2016 Chevrolet Malibu fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V358000May 31, 2018895 vehicles
  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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed May 27, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11740411 · source
2. 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
3. Filed Oct 23, 2025ALFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Engine to power is reduced. Poor fuel efficiency. Rough idling while parked. Poor acceleration. Trouble starting up. Burning smell at times.

   NHTSA complaint #11695298 · source
4. Filed Oct 2, 2025NEEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden loss of power while driving on 9/11/2025 and set code P228C. The dealership diagnosed the problem as the bolts coming loose from the high-pressure fuel pump, which caused the pump to detach from the cylinder head and become damaged, requiring replacement. This failure directly matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 18V-358 (GM Campaign 18188/18268). That recall explains that the high-pressure fuel pump…

   NHTSA complaint #11691054 · source
5. Filed Oct 2, 2025NEFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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. The damaged parts were replaced at my expense and the components are available for inspection if needed. This failure caused loss of engine power and unsafe drivability, putting my safety and the safety of others at…

   NHTSA complaint #11690991 · source
6. Filed Sep 9, 2025GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle experiences a loss a power will driving. A lawsuit for defective throttle control and pedal position sensor was filed but eventually dismissed. GM is aware of the issue but has done nothing to fix it

   NHTSA complaint #11685951 · source
7. Filed Jun 9, 2025107,000 miMOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the message “Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11665802 · source
8. Filed Oct 3, 2024VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   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!

   NHTSA complaint #11617854 · source
9. Filed Sep 25, 2024KSEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   A couple days ago I went to drive my car and it took a second to actually turn on and it was shaking way more than usual and pooped up with a message saying “engine power is reduced” I haven’t drove my car since because i tried and it was moving very slow, and i also didn’t wanna cause further issues. For some time now my car has been shaky. i have taken it in and balanced my tires because of this issue and nothing had helped. I am always scared to drive it because it has…

   NHTSA complaint #11616515 · source
10. Filed Jan 3, 2024NYFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    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?

    NHTSA complaint #11563256 · source
11. Filed Nov 25, 2023ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I was driving about 70mph on a highway trying to pass a semi-truck. As I signaled right blinker to merge back into the right lane, the speed reduced to 40mph without notice. I then seen a notification on the dashboard saying "Engine Power Reduced". The car would not accelerate fast enough to clear the truck therefore almost causing a collision of 2 semi-trucks and myself. I was forced to drive off road to help avoid the collision. My fiancé was in the passenger seat when…

    NHTSA complaint #11556784 · source
12. Filed Aug 9, 2023TXBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11537472 · 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