Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,084 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 9)

problem #163

Dec 112024

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Bagley, MN, USA

problem #162

Dec 302024

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #161

May 222024

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Fresno , CA, USA

problem #160

Sep 192024

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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!

- Culpeper, VA, USA

problem #159

Sep 272024

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Hubbard, OH, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #158

Sep 132024

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Belmont, MS, USA

problem #157

Jul 152024

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There-??s a warning on the display that says -??shift to park-?? while the vehicle is already in park. This is causing the battery to drain/die and needs jumpstart everyday. Battery was tested and does not need to be replaced. I-??m surprised this hasn-??t been recalled yet. Online search -??Chevy Malibu shift to park-?? shows this is a common problem. Here-??s a YouTube link that includes comments to prove this further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Homer Glen, IL, USA

problem #156

Aug 102022

Malibu

  • miles
When driving the car it will stop mid drive and slow to 20MPH. The car has broken down in the middle of the road on multiple occasions. It has locked me in the car where I am unable to get out. On one occasion the battery was dead and the car had locked me out. I had to have someone unlock it. The next day the car was fine with no signs of issues. The car has been taken to multiple mechanics and no one knows the issue. Car doesn-??t throw any codes or show any symptoms of issues.

- Jackson , KY, USA

problem #155

Apr 302024

Malibu

  • miles
THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS SINCE 4/30/2024 stabilitrack warning on Ipc, security light, power steering goes out on freeway-while turning in an intersection-going 75 on the freeway while changing lanes, IPC displays ice warning when 90-?? outside, erratic shifting(being stuck in 2nd gear until it shifts to 4th), no start no crank condition ( I replaced the battery, had alternator tested, tested fuses, fuel pressure test, checked spark plugs and coil packs) key fob not unlocking doors or remote starting (battery was changed) passenger seat will only recline on one side, power mirrors erratically moving without user adjustment, Climate control sporadically disconnects (no lights in dash no power at all) I have not taken it to a dealership I can-??t afford the outrageous prices. I have had my father (certified ford technician) inspect the car. This car has become unsafe for me to drive with my children and I am terrified that it-??s going to cause us to wreck and cause serious injury or death

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #154

May 032024

Malibu

  • miles
While traveling at normal speed (55-60MPH) Engine Power Reduced message pops up and car will not accelerate until I pull over, turn it off, then back on after a period of time. Message is beginning to come up frequently. Occurred 3 times this morning on the way to work.

- Appling, GA, USA

problem #153

Mar 082024

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Reduce engine power warning -??? losing power on highway and shift to park warning -???

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #152

Feb 022023

Malibu

  • miles
Occasionally when the car is put in park, it does not alert the rest of the car that it's in park. Although I turn the car off, it beeps like it's still on an I have to turn the car on again and move it back into park in order for it to stop. There has been a recall for this issue but so far, my car has not shown up and for that reason, the dealer/mechanic will not repair it which is understandable on their part. Please advise. Thank you.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #151

Feb 032024

Malibu

  • miles
Car moves even in park due to faulty gear shifter. It-??s made of plastic. Computer reads error message -??shift to park-?? and still moves while in park. A danger to other cars and car battery.

- Monroeville , AL, USA

problem #150

Feb 012022

Malibu

  • miles
Rear seat belt will not retract. Will not engage into park when car is turned off. Trunk, back seat, headliner, entire carpeted floor, front seats get wet when car is washed or it rains. Mold is beginning to grow inside trunk and headliner.

- Florissant, MO, USA

problem #149

Jan 112024

Malibu

  • miles
Charged air cooler makes it so your car slows down to 20 on interstate

- Becker, MN, USA

problem #148

Dec 202023

Malibu

  • miles
Warning display on dash reads "Engine power is reduced " and forces and abrupt reduction on vehicle speed, Especially on highway driving on commute. Noticed online multiple similar concerns and complaints. No recall or extended warranty?

- Canandaigua, NY, USA

problem #147

Aug 282023

Malibu

  • miles
The engine only has 78K miles on it. I took it in because I received a notification that said stabilitrack. First I had a mechanic change the spark plugs, then I was told I had to take it in for a bigger issue with the engine. I was told it would cost $2500 just to break down the engine and diagnose it. Then I was quoted 11k on top of that to completely replace the engine. 78k miles and the engine needs replacing for more then the car is worth. The diagnosis was that I had a piston crack and the whole engine was ruined.

- Austin , TX, USA

problem #146

Sep 022023

Malibu

  • miles
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" The engine oil pressure control circuit is stuck. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving when all of a sudden my car would not let me speed up to the speed limit and almost caused someone to rear end me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dick Allen's in Meadville as well as AutoZone who read the code Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No warning until the light came on and the car slowed down. This is the 3rd time this has happened. Previously I was told to put Cataclean into my fuel to help which it did but it seems to only be a temporary solution.

- Cochranton, PA, USA

problem #145

Aug 012023

Malibu

  • miles
I was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden my information center on my was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden my information center on my 2016 Chevy Malibu popped up a warning, reduced engine power and drop me down to 20 mph without warning. I barely made it to the side of the road before being run over by 18 wheelers all around me. Once I got it home I read the code, and it shows there-??s not enough power going to the turbo in the engine that-??s caused by the accelerator sensor. When I start at low speed or from a stop in attempt to accelerate the car hesitates to the point I can-??t pull out with any cars around because I will be hit. I-??ve been told this is a known problem for the vehicle and it-??s a $500 part to fix. It-??s extremely dangerous and I am so shocked there has not been a recall for this, it is putting everybody that is in one of these vehicles in danger

- Franklin , KY, USA

problem #144

Jul 172023

Malibu

  • miles
automatic transmission shifter assembly is out of specifications and needed to be replaced by removing the center console to gain access with all other related new seals gaskets and non-reusable hardware and reinstall all components for repairs in the reverse order of removal. cleared all diagnostic trouble codes. the system is NOW operating as designed. Before the repair was made the car kept telling me that the shift was NOT in park, when it was. I am uncertain as to my safety or risk but was afraid to drive the vehicle as is. The repair was made on 8/17/23 by Richard Lucas Chevy, 1077 Rt.1 S, Avenel, NJ 07001 732-634-0100 at the cost to me of $435.42. My claim with GM is [XXX]. I was notified that this was a common problem with my specific vehicle and yet there has been no recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?