2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 861 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 24 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, critical fastenersAug 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.
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V649000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationJun 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.
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMay 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.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V781000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionJul 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."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
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."
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V272000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowMar 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."
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V151000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalMar 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.
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V125000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareFeb 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."
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V084000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
106 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 22, 2026
Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 11, 2026
The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage
Service brakes, Air, Traction control system, Apr 28, 2026, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 55 MPH in a rain storm and making a right turn, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights had illuminated, and the driver suddenly lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the incident the driver sustained a concussion and neck and shoulder injuries which later required medical treatment. No police report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 26, 2025
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it would cost over $2800.00. Upon further research I discovered that the same make model and year was recalled under recall #39440. I also learned the my VIN number was not included in this recall. This is a safety defect that has rendered my car not drivable until I get it fixed. As a senior citizen on a fixed income I am unable to fixed. I would like to know why was my car not included in the recall and if its possible to get it on the recall list so it can be fixed.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 24, 2025
The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with ALL GM vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from GM for a known defect. My car was almost hit because of the car had to be towed because it’s unable to be moved.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 13, 2025
My 2016 Malibu has a severe EBCM-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°F), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu EBCM recall (GM Recall 39440). I sought help from GM. A GM-certified dealer-Monken in Centralia, IL performed a “diagnostic scan” which documented the core hydraulic failure: a constant, uncommanded 6.839 psi residual brake line pressure when the pedal was released. (A healthy system should be near 0 psi) This 6.839 psi is actively forcing the brakes to drag. The dealer ignored their own scientific data and submitted a fraudulent diagnosis of ("rust buildup") to GM, which GM used to deny the claim based on mileage. “Rust buildup” doesn’t create hydraulic pressure. GM is aware of this specific, documented, quantifiable safety defect (the 6.839 psi pressure) and is refusing to investigate it further. I stressed to GM that the vehicle wasn’t safe to drive and that I have a small child who has to ride in the car with me. GM dismissed my concerns by stating the dealership won’t release my car unless its safe to drive. I then had to drive the car 22 miles back home with all 4 brakes dragging. I requested the full diagnostic scan report (that the mechanic confirmed he could provide me with when I dropped my car off there) numerous times and never did I get one. I informed them that I would be filing a complaint hadn’t I received it by a certain time. The new kid in service then did send me screenshots of a generic OBDII scanner where I saw the 6.839 psi. I knew what the issue was prior to taking my car to Monken. I had an independent scan done prior. I only took the car there to comply with GM’s protocol to be eligible for assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate GM for failure to address a documented hydraulic control safety defect that causes brake dragging and overheating, which is non-compliant with safety standards. I can give further info Please call me for further details.
Service brakes, Oct 26, 2025
Car suddenly stopped dead cold while driving on a highly driven road. No power. Several attempts were made to get off the main road and drive to a close neighborhood. Finally started and at every stop sign the car grinded during stopping and threw me backwards in driver's seat. Needed a tow. .
Service brakes, Oct 6, 2025
My 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited is experiencing Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) failure symptoms that match Recall 39440, even though my VIN is not listed in the recall. Details of the problem: -The brakes would randomly feel like they were sticking and the car being held back -Brake lights would remain on -Car would float all over the road -ABS and StabiliTrak warning lights illuminated in the dash once. -ABS and ESC functions stop working, leaving only based braking available. -These failures occur intermittently but increased to everytime. -All 4 brakes are dragging, pulsing (no lights illuminated), reaching 240 degrees -Confirmed by mechanic EBCM This is a safety hazard. The vehicle becomes more difficult to control in adverse conditions without ABS/ESC. I transport my special-needs child in this vehicle, and I am deeply concerned for our safety. Why I believe recall expansion is needed: GM has acknowledged this exact defect in Recall 39440 (affecting other 2016 Malibus built during specific production dates). My vehicle is showing the same failure, and I request NHTSA investigate whether the recall population should be expanded to include additional VINs.
