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
861 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 29, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power Reduced." I had to keep using it due to work needs. Over time, it hesitated more during acceleration and felt increasingly unsafe. When I finally brought it to a Chevrolet service center, I was told the issue involved the pistons. The vehicle also regularly shows a "Shift to Park" warning even when the gear is in Park, raising concerns about the transmission's reliability. The power loss continues, especially when going uphill — again triggering the "Engine Power Reduced" alert and dropping the speed to no more than 35 MPH. A diagnostic showed a P0302 code for a cylinder 2 misfire. The radio head unit, already replaced once under warranty, failed again after just 9 months. Prior to the worsening idle and gear issues, I also received network-related codes involving the ECM and transmission computers. Although I’ve replaced the alternator, the car still shows "Service Electric System" warnings, suggesting ongoing electrical problems. I also noticed GM’s N182195660 campaign involving predictive monitoring for Stochastic Pre-Ignition (SPI) on SCP platforms. My car has the 2.0L turbo engine, and I’m concerned it may be experiencing SPI or coolant intrusion issues affecting overall performance and system integrity. I’m requesting that Chevrolet investigate these problems thoroughly and determine whether my vehicle qualifies for recall, extended warranty, or defect coverage. These issues are persistent, serious, and deserve immediate attention. Thank you for your time. I hope to see resolution soon.
Electrical system, May 28, 2025
Shift to park message and park not fully engaging. This caused the vehicle to roll back when parked on an incline.
Electrical system, Engine, May 7, 2025
Took my car to Chevy dealership to diagnose my car, as it was rough idling, causing hesitation, and knocking... all while the check engine light was on. They showed me two codes my car was giving from the check engine light. They said he would look further into it. They told me I needed a tune up, though I had gotten a tune up 4 months prior. They fixed some things and charged me over $4,000. The day I drove off the lot, the problems were still present. On my way home going about 50 mph, my car slowed down and the engine reduced power illuminated. I kept driving because I needed a car for work. The car continued to decline and acted like it didn't want to accelerate when pressing the gas. I finally took it back into chevy, and they told me it was my pistons. I'm 90% sure there is a defect that they won't tell me about, or the won't fix. I've had the car 2 years. Now the car won't run.
Structure, Apr 24, 2025
I am writing to report a serious and unacceptable issue with the exterior paint and clear coat on my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The clear coat has become dull and faded on the hood and roof, and the side panels are beginning to chip and peel, despite regular washing and maintenance. This paint deterioration started well before what would be expected in a properly manufactured vehicle finish, especially for one that has been well cared for and is only a few years old. The vehicle has never been in an accident, and the finish failure appears to be due to a defect in the clear coat or paint application process at the factory. This not only affects the appearance and value of the vehicle, but also raises concerns about long-term body protection. Once the clear coat is compromised, the base paint and metal underneath are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. There are countless reports online of other GM vehicle owners experiencing similar issues, and I believe this should be investigated as a widespread manufacturing defect. I request that GM address this issue, either through a recall or a goodwill repair/paint reimbursement program. Vehicle Details: Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Malibu E2 Color: Black Thank you for your time and attention. I hope to see GM stand behind its product and take responsibility for this defect. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 24, 2025
To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally report a recurring safety-related issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle consistently displays a “Shift to Park” warning message, even when the gear selector is properly in the Park position. This malfunction prevents the car from turning off completely and poses a serious safety and reliability concern. This issue first occurred while the vehicle was under warranty, and the dealership performed a repair. However, the problem has returned, and my warranty has since expired. Despite the previous fix, the issue continues to persist. This malfunction is widely documented among other 2016–2019 Chevy Malibu owners and appears to stem from a design or manufacturing flaw in the shifter assembly or park switch. I am concerned that this defect could: Prevent the vehicle from being securely parked. Lead to battery drain due to the vehicle not shutting off. Pose a risk if the driver believes the car is in park when it is not. I am requesting that Chevrolet consider this a safety defect and either recall the affected vehicles or offer extended coverage for repairs. I also ask that NHTSA investigate this issue further as it compromises the safety, reliability, and proper functioning of the vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate any assistance or updates regarding how this issue will be addressed. Vehicle Info: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu E2 Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Malibu Mileage: 60,000 VIN: ALREADY INSERT Previous repair date(s): 02/21/2020 Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Toledo, Ohio INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2025
Vehicle will display on dashboard “Shift to park” while the vehicle is placed in “P”. The engine will turn off, but the power remains on until the battery is disconnected from the vehicle. Codes have been verified by the Chevrolet dealership.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal grinding sound and became stiff. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the brake sensor; however, the failure recurred several days later. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after shifting to park, the message to shift to park was displayed. The failure occurred intermittently and had become more persistent over time. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Electrical system, Mar 20, 2025
MY SHIFT TO PARK LIGHT IS COMING ON
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2025
Water leaks into the trunk and back seat of the vehicle because the seal around the upper brake light in the rear glass is faulty, causing a mildew/mold odor in the trunk. It is not available for inspection as I had it repaired and sold the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the glass company to did the repair for much less than the quote the dealership provided. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.
Engine, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to accelerate the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while stopped at a traffic light. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the throttle position sensor, and the intake airflow system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2025
Shift to park message on odometer after vehicle is already in park
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2025
Happened around 46000 miles after receiving a recall notice in the mail about the pedal positioning sensor causing a reduced engine power signal, and immediately reducing speeds on the interstate. Local Chevy dealership replaced. Fast-forward 80K miles and the same incident is happening, however likely not going to be covered by GM. Same message, same code being detected.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 9, 2025
Car showing warning : engine power reduced Car decelerate unexpectedly Car won’t accelerate past 20 mph intermittently - when putting car in park, car won’t recognize when in the park positioned and shows warning : shift to park
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that occasionally while shifting into park(P), the computer failed to register that the vehicle was in park(P). The message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that during the failure, the doors failed to lock. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the shifter, shifter harness, and shifter switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
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, Engine, Jan 10, 2025
I had my vehicle for about 2 years. I noticed that after I went over a certain amount of mileage, my car went into an engine power reduce mode. With the engine power reduce mode my vehicle could only go 25 mph. This was happening to me when I was driving on major highways, etc.. I would have to pull over and stop the vehicle because after certain amount of time it also would tell me oil pressure low to stop engine. I took it to the Chevy dealership to have it looked at. I got the runaround with trying to figure out exactly what the issue was. They kept telling me that it was something else I spent over $1600 in repairs due to them, telling me that they found the issue and corrected it. After about another week or two, The same issue happened, engine power reduced stop engine oil pressure low. The most dangerous part about it is again I’m driving on interstates heading to work, etc. and the car is slows down on the interstate not allowing me to go over 25 mph again having to pull over on the interstate to give the car a break, crank it back up and get to a safe location. After having multiple mechanics look at it, still unable to fix. It started to get worse where once it pops up engine power reduce, oil pressure low stop engine, the car started jerking & shaking really bad. The only way to stop this from happening is to again shut the car down. I can’t keep shutting the car down in the middle of the interstate and on major roads. I took the vehicle to the Chevy dealership first they couldn’t find the issue. They said it was another issue that wasn’t even the issue so I paid over $1600 for nothing. I took it to Rick Hendrick, who couldn’t find an issue and all they could tell me was to trade it in. This vehicle issue needs to be recalled. My bf is now having the exact same issue that my car was having & after researching, others are as well. Same year, same model, just a different color. This vehicle needs to be recalled for this ongoing safety issue ASAP!
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2025
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an ongoing issue I have encountered with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently, I experienced a significant problem with the vehicle’s trunk and rear seat release mechanism, which has made it impossible for me to access the trunk or fold down the rear seats. The specific issues I am facing are as follows: Trunk Latch Stuck: The trunk latch has become stuck, and I am unable to open the trunk manually or with the remote key fob. The latch mechanism appears to be malfunctioning, and it will not unlatch when attempting to open it. Remote Key Fob Failure: The remote key fob, which is typically used to release the trunk, no longer works, making it impossible to access the trunk from outside the vehicle. Seat Release Mechanism: Additionally, the release button for folding down the rear seats is also not functioning, and I cannot lower the seats from inside the cabin. Typically, this release mechanism can be accessed from the trunk; however, due to the trunk being inaccessible, I am unable to release the seats, which is an urgent issue. This situation is highly inconvenient and concerning, as I rely on the trunk and rear seats for storage and daily functionality. The inability to access the trunk or fold down the seats creates a major safety and usability issue, especially in situations where I need access to the trunk in emergencies. I kindly request that this issue be investigated and resolved as soon as possible. Ideally, I would like to have the trunk latch mechanism repaired and the seat release system fixed so that I can safely and reliably use my vehicle. Please let me know how we can proceed to address this matter, whether through an inspection, repair, or replacement of the defective components. Thank you for your prompt attention to this complaint. I look forward to your swift response and resolution to ensure that my vehicle remains functional and accessible.
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.
Engine, Dec 6, 2024
I will be driving at posted speed limits (typically 55 to 60 MPH) and while going up a hill, the engine loses power. I get a notice on my screen that states engine power reduced. Speed reduces to no more than 35 MPH. This can put others in danger if they are too close or if the roads are icy due to it being winter in Indiana. I put on my hazard lights, and I am able to pull off the side of the road, turn off the car for 5 minutes and restart it and have power back. But engine light remains on. Mechanics cannot find anything wrong. No warnings prior to the incident. In fact, the car loses power and then the message appears on screen. This has happened 7 times in the last 4 months.
Parking brake, Nov 22, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked overnight on an incline with the front of the vehicle facing forward, the contact stated that the electronic parking brake unexpectedly released, and the vehicle rolled away and crashed into the neighbors vehicle, causing damages to the headlights and the bumpers of both vehicles. The contact stated that there was no one inside the vehicles during the crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2024
Reduce Engine Power - vehicle decreased acceleration drastically while driving on the highway.
Engine, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Reduced Power Engine" message displayed and the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The brake pedal was firm while depressed and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the vacuum pump deteriorated and went into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2024
I started smelling a strong smell of gas while operating the vehicle. Took to a dealership who diagnosed a turbocharger clamp and exhaust failure. From what I understand I am not the only one with a clamp/exhaust/seal problem. A friend of mine who owned a GM product had similar problems to the point her engine failed altogether. Please investigate!
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2024
When putting it in park and shutting the car down it says on dash to “shift to park.” There are other 2016 malibu that have this recall but for some reason not mine.