104 of the 1,443 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are about the braking system — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 61,057 miles.
104
Complaints
12
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
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.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11707104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11706991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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. .
NHTSA complaint #11695664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11691669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11677384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11671410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11629477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PARKING BRAKE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11626928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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!!!
NHTSA complaint #11615111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11614555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11614644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11607420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake vacuum booster failed resulting in the brakes failing.
NHTSA complaint #11606119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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)
NHTSA complaint #11604678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake booster vacuum pump failed and pieces of the pump broke off and in the engine..
NHTSA complaint #11603347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11575171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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!
NHTSA complaint #11571862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11545200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11539217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's finance owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hardened when depressed without warning. While driving at 15 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle due to the hardened brake pedal. The driver side air bag failed to deploy as needed; the air bag slightly popped out of place but did not deploy. A police report was filed; no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic verified that the vacuum pump needed repair. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle would independently downshift while driving at a high rate of speed as the "engine reduce speed" warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified the failures; a case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11538729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was emailed a recall notice on the fuel pump system and Air bags and it has never been repaired in my car even from the past owners.There have been 10 recalls from Malibu's manufactured in 2016 and my car shows every sign and indication that it is one of those few selected. My VIN should be updated or investigated for parts in my vehicle that have been recalled. The Car stops when idle for two minutes or longer and shuts off the engine and air if you use the USB outlet there is a serious electrical problem which is also a safety hazard according to NHTSA guidelines.
NHTSA complaint #11537472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2016 chevy Malibu had brake vacuum pump failure. No warnings. Brake pedal got hard and could not stop. I was returning home with my 13 yr. old daughter from Tennessee and had to get it fixed so we could get home. Mechanic said this is a common problem and that there is a class action lawsuit on this problem with these cars about having a recall. This put me out of pocket 1986.00 dollars which is unacceptable and could have ruined my entire engine.
NHTSA complaint #11536894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
When pressing on break it goes straight to floor sometimes or locks up and throws service needed code and reduce power steering
NHTSA complaint #11535146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I just bought this car 2 weeks ago. Had to replace the windshield wiper pump. There are at least 10 TSBs on the vehicle I'm on disability I can't afford to fix all that. The rear hub bearing was barely making noise when I bought it. Now tire feels like it's going to fall off. I believe there's a TSB on when you put the car in park and shut it off then it's not going in to gear even though it said it's into gear so I have to get that fixed as well. Can't Chevy fix thermostats just like I have to fix my mistakes in life.
NHTSA complaint #11533373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
#1 3RD BRAKE LIGHT LEAKING INTO BACK SEAT AND TRUNK MANUFACTURE BOLTS BACKED OUT AND/OR MISSING, CAN ALSO CAUSE WATER TO GET INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT WHICH TENDS TO CAUSE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE, INCREASING RISK OF A CRASH. #2 GEAR SHIFT LEVER INNER LOCK BLOCKING THE ABILITY FOR USER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO INDICATE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT THE TRANSMISSION MAY ACTUALLY BE IN ANOTHER GEAR. THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION OR INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. A RECALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR CHEVY MALIBU 2016-2020 BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHILE MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES. ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE POP UP ON DASH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF UNSURE OF EXACT START DATE BUT STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE SINCE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH ON ISSUES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11532199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact's client owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his client was driving at an undisclosed speed, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated briefly and failed to stop in a reasonable amount of time. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.