Owners have filed 1,443 complaints
about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 71
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Malibu. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Chevrolet Malibu
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
3367.3%
Floor Shift
48.2%
Warnings
36.1%
Automatic Emergency Braking
24.1%
ABS Warning Light
24.1%
Brake Lights
24.1%
Trunk LID
24.1%
Throttle Position Sensor (Tps)
12.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
323.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
394.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
839.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
27831.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
24527.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13515.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
546.0%
150,000+ miles
273.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2015peak 50Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V649000
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.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
18V400000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
18V358000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
16V781000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: 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.
16V502000
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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
16V272000
ELECTRONIC 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."
Risk: If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
16V151000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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."
Risk: Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
16V125000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202152224 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, a bolt that attaches the rear seat belt retractor(s) may be missing. As a result, the seat belt may not work as designed in a crash. Note: On Chevrolet Malibu models, the right rear seat belt could be affected. On Cadillac XT4 models, both the left and right rear seat belts could be affected. Safety Risk: A seat belt that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to check that the rear seat belt retractor bolts are properly installed. The dealer will replace or tighten the bolt(s), as required.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 20183224 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles that had the front passenger presence system (PPS) replaced, the replacement parts may have been incorrectly calibrated. This could cause the PPS not to properly identify certain children and small adults seated in the front passenger seat. If the vehicle was involved in a crash, this could cause the airbag to deploy when it should not, or could cause the airbag not to deploy when it should. Either of these outcomes could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front PPS.
Recall 201635133 units in Canada
High Voltage
On certain hybrid vehicles, the manual service disconnect (MSD) may not have been properly installed and may not be locked in position. This could cause the MSD to become loose and disconnect while driving, which could cut off all high-voltage power to the vehicle. The loss of high-voltage power could cause the vehicle to stall without warning, which would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and seat the MSD connector properly. The dealer will also install an updated calibration to monitor if the high voltage interlock loop is incomplete.
Recall 20163411,419 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. The Electronic Park Lock (EPL) lever in the steering column electrical assembly may have been damaged during manufacturing. As a result, the ignition key could be removed when the vehicle’s transmission is in a position other than park. This could cause unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the key cylinder lock housing.
Recall 201619956 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 126 - Electronic Stability Control Systems. 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 a result, the vehicle could be more difficult to control in situations where these brake systems would normally be engaged, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a replacement EBCM. Note: This condition does not affect the primary braking system; the service brakes will operate normally.
Recall 2016116105 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles may not comply with the side impact protection requirements of United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, which is voluntarily-adopted in Canada. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact airbag (“SIAB”) inflators to the seat frame may fracture and separate during airbag deployment. If the vehicle is involved in a crash that warrants side airbag deployment, and both weld studs were to fracture, the inflated cushion may not remain in its intended position and may separate from the seat, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the affected side airbag modules as necessary, which may include any combination of left, right, front, and/or rear side airbag modules.
Recall 2016102161 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the second stage of the driver frontal airbag may not deploy properly in certain high speed crashes. If the vehicle were to be involved in a high speed crash that triggers the second-stage deployment of the driver frontal airbag, the second stage of the inflator may not fill the airbag as completely and as quickly as designed, which could increase the risk of injury to the driver. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 144,000 milesParis, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesParis, TNCrash1 injured
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesWaukesha, WICrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle came to a stop. After coming from the stop, the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s daughter crashed the vehicle into a utility pole and a utility box. The air bags deployed. The contact’s daughter was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for a concussion and seat belt-related bruising on her chest and waist. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but the insurance company was not yet notified of the accident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Oak, TXCrash4 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Engine power reduced defect, causing affected models to lose power while driving at highway speeds. My son’s was driving 55 mph and then all of sudden the car decelerated to 20 mph in minutes before his 2016 Malibu stalled on [XXX]. Unfortunately the car did not make it to the emergency lane and as a result a SUV hit his car killing my daughter who was 33 weeks pregnant. The baby survived with lifelong injuries. Despite this recall, GM failed to notify vehicle owners, including the owner of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident on [XXX], in Dallas, Texas, resulting in my daughter’s death. This defect has been found in several 2016 Malibus, prompting a class action lawsuit against GM. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reported having to restart their vehicles or replace faulty accelerator pedal position sensors to address the issue. GM's failure to notify vehicle owners of the safety recall constitutes negligence and gross negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11672099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Oak, TXCrash4 injured1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine power reduced defect, causing affected models to lose power while driving at highway speeds. My son’s was driving 55 mph and then all of sudden the car decelerated to 20 mph in minutes before his 2016 Malibu stalled on [XXX]. Unfortunately the car did not make it to the emergency lane and as a result a SUV hit his car killing my daughter who was 33 weeks pregnant. The baby survived with lifelong injuries. Despite this recall, GM failed to notify vehicle owners, including the owner of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident on [XXX], in Dallas, Texas, resulting in my daughter’s death. This defect has been found in several 2016 Malibus, prompting a class action lawsuit against GM. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reported having to restart their vehicles or replace faulty accelerator pedal position sensors to address the issue. GM's failure to notify vehicle owners of the safety recall constitutes negligence and gross negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11672099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Oak, TXCrash4 injured1 killed
ENGINE
Engine power reduced defect, causing affected models to lose power while driving at highway speeds. My son’s was driving 55 mph and then all of sudden the car decelerated to 20 mph in minutes before his 2016 Malibu stalled on [XXX]. Unfortunately the car did not make it to the emergency lane and as a result a SUV hit his car killing my daughter who was 33 weeks pregnant. The baby survived with lifelong injuries. Despite this recall, GM failed to notify vehicle owners, including the owner of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident on [XXX], in Dallas, Texas, resulting in my daughter’s death. This defect has been found in several 2016 Malibus, prompting a class action lawsuit against GM. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reported having to restart their vehicles or replace faulty accelerator pedal position sensors to address the issue. GM's failure to notify vehicle owners of the safety recall constitutes negligence and gross negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11672099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wilmington, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“Steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. When that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. All this happens while driving. After the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level
NHTSA complaint #11751404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“Steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. When that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. All this happens while driving. After the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level
NHTSA complaint #11751404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elyria, OH
WHEELS
Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle.my car moves side to side. I have replaced everything in the rear end. I just recently bought this car.
