general problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

134 problems related to vehicle speed control have been reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2016 Malibu.

1 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2025

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.

2 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2025

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.

3 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/23/2024

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 to put out a recall on the 2016-2018 models knowing very well of the many class action law suits that have arrived from this issue. I probably can guarantee none of you own a Malibu. How very incredious it is that you put people lives in danger knowing that there was issues with the problem. Unbelievable. I almost got killed because of the lack of responsibility because you dint make a recall.

4 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/22/2024

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 have the issue. Each time the engine speed is reduced, a notification pops up that the stabilitrak needs to be serviced. My safety and life is at risk because I’m going 65 mph down the interstate and all of sudden my engine speed is reduced like I’m not in the middle of traffic with cars going at speeds between 60-75 mph. I almost got ran over by an 18 wheeler because of the engine speed reduction. I had to swerve hard to the side of the road and risk flipping or crashing to get off the road so I wouldn’t be hit.

5 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/03/2024

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.

6 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2024

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.

7 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2024

Our 2016 chevy Malibu hybrid intermittently began alerting of "reduced engine power" and the accelerator would not allow the vehicle to accelerate. This happened twice, once on a busy highway that caused rapid deceleration of the vehicle. We brought the vehicle to the mechanic and there were a bunch of codes related to the accelerator position sensor. With parts and labor $415 to fix. Upon researching, there are a bunch of reports on car forums related to this. I believe there have been previous reports to the NHTSA. This problem needs to be fixed and a recall issued to have chevy replace the accelerator position sensor before someone gets hurt or killed. Once I pick up the vehicle, I will upload the invoice and see if I can get specific code numbers.

8 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2024

While driving at a fast pace a hazard message pops up on dash that states engine power reduced and the car goes slow unable to accelerate past 20 mph. It doesn’t happen all the time but it’s been happening quite frequently and it’s dangerous. I’m assuming there has something to do with the speed and or fuel function. The vehicle has not been inspected. I am willing to bring it for inspection if needed. I feel like this is a malfunction and I’m requesting this to be fixed.

9 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2024

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 the dallas texas highway. 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, including the owner of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident on January 6, 2024, in dallas, texas, resulting in my daughter’s death. This defect has been found in several 2016 Malibus, prompting a class action lawsuit against gm. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reported having to restart their vehicles or replace faulty accelerator pedal position sensors to address the issue. Gm's failure to notify vehicle owners of the safety recall constitutes negligence and gross negligence.

10 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2023

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 this happened on 11/25/2023. He then began telling me this happened to him a few months prior but he didn't mention it because it resolved itself. This was actually the 3rd time it had happened in this car over the last 2 years. I spoke to the chevy dealership about it the first time I experienced this and they advised that it had not been made a safety recall at that time yet, but the technician who helped me said his son experienced the same thing and it was becoming quite common. It still has not been recalled but there is currently a class action lawsuit because of this. I feel this is very dangerous and what I considered to be reliable transportation, is no longer the case for my family after this experience. This needs to be recalled immediately before people lose lives. Especially since the parts were manufactured incorrectly and Chevrolet had knowledge prior to releasing 2016-2018 vehicles.

11 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2023

My 2016 chevy Malibu that does not have many miles on it is shifting into, reduced engine power mode. When this comes on I cannot accelerate up to speeds and can only go about 25 mph. It is dangerous that my car can go from highway speeds to this slow. I have had 0 issues before this started happening and other Malibus have been recalled for this same issue.

12 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

I'm having a problem with the car going into park. When it's in park, the doors will not lock in the vehicle will just drain the battery.

13 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

Acceleration to the engine malfunction no power to engine going excessive speeds on interstate failure light appeared car shut off one stopped car turn right back on. I’ve reported this incident of the last two years to the dealership GMC to 2016 chevy Malibu that has already had this instance back in 2019 and now has occurred at once again mileage since the last engine was replaced is 10,000 miles on the new engine.

