2016 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration & cruise control problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 2, 2026OHElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am reporting a recurring safety defect related to GM’s known “Shift to Park” issue. My vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” warning even when the vehicle is already in park, preventing the car from shutting off properly and creating a safety risk. This issue has been widely reported and associated with GM recalls and service bulletins. GM previously repaired this issue once while my vehicle was under warranty, acknowledging it as a known defect. The same defect has now…

   NHTSA complaint #11708443 · source
2. Filed Dec 4, 2025PAAcceleration & Cruise Control

   UNKNOWN While I'm driving my car will lose power and go into reduced engine power mode and slows me down to a crawl. I've almost been hit in the back many times for to this. The coffee is P2138

   NHTSA complaint #11703103 · source
3. Filed Oct 22, 2025LAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The engine power reduced came light came on along with service stability trac. The car would stall after going into auto stop and just shut off. In certain instances it would shutoff when slowed down enough. It was brought in for service where the turbo charge solenoid starter and catalytic converter annd alternator all were replaced due to the turbo braking into pieces and being lodged into the converter and engine. Less than a week later the car returned to stalling at the…

   NHTSA complaint #11694970 · source
4. Filed Jul 8, 2025TXCrash4 injuredTowedElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise 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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11672099 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Feb 21, 2025MNEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Happened around 46000 miles after receiving a recall notice in the mail about the pedal positioning sensor causing a reduced engine power signal, and immediately reducing speeds on the interstate. Local Chevy dealership replaced. Fast-forward 80K miles and the same incident is happening, however likely not going to be covered by GM. Same message, same code being detected.

   NHTSA complaint #11644103 · source
7. Filed Feb 9, 2025NYEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car showing warning : engine power reduced Car decelerate unexpectedly Car won’t accelerate past 20 mph intermittently - when putting car in park, car won’t recognize when in the park positioned and shows warning : shift to park

   NHTSA complaint #11641570 · source
8. Filed May 26, 2024ORElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   On may 23,2024 I was on a very busy highway going 66. All of a sudden my 2016 malibu lt aburtely slowed to 27 miles an hour and two warnings lights came on 1 -engine power is reduced 2 - speed reduced to 27 I barely avoided getting hit by two semi trucks, as well as a car. The car is available for inspection on request. An independent service person confirmed it was indeed a defective electron control and acceleration peddle position sensor. How very irresponsible of you not…

   NHTSA complaint #11590824 · source
9. Filed May 23, 2024MOEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle check Engine light on, showing "Reduced Engine Power." Vehicle still able to be driven, but will not accelerate with any proper pace or power. Cannot get above 3000 RPM without losing power, has put me in two dangerous situations in the last two days that almost made me lose my life. On highway, trying to accelerate to match traffic speeds, lose power and had to dive to the emergency lane to not get plowed by a truck. Today, was city driving, at a red light, could…

   NHTSA complaint #11590465 · source
10. Filed May 23, 2024SCAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Out of nowhere, a notification pops up and it says “engine speed reduced” and all of a sudden you can feel the car losing speed. Took the vehicle to the dealership multiple times and either they always say it’s a fuel injection problem or they have no idea what’s causing it but when they perform that service on the vehicle, it still happens. Dealership even told me once that my car computer system needed to be updated and once updated I wouldn’t have the issue and I still…

    NHTSA complaint #11590296 · source
11. Filed May 18, 2024KYOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11589445 · source
12. Filed May 3, 2024GAEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11586716 · 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