general problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

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 replaced. " in 2017, a recall was issued by gm to mitigate stochastic pre-ignition (spi) causing cracked piston (17019). Between the initial purchase of the vehicle (11/2016) and performed service required by this recall (03/10/2017), there were approximately 5000 miles driven. No engine diagnosis was performed or recommended. After the 17019 was addressed, the engine misfires continued along with reoccurring cel. C. S. P. N182195660 predictive monitoring for stochastic pre-ignition (spi) released in 2019 states the 1. 5 l lfv engines in certain 2016 and 2017 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles may have a preignition condition that requires immediate repair. This condition may cause the engine to perform poorly, misfire, run rough, and/or excessively consume oil. It may also illuminate the vehicle’s service engine light. Over time, if not repaired, the condition can damage the vehicle’s pistons and engine. The VIN for this Malibu was not attached to this notice despite it having spi recall history. On 06/2023 (after the n182195660 program ended), at 80k miles a diagnosis revealed a potential cracked cylinder with no mention of the pre-ignition condition that could cause the crack, and the only way to fix is to replace the entire engine (as per dealer recomendation). Since vehicle was out of warranty, the repair est. Was nearly $10k. I firmly believe my 2016 Malibu has suffered the consequences of poor mismanagement on this recall, and am demanding mitigation from gm to fix this issue.

Main seal leaking and engine needs replaced at 95,000 miles.

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 smell and possible no start or fire!!.

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.

Urgent complaint: no response to demand for rescission - odometer fraud, deceptive practices - banner Ford of monroe, la.

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 driver error and occurred during normal operation. Continued operation in this condition presents a fire risk if oil contacts hot engine components. The problem has been inspected by a repair facility, and the failure appears to be related to a mechanical or manufacturing defect rather than wear or misuse. The component is available for inspection upon request. This defect poses a safety risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists due to the possibility of sudden engine failure, loss of propulsion, or fire.

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 camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The oxygen sensors were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

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 can detach from its mounting due to a weld failure, leading to oscillation, damage to the fuel system, and an increased risk of fire. Although the dealer phrased it as “bolts came loose,” the result is identical: the pump detached from the cylinder head and damaged the fuel system. Despite this, my VIN does not show an open recall. Gm customer assistance told me the repair would not be covered because of the vehicle’s age and mileage (current mileage 129264), even though recalls are federal safety obligations that are not limited by warranty coverage. I am requesting that NHTSA review this exclusion and ensure recall 18v-358 coverage applies to my vehicle. This defect creates a serious safety risk of fuel leaks and fire. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

The fuel pressure system is faulty and shutting the engine down and reducing speed.

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.

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.

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 mileage was 107,000.

I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "engine power reduced. " I had to keep using it due to work needs. Over time, it hesitated more during acceleration and felt increasingly unsafe. When I finally brought it to a Chevrolet service center, I was told the issue involved the pistons. The vehicle also regularly shows a "shift to park" warning even when the gear is in park, raising concerns about the transmission's reliability. The power loss continues, especially when going uphill — again triggering the "engine power reduced" alert and dropping the speed to no more than 35 mph. A diagnostic showed a p0302 code for a cylinder 2 misfire. The radio head unit, already replaced once under warranty, failed again after just 9 months. Prior to the worsening idle and gear issues, I also received network-related codes involving the ecm and transmission computers. Although I’ve replaced the alternator, the car still shows "service electric system" warnings, suggesting ongoing electrical problems. I also noticed gm’s n182195660 campaign involving predictive monitoring for stochastic pre-ignition (spi) on scp platforms. My car has the 2. 0l turbo engine, and I’m concerned it may be experiencing spi or coolant intrusion issues affecting overall performance and system integrity. I’m requesting that Chevrolet investigate these problems thoroughly and determine whether my vehicle qualifies for recall, extended warranty, or defect coverage. These issues are persistent, serious, and deserve immediate attention. Thank you for your time. I hope to see resolution soon.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally report a recurring safety-related issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle consistently displays a “shift to park” warning message, even when the gear selector is properly in the park position. This malfunction prevents the car from turning off completely and poses a serious safety and reliability concern. This issue first occurred while the vehicle was under warranty, and the dealership performed a repair. However, the problem has returned, and my warranty has since expired. Despite the previous fix, the issue continues to persist. This malfunction is widely documented among other 2016–2019 chevy Malibu owners and appears to stem from a design or manufacturing flaw in the shifter assembly or park switch. I am concerned that this defect could: prevent the vehicle from being securely parked. Lead to battery drain due to the vehicle not shutting off. Pose a risk if the driver believes the car is in park when it is not. I am requesting that Chevrolet consider this a safety defect and either recall the affected vehicles or offer extended coverage for repairs. I also ask that NHTSA investigate this issue further as it compromises the safety, reliability, and proper functioning of the vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate any assistance or updates regarding how this issue will be addressed. Vehicle info: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu e2 year: 2016 make: Chevrolet model: Malibu mileage: 60,000 VIN: already insert previous repair date(s): 02/21/2020 sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] toledo, ohio information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the failure was not duplicated. In addition, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to accelerate the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while stopped at a traffic light. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the throttle position sensor, and the intake airflow system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

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.

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.

