2016 Chevrolet Malibu: raw data

Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.

vehicle2016 / chevrolet / malibu
known issues8 clusters (reviewed 2026-08-06)
complaints861 on file (2015-10-14 → 2026-09-04)
recalls9
investigations0
fars222 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
indexedyes
licenseCC BY 4.0 (derived)

Known Issues clusters all years →

Reduced engine power mode with sudden decelerationVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL48 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-reduced-engine-power
  • 11590824 On may 23,2024 I was on a very busy highway going 66. All of a sudden my 2016 malibu lt aburtely slowed to 27 miles an hour and two warnings lights came on 1 -engine power is reduced 2 - speed reduced to 27 I barely avoided getting hit by two semi trucks, as well as a car
  • 11554408 My 2016 Chevy Malibu that does not have many miles on it is shifting into, Reduced Engine Power Mode. When this comes on I cannot accelerate up to speeds and can only go about 25 MPH. It is dangerous that my car can go from highway speeds to this slow
  • 11615368 I experienced a check engine light and a "reduced engine power" message in the middle of traffic in the stromy rain. I was driving 35 to 40 mph before vehicle slowed to almost a stop and when pressed gas pedal it excel slowly creeped to less than 30 MPH THANKFUL I wasn't…
Shift to Park message with vehicle already in parkPOWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-shift-to-park
  • 11682867 2016 Chevy Malibu is experiencing a “Shift to Park” issue, where the car does not recognize it is in Park even after shifting correctly. This prevents the vehicle from turning off, leaving lights and electronics running, which can drain the battery
  • 11487225 Once shifting the vehicle into park, the gear selector is indicating the vehicle is in park, but the dash board reads "shift to park" and does not allow you to turn off vehicle, it remains in accessory mode
  • 11507614 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
Brake vacuum pump failure with hard brake pedalSERVICE BRAKES22 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-brake-vacuum-pump
  • 11743632 The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage
  • 11536894 My 2016 chevy Malibu had brake vacuum pump failure. No warnings. Brake pedal got hard and could not stop
  • 11486290 The brake booster vacuum pump failed, twice. There wasn’t any warning messages prior to the failure. It is available for inspection. Both incidents happened on the freeway, which put mine and other drivers at risk
Water leak into trunk and cabinSTRUCTURE8 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-water-leak-trunk
  • 11649216 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
  • 11547147 Water has been leaking into my car from the roof and onto my seats. Today I discovered that I have black mold under my headliner. So water is somehow leaking through and had been for some time
Clear coat peeling on hood and roofSTRUCTURE3 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-clear-coat-peeling
  • 11737944 The vehicle is experiencing premature clear coat failure on the hood and roof. The affected areas show widespread oxidation, dulling, and breakdown of the clear coat, while vertical panels remain unaffected
  • 11656612 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
EBCM failure with brake drag and ABS warningELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES9 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-ebcm-brake-drag
  • 11691669 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
  • 11704816 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)
  • 11607420 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
Cracked pistons and internal engine damageENGINE14 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-cracked-pistons
  • 11590515 while driving the engine lost power started idling rough and the MIL came on. The MIL was found to be cyl 1 misfire, mechanic tracked it down to a cracked piston. A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL YEAR AND ENGINE. the VIN does not show it as being included in any recall
  • 11496025 Engine/Pistons Car has 80,000 miles and the engine/pistons have gone out on this car. I have had the car inspected by the Chevrolet dealership and they were shocked that a car that has been taken care of so good with so little miles is giving me a problem so major and expensive
  • 11734369 On 04/28/2026, when diagnosing a reoccurring check engine light on the vehicle at a Chevy Certified Service, the mechanic "Borescoped cylinder 4 and found significant scuffs on the cylinder wall which along with the misfires indicate a cracked piston
High-pressure fuel pump detachment and fuel leaksFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4 complaints2022-07 → 2026-07malibu-2016-fuel-pump-detachment
  • 11690991 The high-pressure fuel pump detached from the cylinder head. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P228C and reported that one mounting bolt was missing and another bolt was broken off inside the cylinder head, causing the pump to come loose and fail
  • 11720169 Fuel Injector Backing ring Failing causing O-ring to dislodge and Rupture due to high pressure fuel leaking past the seal. This is causing a Major fire Hazard

NHTSA complaints (summary) all years →

countearliest_datelatest_datecrash_flaggedfire_flaggedtop_components
8612015-10-142026-09-04242ENGINE:310; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:233; UNKNOWN OR OTHER:180; POWER TRAIN:174; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:158

Recalls all years →

campaign_numberreport_received_datecomponentsummaryconsequenceremedy
18V40000014/06/2018AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONGeneral 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.
18V35800031/05/2018FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPGeneral 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.
16V27200005/05/2016ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)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.
16V78100026/10/2016AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWGeneral 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.
16V50200005/07/2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONGeneral 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.
16V08400011/02/2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWAREGenera 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.
16V15100011/03/2016AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWGeneral 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.
16V12500002/03/2016AIR BAGS:FRONTALGeneral 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.
21V64900020/08/2021SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERSGeneral 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.

Investigations all years →

none listed

FARS occupant deaths all years →

crash_yearsoccupant_deathsmatch_typevpic_recovered
2010-2024222legacy-code0

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.

Cite this

Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.

Wrench.Pro (2026). 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2016/chevrolet/malibu
@misc{wrenchpro_2016_chevrolet_malibu_2026,
  author = {Wrench.Pro},
  title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2016/chevrolet/malibu}},
  note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}

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