2016 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 2, 2026CAEngineOther / Unknown

   2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT 1.8L - current mileage 147,059 miles The factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. This caused check engine codes P0401 / P26BE, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. GM has released 4 revisions of this part and all fail the same way, indicating known defective design. The part is currently on indefinite national backorder with no ETA from GM (Order #343585…

   NHTSA complaint #11761612 · source
2. Filed Jun 22, 2026INBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

   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 · source
3. Filed Jun 11, 2026KYBrakesEngine

   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 · source
4. Filed Jun 9, 2026KYEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11743010 · source
5. Filed Apr 28, 2026WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11734369 · source
6. Filed Mar 21, 2026IAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 · source
7. Filed Mar 3, 2026MSElectrical SystemEngine

   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 · source
8. Filed Feb 24, 2026FLEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11720169 · source
9. Filed Feb 4, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngine

   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 · source
10. Filed Dec 29, 2025INEngine

    While driving, the vehicle experienced a mechanical failure involving the engine and lubrication system. Oil leakage was observed, and the engine began operating abnormally. This created a risk of sudden engine failure while the vehicle was in motion, which could result in loss of power, stalling, or loss of control, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. Prior to the failure, warning signs included abnormal engine behavior and fluid loss. The issue was not caused by…

    NHTSA complaint #11707631 · source
11. Filed Dec 18, 202590,000 miGAEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was jump-started daily, and the unknown warning lights turned off when the vehicle started. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11705965 · source
12. Filed Oct 23, 2025146,000 miOHTowedElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact entered the residence; however, upon returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft, fuel vacuum pump, and…

    NHTSA complaint #11695249 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology