semi ahead of me and a semi at left side of me, all driving at 70 miles an hour. I was near the Middleton exit. My car would not go faster than 35 mph. I immediately put on my flashers and exited the expressway in about 3 miles. I and my dog could have been killed. This engine issues has occurred more than a dozen times, with no assistance from NHTSA. I ashamed that your organization has Never addressed this issue with a recall. [XXX] “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11462953
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I gotten the head light changed several times even diagnostic tests and they cant tell me why my low beam and high beam light keeps going out
NHTSA ODI #11462824
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2022
Unknown Or Other
My 2016 Chevy Malibu Premier continues to show a “Shift to Park" message” even when I put the car in park! When this “Shift to Park" Message” is on, I cannot turn off the vehicle. In order for the message to go off, I have to either back up, or pull the car forward a little in order to make the message goes off. This is startin…
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My 2016 Chevy Malibu Premier continues to show a “Shift to Park" message” even when I put the car in park! When this “Shift to Park" Message” is on, I cannot turn off the vehicle. In order for the message to go off, I have to either back up, or pull the car forward a little in order to make the message goes off. This is starting to happen daily with this car. This is very frustrating.
NHTSA ODI #11461912
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine
being unable to shift the vehicle into park. And when it is in drive and my car turns off because of the auto stop feature and turns back on it stated to act crazy and glitch …this really scares me because when I am on the road and my kids are in my car the car shuts off. Very dangerous situation and I can’t believe that there i…
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being unable to shift the vehicle into park. And when it is in drive and my car turns off because of the auto stop feature and turns back on it stated to act crazy and glitch …this really scares me because when I am on the road and my kids are in my car the car shuts off. Very dangerous situation and I can’t believe that there is no recall in place for this. This is such a liability on GM knowing about this issue and not paying for the repairs and leaving it up to the owners expense knowing that this is a malfunction in the Chevy Malibu‘s
NHTSA ODI #11461894
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2022
Power Train
My vehicle is stuck on “shift to park message” and can’t turn vehicle off. The vehicle has been displaying this message even thought the car is already on park.
NHTSA ODI #11461724
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2022
Unknown Or Other
I was driving down the highway and the gas pedal came completely off. It completely unattached.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year