NHTSA complaint #11748538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elyria, OH
STEERING
Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle.my car moves side to side. I have replaced everything in the rear end. I just recently bought this car.
NHTSA complaint #11748538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues
NHTSA complaint #11745818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
ENGINE
Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues
NHTSA complaint #11745818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues
NHTSA complaint #11745818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, KY
ENGINE
The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage
NHTSA complaint #11743632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage
NHTSA complaint #11743632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, KY
ENGINE
My car started overheating on my way home. I pulled over to find that there is a hole in my lower radiator hose, which was caused by the lower radiator hose being rubbed against the belt that is turned by the water pump. I had my wife and child bring me coolant on the side of the road where I was broken down. I eventually was able to get my car to my brothers but it required multiple stops and refilling of coolant. Once we got the car jacked up and the lower radiator hose replaced, we found the bottom of the radiator is loose and is pushing the lower radiator hose against the belt that rubbed the hole into the lower radiator hose. I then had my car towed to Dan Cummins in Georgetown Kentucky, located at 1470 Cherry Blossom Way, Georgetown, KY 40324. The mechanic drove my car that I had towed to the shop which damaged the new radiator hose that I had just put on the car. Dan Cummins of Georgetown Kentucky, who is an authorized Chevrolet Dealership, was informed (by me) that some 2016 Chevy Malibu's have been recalled because of a faulty lower radiator mount causing the lower radiator hose to push against the belt which causes the lower radiator hose to get a hole and leak. Dan Cummins suggested that I report my issue because my VIN is not covered by the recall. Authorized Chevy dealer Dan Cummins also suggested that I take my car elsewhere to be repaired while refusing to cover the damage they caused to the brand new lower radiator hose that I had purchased and put on the car. I would like for my Chevy Malibu with VIN [XXX] added to the recall so that I can have my Chevy Malibu repaired by an authorized Chevy dealership at no cost to me for something I did not do or cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The gear shift sometimes does read that it’s in park
NHTSA complaint #11742430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought this car about 10 days ago. Throat was in pain, coughed up blood, dizzy, sweaty, and shaking. There's gas all over the ground coming from front under hood smelling through the vents. Very loud smelling. Took it to Chevrolet dealership on Covington hwy Decatur GA today and had to leave it there. I still don't feel good and neither the passengers in car. Car could've caught on fire gas leaking out when put in. Never experience this ever in my life. I may have to go to the hospital my chest feel very tight and I had a chronic asthmatic and my child in the car with me that's been on a breathing machine since last night and it's now 3:35 pm next day.
NHTSA complaint #11740411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. This indicates failure limited to UV-exposed surfaces and does not appear to be normal wear. The condition is uniform across the panels and not caused by impact, chemicals, or improper maintenance. I have observed similar clear coat failure on other 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, suggesting a potential pattern or manufacturing defect affecting paint durability. The issue significantly impacts the vehicle’s exterior condition and resale value and continues to worsen over time. Photos are available documenting the condition.
NHTSA complaint #11737944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesParis, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, WI
ENGINE
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. The big picture appears to be the piston cracked which caused excessive oil consumption and misfires. The excess oil and unburned fuel overloaded the converter causing it to fail. The engine and converter will need to be replaced." In 2017, a recall was issued by GM to mitigate Stochastic Pre-Ignition (SPI) Causing Cracked Piston (17019). Between the initial purchase of the vehicle (11/2016) and performed service required by this recall (03/10/2017), there were approximately 5000 miles driven. No engine diagnosis was performed or recommended. After the 17019 was addressed, the engine misfires continued along with reoccurring CEL. C.S.P. N182195660 Predictive Monitoring for Stochastic Pre-ignition (SPI) released in 2019 states the 1.5 L LFV engines in certain 2016 and 2017 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles may have a preignition condition that requires immediate repair. This condition may cause the engine to perform poorly, misfire, run rough, and/or excessively consume oil. It may also illuminate the vehicle’s service engine light. Over time, if not repaired, the condition can damage the vehicle’s pistons and engine. The VIN for this Malibu was not attached to this notice despite it having SPI recall history. On 06/2023 (after the N182195660 program ended), at 80k miles a diagnosis revealed a potential cracked cylinder with no mention of the pre-ignition condition that could cause the crack, and the only way to fix is to replace the entire engine (as per dealer recomendation). Since vehicle was out of warranty, the repair est. was nearly $10k. I firmly believe my 2016 Malibu has suffered the consequences of poor mismanagement on this recall, and am demanding mitigation from GM to fix this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11734369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesParis, TNCrash1 injured
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. The big picture appears to be the piston cracked which caused excessive oil consumption and misfires. The excess oil and unburned fuel overloaded the converter causing it to fail. The engine and converter will need to be replaced." In 2017, a recall was issued by GM to mitigate Stochastic Pre-Ignition (SPI) Causing Cracked Piston (17019). Between the initial purchase of the vehicle (11/2016) and performed service required by this recall (03/10/2017), there were approximately 5000 miles driven. No engine diagnosis was performed or recommended. After the 17019 was addressed, the engine misfires continued along with reoccurring CEL. C.S.P. N182195660 Predictive Monitoring for Stochastic Pre-ignition (SPI) released in 2019 states the 1.5 L LFV engines in certain 2016 and 2017 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles may have a preignition condition that requires immediate repair. This condition may cause the engine to perform poorly, misfire, run rough, and/or excessively consume oil. It may also illuminate the vehicle’s service engine light. Over time, if not repaired, the condition can damage the vehicle’s pistons and engine. The VIN for this Malibu was not attached to this notice despite it having SPI recall history. On 06/2023 (after the N182195660 program ended), at 80k miles a diagnosis revealed a potential cracked cylinder with no mention of the pre-ignition condition that could cause the crack, and the only way to fix is to replace the entire engine (as per dealer recomendation). Since vehicle was out of warranty, the repair est. was nearly $10k. I firmly believe my 2016 Malibu has suffered the consequences of poor mismanagement on this recall, and am demanding mitigation from GM to fix this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11734369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ENGINE
Main seal leaking and engine needs replaced at 95,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11733998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IA
POWER TRAIN
My car will rev up to 4000 rpm’s and my car will not go about 20 mph. My cruise stopped working after my car went into reduce engine power. The dealership said they fixed all issues but was back to doing the high rev within a week. It started this week telling me to shift to park even though my car was in park. The shift to park cable has been replaced twice now. I have been dealing with this since July of 2025. My car has been in the shop more times than I can count.
NHTSA complaint #11726029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car will rev up to 4000 rpm’s and my car will not go about 20 mph. My cruise stopped working after my car went into reduce engine power. The dealership said they fixed all issues but was back to doing the high rev within a week. It started this week telling me to shift to park even though my car was in park. The shift to park cable has been replaced twice now. I have been dealing with this since July of 2025. My car has been in the shop more times than I can count.
NHTSA complaint #11726029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IA
ENGINE
My car will rev up to 4000 rpm’s and my car will not go about 20 mph. My cruise stopped working after my car went into reduce engine power. The dealership said they fixed all issues but was back to doing the high rev within a week. It started this week telling me to shift to park even though my car was in park. The shift to park cable has been replaced twice now. I have been dealing with this since July of 2025. My car has been in the shop more times than I can count.
NHTSA complaint #11726029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vardaman, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car caught on fire under the hood. As I was driving on road I heard a sound and my car started slowing down and smoke started coming from under the hood got out the car not a minute later flames of smoke engulfed the car
NHTSA complaint #11721722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vardaman, MS
ENGINE
My car caught on fire under the hood. As I was driving on road I heard a sound and my car started slowing down and smoke started coming from under the hood got out the car not a minute later flames of smoke engulfed the car
NHTSA complaint #11721722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
ENGINE
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. Gm seal kits will not fix the problem do to Backer ring not being in the kit. part number for the o-ring kit is 12673056. this part should not be sold without the backer ring. if installed without the rings they will fail and will be Leaking fuel on the hot Cylinder next to the ignition coils. Misfire and bad fuel smell and possible no start or Fire!!
NHTSA complaint #11720169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Have been getting reduced engine power since the summer on and off. Check engine light says its throttle bottle sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor. Which I was told there was a recall but my vin isn’t listed
NHTSA complaint #11715447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.