14 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2023

When driving the car and when stopping at either a stop sign or stop light, turning a corner the car will lose power and will not go for at least 10-15 seconds. When letting the brakes go and pressing the gas pedal the car does not move, pressing all the way on the gas pedal the car will take about 10-15 seconds before moving. It’s like the engine lose power and the car will not accelerate.

15 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2023

Lights that alert inside the vehicle at random times but more often in the last few months are: stability trek, power steering reduced and check engine. Acceleration decreased/reduced after being idle. This prompts serious danger for myself and children when there is no power being given to the car when sitting in traffic. Multiple mechanics have diagnosed the issue. Dealership gives me the run around and isn't specific with detail if check light engine goes off.

16 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2023

Car loses speed from 60mph to 15mph while driving. Engine reduce power light comes on after the fact. This is very dangerous when driving on a busy highway/interstate.

17 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2023

Code 2138 accelerator sensor popped up yesterday. After researching, I found out this is a common concern with Chevrolet Malibus for 2016. I'm sure you are well aware of this by now so I want to know what my options are at this point. Thank you.

18 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2022

Had car looked and I was told that the break box is defective.

19 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2022

The low oil pressure - cut engine off notification appeared on the speedometer & as I was getting on the freeway the car literally cut off. All the electrical worked but power to the engine & everything stopped completely.

20 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2022

Unknown the air bag on my dash board come on and off all the time even if I have no one sitting in my passenger seat. I got this vehicle for the winter thinking it was going to help me save gas and be a good reliable car for my daily routine to work, school, and my kids school. But it’s definitely the opposite. I’m struggling financially and in a hole now the engine light is on and I can’t get to my destination without going more then 30-40mph because “engine speed reduce” appears on my dash board and reduced the speed and not only is this inconvenient and annoying but also dangerous I dam almost got into accident because of this I was driving in the highway about 65-70 mph when this happen with a 18-wheeler behind me not only was my daughter’s life and mine put in danger. But the person driving the 18-wheeler. He definitely lost somewhat the control to swerve my vehicle it was a miracle of god no other cars where next to us and that nothing happened. Their is so many 2016 Chevrolet Malibu like this that I hope from the bottom of my heart that their is some compassion for this issue where they can make the issue get recalled. To help people like me I’m struggling to make ends meet day to day and I have forcefully have to keep using my car on the daily. I have no other transportation. And like I said not only for my safety but everyone around I am not the only one with this issue if the make in model. Their is hundreds of us !.

21 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2022

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 issues.

22 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

1. The car when s parked the electronic system does not recognize this and the electronics of the car remain on. Draining the battery and sometimes taking several attempts or more at having to restart the car, shifting through gears in order to get the car to properly turn off. 2. I have been driving down the highway doing approximately 65-75 mph and the car out of no where, with no other cars around has slammed on the breaks and decreased in speed instantly. This has happened twice. 3. Stabilitrak light has come on several times, car violently shakes while ideling. I have already had to replace a piston in the engine. At the time the car was at about 50,000 miles. It is now at 75, 000 and still happens every so often.

23 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2022

When the vehicle is in drive, the display will say "reduced engine power" and will drop the car to 25mph even on the highway. I've almost wrecked from this issue. I've seen where gm has had class actions on this prior but it was never recalled.

24 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2022

When I accelerate, it hesitates to pick up speed. Once I made it to 75mph, a warning message came on that said engine power reduced and the check engine light came on. I looked up the issue and saw that several people with the same car were having the same issues. I added a gas treatment like they suggested but the light is still on. I have not been to a dealership or mechanic shop yet due to not having the money. But if this is a common problem then Chevrolet needs to pay for repairs. If my car fails while I’m driving, I could cause an accident. I have had the throttle body cleaned before and the wheel sensors but I am still having issues.

25 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2022

When I was driving to work, a light appeared on my dashboard stating that my "engine power reduced". When I was in the left lane passing a vehicle, my car slowed down to 40pmh instead of accelerating when I had pressed the gas pedal. The car behind me almost re ended me in the process. This has happened now on a couple of occasions afterwards.