Service brakes, Jul 30, 2025
When I was driving my car with my child in it my break tightened up and I couldn’t apply them to stop I had to let my foot off the gas and let my car slow its self down safely. When I got my car home my husband looked at it and found out that my vaccum pump had went out and part of it broke off in the engine. This is very unsafe and this needs to be investigated because people can’t know when the vacuum pump is going to go bad this issue lays on gm and Chevy to make sure the parts they are using will hold up and be safe
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 6, 2025
Brake booster pump failed ( gm part # 12704586 ) Causing limited braking and severe damage to internal engine components, camshafts ,timing chain have been damaged This is a ongoing problem in which i have had this pump replaced at my expense several times. The problem stems brake booster pump is lubricated using the engine's oil . Booster pump has a small screen to filter oil, this filter can easily become clogged resulting in booster to run dry and grenade into top of engine. These pieces then interfer with camshafts and timing gears other components
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2025
Stability track warning randomly appears while driving and spontaneously causes total brake failure and the brakes fail to slow or stop vehicle. It has newer brakes but it’s very dangerous to drive. Currently being sent to Chevrolet dealership
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 10, 2025
The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be a part of this recall. We purchased the car in mid November and the engine light showed up a couple weeks later. I contacted GM who said to contact this site to request further investigation for safety risks.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 8, 2024
The car has a seat belt electrical problem it makes sound once in a while indicating for the driver to put their seat belt on. Also there is issues with the brake sensor. The #1 issue is the Transmission Accumulator Pressure Pipe, when it breaks all your transmission oil pours out from the bottom of the vehicle. The part is about $20 but if not installed right you will think that your transmission is dead but it's not.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 17, 2024
Update to claim #11614644. Car was inspected by Auto Lenders in Lakewood, NJ. Vacuum pump failed and cam shaft has to be replaced, was told the engine **SHOULD* be salvageable. They won't know until they start taking it apart. Was told it will take 12 hrs for each part at $180 an hr. Damage is estimated at $4500. Car is currently under an extended warranty, we are waiting to hear if the warranty will cover the damage. My son still owes $9000 on the car, we bought it 2 yrs ago. Beyond angry that Chevy/GM has not recalled this car!!!
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 14, 2024
Vacuum pump failure. Brakes failed while driving the car, brakes became manual power but was able to pull over safely. There was no previous warning or error codes. Car is currently at a Mr. Tire facility. The manager ran diagnostic code - "reduce engine power" error and found the cause as the vacuum pump. Due to the time of the failure, late Saturday 9/14/24, the part cannot be ordered until Monday from the local Chevy dealership. The facility will not know if there is additional engine damage until the part is remove and inspected. There is known issues with vacuum pumps failing and a class action lawsuit currently in ligation.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2024
I am having to replace the VACUUM PUMP for the second time. Each time the pump breaks it spreads contaminants inside the camshaft compartment causing further issues. This is a common problem according to the many complaints I've seen on auto sites. This should be a recall.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 8, 2024
The electrical chip in my EBCM has a malfunction and the brakes will grab and grind at random times. Also at the time electronic stability control will mess up increasing the risk of a crash. Other malibu vehicles with the same year have had a recall on these parts. Mine however was not included but has the same malfunctioning part.
Service brakes, Aug 2, 2024
Brake vacuum booster failed resulting in the brakes failing.
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2024
Brake Booster vacuum pump failed and pieces broke off in the engine.. it failed in the middle of driving with my [XXX] daughter.. the brakes padel was hard and was hard to stop.. could have caused a real bad accident even caused death if happened while driving.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Jul 19, 2024
Brake booster vacuum pump failed and pieces of the pump broke off and in the engine..
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 3, 2024
Vehicle engine light reported codes P050F, FE8:engine, and FE9. It was determined the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump was leaking oil and was faulty. It has been replaced and brakes better. Engine light went off. The other diagnostic by my mechanic showed the Oil Control Intake and Exhaust Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid needed to be replaced too.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 14, 2024
I am very upset right because I purchased this Chevy Malibu 2016 from Vroom. It was fine at first and then things start to go downhill. For starters my tire light came on first only a week after having the car, then the shift into was appearing on the dashboard as well as the engine light. Then my husband spent almost 2000 on the brakes because the car was making this horrible sound and I almost couldn't stop the car because the pedal was stuck and would not push down. Thank God no one was hurt. Then my car just shut off twice one day at a busy intersection, it went completely dead with my children in the car. This is a ongoing issue. Now I had a diagnostic test ran on my vehicle and it was said I needed a new motor only after having the car for only a year. This car is very dangerous and I wish they would take it off the market, because it will also reduce your speed while driving out of nowhere. Chevrolet should be responsible for all problems before they are aware of these issues!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually stopped as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer in production. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her dad was driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated and decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle was speeding up and then slowing down independently. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into a pole, however, the air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While the mechanic was driving the vehicle, the vehicle drove as designed. However, the contact stated that while her dad was driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the wheels were extremely hot. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Service brakes, Aug 17, 2023
I was driving on the highway started to exit the exit ramp at the top of the exit ramp. There’s a stop sign. Want to stop for it previously to this my brakes were fine then I went to press on them to come to the final stop at the stop sign and they were super hard. and