I will be driving at posted speed limits (typically 55 to 60 mph) and while going up a hill, the engine loses power. I get a notice on my screen that states engine power reduced. Speed reduces to no more than 35 mph. This can put others in danger if they are too close or if the roads are icy due to it being winter in indiana. I put on my hazard lights, and I am able to pull off the side of the road, turn off the car for 5 minutes and restart it and have power back. But engine light remains on. Mechanics cannot find anything wrong. No warnings prior to the incident. In fact, the car loses power and then the message appears on screen. This has happened 7 times in the last 4 months.

Took my car to chevy dealership to diagnose my car, as it was rough idling, causing hesitation, and knocking. . . All while the check engine light was on. They showed me two codes my car was giving from the check engine light. They said he would look further into it. They told me I needed a tune up, though I had gotten a tune up 4 months prior. They fixed some things and charged me over $4,000. The day I drove off the lot, the problems were still present. On my way home going about 50 mph, my car slowed down and the engine reduced power illuminated. I kept driving because I needed a car for work. The car continued to decline and acted like it didn't want to accelerate when pressing the gas. I finally took it back into chevy, and they told me it was my pistons. I'm 90% sure there is a defect that they won't tell me about, or the won't fix. I've had the car 2 years. Now the car won't run.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "reduced power engine" message displayed and the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The brake pedal was firm while depressed and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the vacuum pump deteriorated and went into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Reduce engine power - vehicle decreased acceleration drastically while driving on the highway.

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 been so shaky but now that this message has popped up it’s even worse and it’s during my whole drive. Also every time I park it isn’t connecting and says “shift to park” even though it is shifted into park. I have to shake it and press some button to go all register that it is shifted into park and can shut my vehicle off. I have read every where that this issue has happened to so many 2016/2017 chevy Malibu’s. I have read the dangers and I do not feel safe driving my car like this. I also didn’t have my car when there was a recall on this exact part before. And I’m guessing the dealership who had it before me did not fix it, causing the problems to worsen other parts of my car. I can’t drive this car due to the safety and I believe it should be a recalled. I am not totally sure what is doing it but as of all the other people online, they said it has to do the gas pedal (2k replacement) and fuel pumps and also could have burned wires which my car also has. Thank you.

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!.

I experienced a check engine light and a "reduced engine power" message in the middle of traffic in the stromy rain. I was driving 35 to 40 mph before vehicle slowed to almost a stop and when pressed gas pedal it excel slowly creeped to less than 30 mph thankful I wasn't rear-ended. Pulled into nearest autozone part store and diagnostic scan showed the p2138 code. Dc severity, sensor, and accelerator pedal position - see photos attached. Waited with engine off for approx over 30 minutes then started vehicle , engine lght off and proceeded to my destination excell with no issues. This has happened several times since purchase of vehicle began 2019. Throttle body repairs, ecm replacements and harness repairs later still reoccurring documented at dealships and repair shops. This is a serious and costly hazard.

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.

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!!!.

The car will not turn off when placed in the park position. A warning comes on that states "shift to park" when the car is already in park. I have contacted Chevrolet twice and was notified that their are no open recalls on this. This is a very common and known problem with 2016-2019 chevy Malibu as well as chevy cruze model. Chevrolet is no help in this matter. I feel this is a large safety issue as you cannot turn the car off. Please help!.

The main head gasket fails on these vehicles causing oil to leak everywhere and on top of electrical wires. The lost of oil has caused the engine to reduce the engine speed randomly on the highway which had risk of accidents multiple times, by unable to move the vehicle off the road at a reasonable time. The oil sips land on top of electrical wires which creates the risk of fire.

Driving and the car does not shift correctly when speeding up onto the interstate and then engine light comes on and words engine power is reduced comes on. Called Chevrolet and can no longer drive vehicle.

Vehicle listed a warning "engine power is reduced" and check engine light came on. Vehicle was taken to local dealer shop to have issue resolved. Original thought from technician was the oil was low. Upon topping off the oil problem persisted. After having the engine tested it was determined to have a cracked piston.

While driving the engine lost power started idling rough and the mil came on. The mil was found to be cyl 1 misfire, mechanic tracked it down to a cracked piston. A known issue with this model year and engine. The VIN does not show it as being included in any recall.

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.

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 not accelerate and had to dive to a crawl the vehicle into a turn lane where I ended up sitting for about 10 minutes till the engine offered enough power to keep driving. By all information I can find online, it seems it is similar to the issues presented by others online and might tie into "special coverage n182188250 loss of continuity within accelerator pedal position sensor circuit" that I found here: https://experience. Gm. Com/ownercenter/recalls?VIN=1g1zb5st9gf171156, this issue has been going for about 3 weeks to a month and is only getting worse. I did stop at mccarthy Chevrolet of overland park to have codes run about on 5/14, the codes showing do not show in the above link. . . Codes: u1502, u0422, p06de, c0760. . . Those all present on the paper as "current. " I have not had it diagnosed yet, planning to, service is just so expensive. I have had the car in my car for 1 year and 1 month, purchased from max motors in harrisonville, mo. Reporting here as I also saw online that others are facing the same symptoms, and that there is a suit that might be addressing these issues: https://topclassactions. Com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/auto-news/chevy-malibu-class-action-alleges-engine-power-reduced-defect/ every time the car is turned on, the warning mentioned above shows. See picture attached. Does not matter what type of driving or set "speed limit" issues show.