What 859 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hev

The car stalls if i stop or in traffic..the car is still running I can have the gas pedal to the floor it will not go then it takes off really quick when when it powers back on it feel like it loses power when I’m trying to go but the car is running the whole time it’s Hybrid propulsion system General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11430408

Second issue with brakes on 2016 Chevy Malibu. First issue fixed in September 2020 by replacing vacuum pump and sensor. The pump failed and pieces of the pump break off and fall into the engine. The exact same issue happened again June 2021. The brakes are very hard and a loud thumping noise was coming from under the hood when you pressed the brakes. It was very hard to stop the car. I knew it was the same issue from September 2020. The vacuum pump was removed and returned to the dealership where the I purchased it from in September 2020 when the original part failed. The part I returned in June 2021 was still under warranty. When I returned it and told them it failed the exact same way in 2020, the man in parts said "They PROBABLY won't warranty the part again since it failed twice. So there's probably something else wrong with your car" REALLY!!! I did notice that the part had been redesigned and the part that breaks off in the engine is no longer there. This proves Chevrolet knows this is an issue, but refuses to recall these vehicles. Thankfully I was on a country road, not driving fast when it failed this time. We live at the bottom of 2 hills, so I had to drive partially in the ditch to help the car slow down enough to safely pull into my driveway with no brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11430562

Drove home from work and grocery shopping, killed the engine and noticed the fan was still running. Got back in the car and pressed to start the engine again. The engine stumbled to start but did start. I killed the engine again and everything went off (including the fan) as it should have. I decided to start the car again to see if it would repeat what happened. The car started, but no lights came on on the dashboard or radio. I had to press the start button again before any lights would come on. But the engine would die about 3 seconds after the lights came on. The light on the start button was green the entire time until I pressed it a third time. (I have video of this). After this the car wouldn't start at all. I left the car alone for the evening. The next morning I attempted to start the car and it wouldn't start at all, it was as if the battery was dead. I drove my daughter's car to work. The battery was purchased in early 2019 and was still under warranty, but the dealership wouldn't check the battery back unless it was in the car, which wouldn't start. I purchased a battery tester and the battery was dead. I recharged the battery and the car still stumbled to start but would eventually start after several tries. The car appears to drive ok, but won't start without charging the battery or getting a jump start. And once it starts, it's very hard to get it to start again immediately. This has been going on for 2 months now. I haven't been driving the car because I have an hour one way commute to work and can't chance the car giving me any issues. I periodically jump start the car and drive it for 5-10 miles. Yesterday, I jump started the car and when I killed the engine, the fan didn't go off again. It took about 6 tries to start the car again, once it started and I killed the engine the fan finally stopped. The check engine light has been on and off during these past 2 months with these current issues.

NHTSA ODI 11430566

Stability track

NHTSA ODI 11426748

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, an error message on the instrument panel indicated that the vehicle was not in PARK. The vehicle was restarted, shifted to DRIVE, and back to PARK, and the vehicle operate as designed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated she had experienced the failure several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11426427

While I was pulling into a parking spot, my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu suddenly accelerated without any prior warning. The sudden unintended acceleration caused the vehicle to somehow jump the curb, hit a sign, and go airborne landing on two park cars which, resulted in damage to the front end and passenger side fender, front grill, left tire and other parts. The car was leaning to one side and I had to pry open the driver side door to get out. One of the other cars was totaled and the other had hood damage. It took two tow trucks to remove the car off of the other cars, it was towed to a repair shop and repaired by my insurance company but I no longer have possession of it. I was too terrified of it to keep it. It is still unknown what caused the vehicle to malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11426035

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle failed to exceed 25 mph. The contact stated that the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,099.

NHTSA ODI 11425203

I have taken my vehicle multiple time and still the problem not fixed. Had a reduced engine problem at first and now there's a message that comes Battery charging system. replaced battery twice and replaced the alternator twice. I spent at least $2,000 trying to get my car fixed. The Charging system battery, the battery drains until it goes dead. The car stopped on a busy interstate with me in it. I had to wait on a tow truck,(while working) on the interstate while watching the trucks and cars pass by hoping that they wont hit me. After charging the battery and putting it back into the car the battery light comes on. and while the car is crank and sitting still the battery charging light comes on. the battery quickly looses power. GM realyl need to do a recall on these vehicles. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11424510

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not accelerate above 60 mph, with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the engine power reduced warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the accelerator pedal sensor needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11423986

Car suddenly lost power slowing to 20mph on highway slowing to the point I was an obstacle in the lane so had to abruptly drive on to shoulder and out of traffic to prevent a collision from behind me as I had a close call. Car showed reduced engine power message. I wait until late at night when there was no traffic to drive the car home safely. The next day I had code read and it was a P2138. From what I have now learned online this is a wide spread problem that GM is very aware of.

NHTSA ODI 11423548

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the battery needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the battery needing to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11423558

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was with the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failure was related to the turbocharger, and several gaskets and seals. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,200,

NHTSA ODI 11422773

I have a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and while driving on the highway, my engine light came on and my speed decelerated from 65 mph to 40. I took my car for a diagnostic test and the results were Trouble Codes: P2138, U0401-71 and C0242-00. I have done my research and from what I have found so far, is that several people have made Youtube videos about these codes, complaints and complaints on this website as well, and it has come to my understanding, that if enough people complain that this can be a safety issue, then maybe the "POWERS THAT BE", will help with this issue and possibly resolve it. This is and can be dangerous for an individual to drive at the average speed on most U.S. highways, 65, and they decelerate without warning down to 40 mph. I'm not sure why anyone does not se the dangers in this situation, especially with other motorists on the road driving at speeds of up to 70 mph, sometimes 75 mph. If I have vehicles behind me driving 65 or more and my vehicle decides to decelerate because of a sensor failure, the vehicle behind me is not going to know that there is a problem and may not have enough time to react before causing an accident. I am adding my concern not only to many individuals who have reported the same or similar experience , but in hopes that this issue would gain more attention.

NHTSA ODI 11421147

The first incident happen on 2/27/2019. I was existing the highway on highway 75 in Kennesaw, Georgia going north bound and coming off on Barrett Parkway. As I exited the highway my brakes was stuck and my brakes wouldn't press. I panicked because I was going at least 60 mph trying to slow down to get on the exit with semi trucks in the front and in the back, because I was a little skilled with cars I down shifted my car and stepped on my emergency brakes and ran the car off the road into the grass. I towed the car to my mechanic in Hiram, GA. (Donnie's Automotive) to have him work on the issue as I wasn't sure what was going on. I got my car back on 3/1/2019. Now the next incident happen on 8/16/21 my engine decreased and my car wouldn't accelerate more than 40 mph. Took it to my mechanic again and it was the throttle sensor. Now the most recent incident happen 6/12/21 where my brakes failed to pressed again and bc I was aware of this incident happening in 2019 I did the same thing and ran my car off the road. My kids were scared. Now all these issues have been a issue with Chevy and they even had a class action lawsuit against them for the throttle sensor issue. My car wasn't part of the recall but my car has suffered the same issues they've know about for years. I called Thornton Road chevy and they told me it's nothing they can do. I've also emailed the CEO and all others for CHEVY. I want chevy to repair my car before this car KILLS ME OR MY KIDS.

NHTSA ODI 11421218

Okay so I’ve been getting this “engine power reduced” sign on my dash off and on for the past half year. I take it to the shops to get fix. They do some temporary fix and it’s good for a month or two then the problem persists. I’ve dodged very close attempts at death due to this. Driving on the highway or interstate (at respected speed) and then suddenly the car just slows down abruptly. Scared me half to death due to the fact that I’m on busy roadways. I’ve managed to get over on the shoulder or nearest exit without collision. One time is happened on a turnpike and I came like inches away from hitting the wall. For all of those times I was able to cut the engine off for a bit and then worked good enough to get home or to a shop. For this last time though was the worst. I was in the turning lane of busy intersection and the car like pulled as I was making the turn and then it just cut off. Causing cars to have to swerve around me which could’ve caused other incidents. I turned the car on and off many times but I still could not regain normal speed. It wouldn’t pass 18 then 27 and finally 36. I had to ride with the hazards on and what was supposed to be a 20 minute drive ended up being a 60 minute drive (after sitting in a parking lot for hours). I have lost one job due to the fact that I had to call off so many days. I have lost privileges at other jobs that effects how I’m able to provide for my family. So this is really hitting me hard. Most mechanics seem to know what the problem is but no one has actually fixed it directly. I hope GM does something about this please. This is my first and only car and I’m proud of it, but far as the performance. It’s a death trap. That’s why I don’t allow anyone to ride with me or drive it, because I just never know. I would rather be in the car when something bad happens than someone else. It’s feels like a stick shift/like a sticky clutch or something of that nature when I drive.I don’t know much about cars but that’s not right

NHTSA ODI 11420842

When I go to shut the engine off it sometime still runs and after pressing the off button I have to go thru this off cycle many times before everything shuts down. The screen behind the steering wheel says to put it in "park" but it is already in "park". This could be a real safety problem because someone could drive the car into the garage, shut the door and not even know the engine is running!

NHTSA ODI 11420151

When I go into park and turn off my car I get a “Shift to park” message. This happens numerous times a day. Sometimes the light turns off after a few minutes by itself. Most of the time I have to wiggle the shifter or turn the car back on and go from another gear such as drive to park. I have read that this is a common issue amongst this make and model.

NHTSA ODI 11419655

My vehicle, a 2016 Chevy Malibu, has started receiving the *known* GM "Shift to Park" error message. This error message occurs when the vehicle is in park, but the driver information center (in the dashboard) alerts to "Shift to Park" before you can shut off the vehicle. If you try to exit the vehicle with the error message, all electronic systems (screen, lights, dash, etc) will stay on, draining down the car battery, putting me at risk of being stranded due to a known issue in my car and/or me having to leave my car running, putting my car at risk of being broken into, stolen, or worse. I have wasted countless hours already, in the very short time the error has occurred, having to shift out of park, reverse, drive, back into park, and keep trying over and over and over and over and over and over and over, until it finally might register. One evening, it took over two hours for this to work. This is a HUGE risk to me, especially in the city I live in, as a single woman. Furthermore, the fact that GM and NHTSA have a service bulletin on this, and it is a *known* issue in my year, make, and model, on top of the thousands and thousands of online forums reporting this same issue, tells me that this is much, much larger than anyone (especially GM) would like to admit, and that my car needs to be included in the recall for this.

NHTSA ODI 11419550

The 3rd brake light broke(high mount stop lamp) which caused water leakage into the trunk and filled the compartment where the spare tire goes.

NHTSA ODI 11419430

Every month my car will randomly say engine power reduced and will go no higher than 30mph. Which has happened on the highway and is super dangerous! I have seen many reports of the same problem but nothing being done about it. I took it to the dealership I got it from and I paid $100 dollars for diagnostics and the mechanic said the car computer needed updated...alright, the next day the message came back up and car couldn’t go higher than 30. I haven’t had this car for a year, and the shocks have popping noises, and whenever I put the car in park a message will appear saying shift car to park. And I have to literally roughly giggle the lever for it to read it’s in park or my car won’t turn off. I truly love this car but it has to many issues that shouldn’t be happening.

NHTSA ODI 11419120

A power reduced engine light came on and slowed the car down to 20 miles per hour very abruptly, it was very dangerous. It keeps doing this, the engine light turns off so it can't be detected, and now we can't take it into a dealership because its out of warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11418370

Transmission problems

NHTSA ODI 11418121

MY CAR WON'T SHIFT INTO PARK SOMETIMES AND THE SUSPENSION IS MAKING A POPPIN NOISE AND MY CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING

NHTSA ODI 11416676

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE HEAD GASKET NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11415113

FROM TIME TO TIME, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REGISTER THE CAR IS IN PARK AND EXHIBITS A "SHIFT TO PARK" MESSAGE. IT CAN TAKE RESTARTING THE CAR UPWARDS OF 10 - 15 TIMES TO GET THE MESSAGE TO DISAPPEAR. THE CAR CANNOT BE LEFT IN THIS CONDITION AS THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THE CAR IS PARKED PROPERLY NOR WILL IT TURN OFF, WHICH COULD DRAIN THE BATTERY. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR YEARS, AND GM HAS ISSUED TSB 19-NA-206 (REV DEC 11, 2020). THIS IS WELL KNOWN AND PERVASIVE, YET GM HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, OR BEEN PROACTIVE ABOUT THE FIX, AND IS NOT COVERING IT OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI 11415057