26 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2022

I was driving to the clinic I go to everyday in the mornings I was in the freeway going about 70mph when suddenly I get a msg saying “engine power reduced” also engine light came on and the car starts slowing down and it’s not letting me go more than 20mph on the freeway! I could have caused an accident, (this is very unsafe specially since my 2 and 4 year old were in the car with me) I got off on the next exit and pulled in to a gas station and turned the car off and waited about 10 mins I turned the car back on and the msg was gone but the engine light was still on about a minute or 2 later the msg comes back on so I have to pull over again, it did it about 5x before I can make it to my destination not to mention the way back home I had to stop about 3x more. This is very unsafe and something has to be done as it is not only my car with this problem.

27 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2022

Driving on highway at speed of 70mph during rush hour very very busy when my car shows a warning engine power reduced and slows all the way down to 20mph lucky I was able to get over the 3 lanes of traffic without causing an accident but this is very unsafe I looked to see if there was a recall on the vehicle but there’s not so I had a mechanic look at the car and they said nothing is wrong with it ??? well today on my way home it did it again!! I’m sorry but how is nothing wrong with it if my car is slowing to a dangerous speed this issue could cost someone their life.

28 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2022

Driving along and reduced engine power warning message came on said can not go above 20 mph but yet car still could be accelerated above 20mph. Pulled over when could. Stopped car and turned it off and on. Message gone but engine warning light still on. Obd2 stated p2122 error. Upon reviewing internet there are class action lawsuits going on because can create a very dangerous scenario if car suddenly stops in the middle of the highway.

29 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2022

Engine power reduced, reduced power to the vehicle regardless of speed.

30 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2022

Three times now I have had the warning “engine reduced power” pop up on my panel all times that I drive to my military base for work. Thankfully I haven’t been involved in an accident yet, my highway speed has went from 60mph to 35-40mph due to this issue. I was told I needed to purchase another pedal because of it not responding to the engine but after a second opinion I was told there was something wrong with the computer itself. That there’s faulty wiring which I don’t have the funds to cover because how much it would have cost. I also don’t have the funds to drop on another vehicle so at this point I’m driving a human boobie trap not only for myself but for other drivers around me. I pray no harm is done to anyone else who also owns this vehicle and having the same issues.

31 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2022

While driving several times I had the problem where the car out of nowhere slows down and the message comes on engine reduce power, I have been on the highway with my family and out had to pull over turn my car on and off several times for it to come off and be able to drive my care pass 20 miles per hr. This is very dangerous because it happens suddenly and cars are going by fast I almost got into an accident and was rear-ended on the highway. There needs to be a recall on his engine this is ridiculous that GMC/Chevrolet keeps getting away with this until someone is seriously injured or killed because of this failure!.

32 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2022

I was driving to work this morning at 50 miles per hr then suddenly my car reduced the speed and the motor light turns on it showed me reduced engine power sign and the motor light turns on.

33 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2021

I was driving down the freeway at 65 mph. The roads were wet and slick from snow and in heavy traffic. I got a check engine light and immediately a engine power reduced light. I suddenly lost power and another vehicle behind me almost hit me. I was able to get to the side of the road and shut it off. After a few minutes, I started it back up and the light was still on. I needed to get off the freeway and find a way to work so I put on the emergency flashers and drove to the next exit. The light remained on but I had full power. I am trying to get an appointment to have it looked at.

34 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/21/2021

I was driving on a highway approx 60 miles an hour when a message came in my dashboard stating reduction in engine power, the vehicle abruptly slowed to 20 mph without any warning and I was barely able to pull my vehicle off to the side of the road without being rear ended by the vehicle behind me on the highway.

35 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2021

Engine power reduced light came on as I was driving 55 mph on the freeway and my vehicle immediately slowed down to under 20 mph putting me and my wife lives in danger by almost having several vehicles crash into us. This has not just happened to me but different people I’ve asked with chevy Malibus. This problem needs to be fixed by general motors at no cost to the consumers. I can’t believe there’s no recall on this issue. Shame on them.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu


Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations