Sedan, hybrid, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 6, 2017 to Jun 16, 2025.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16V-521 | Jul 8, 2016 | Affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle | Hybrid and electric propulsion | 534 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). The contact had to manipulate and maneuver the gear shifter several times before the vehicle recognized that the gear shifter was in park(P). The message to "Shift-to Park" was illuminated. While receiving a routine oil change, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic charged the battery; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the was experiencing the "Shift to Park" failure. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train); and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
NHTSA complaint 11667071Stability track warning randomly appears while driving and spontaneously causes total brake failure and the brakes fail to slow or stop vehicle. It has newer brakes but it’s very dangerous to drive. Currently being sent to Chevrolet dealership
NHTSA complaint 11666586Water leaks into the trunk and back seat of the vehicle because the seal around the upper brake light in the rear glass is faulty, causing a mildew/mold odor in the trunk. It is not available for inspection as I had it repaired and sold the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the glass company to did the repair for much less than the quote the dealership provided. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint 11649216The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be a part of this recall. We purchased the car in mid November and the engine light showed up a couple weeks later. I contacted GM who said to contact this site to request further investigation for safety risks.
NHTSA complaint 11635349There’s a warning on the display that says ‘shift to park’ while the vehicle is already in park. This is causing the battery to drain/die and needs jumpstart everyday. Battery was tested and does not need to be replaced. I’m surprised this hasn’t been recalled yet. Online search ‘Chevy Malibu shift to park’ shows this is a common problem. Here’s a YouTube link that includes comments to prove this further. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11611028Our 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.
NHTSA complaint 11580422The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually stopped as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer in production. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint 11571724I was driving my car home from work and all of a sudden my car starting showing in the dash engine power reduced. My car literally couldn't go anywhere. So I pulled over and shut the car off for a minute started it back up and it was running great and then I happen again a few minutes later. So I took it to the dealership were i purchsed it and they replaced the gas pedal they said a sensor was bad and that was causing the problem.So picked up the car a couple days later and it happen again about two weeks later...
NHTSA complaint 11458179May car loses power when acceleration I don't why but there is something going on
NHTSA complaint 11458124The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, electrical system, power steering, and battery warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle proceeded to decelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The battery saver warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the radio and an electrical failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V084000 (Electrical System) or 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 49,000.
NHTSA complaint 11435131Car will randomly stall. I see GM recalled 500+ Malibu Hybrids for this problem, but mine is not one of them. This is the worst car I have ever owned.
NHTSA complaint 11430832The 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 complaint 11423986I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISON WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IMMEDIATLY AFTER THE COLLISION THE BRAKES ON MY VEHICLE FAILED. I HAD TO USE THE CURB AND BUSHES TO STOP MY VEHICLE AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 300 YARDS FROM THE COLLISION SITE.
NHTSA complaint 11398719WHILE DRIVING EVERYTHING IS FINE, AS SOON AS I STOP AND PUT MY CAR IN PARK IT WILL SHOW AN INDICATION TO (PUT THE CAR IN PARK). I CAN LITERALLY SPEND 30 MINUTES JIGGLING THE SHIFTER BACK AND FORTH UNTIL THAT NOTIFICATION GOES AWAY. IF I DON'T MAKE IT GO AWAY, ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND MY CAR WILL BEEP AT ME ONCE I CLOSE THE DOORS, THE DOORS WILL ALSO NOT LOCK DUE TO THIS. SO SPENDING 30 MINUTES TO MAKE IT GO AWAY SO IT DOESN'T KILL THE BATTERY AFTER A 12HOUR WORK SHIFT IS ALL I CAN DO.
NHTSA complaint 11365172WITHIN APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS OF PURCHASING THE CAR I EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OCCASIONS OF INABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING IT SO THEY SENT THE CAR HOME. AROUND A YEAR OR SO LATER I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM OF A RECALL FOR ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. IT SAID ONLY TO TAKE THE CAR IF I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS, WHICH I WAS NOT AT THE TIME. RECENTLY I EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS AGAIN AND TOOK THE CAR IN. THEY SENT ME HOME AGAIN SAYING TO BRING IT BACK IF THE LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING LACK OF POWER. I CANNOT FIND THE RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED BUT WANT MY CAR FIXED. ALTHOUGH THIS ONLY HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY, IF IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY OR ON A HILLY ROAD THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint 11342120ON JUNE 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING MY CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID HOME ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TURNED ON AND A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAID 'SHIFT TO PARK'. I COASTED TO THE NEXT EXIT AND STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF A STREET. I PRESSED THE OFF BUTTON AND SHIFTED TO PARK. I TRIED TO TURN ON THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK THE ENGINE. I CALLED AAA AND AFTER 10 TO 15 MINUTES THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TURNED OFF. I TRIED AGAIN TO START THE CAR AND IT TURNED ON. I CANCELED AAA AND DROVE THE CAR HOME. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, I DECIDED TO SCAN THE TROUBLE CODES IN THE CAR WITH MY CODE SCANNER. THE REPORT SAID FOUR CONFIRMED TROUBLE CODES, NO PERMANENT TROUBLE CODES, NO PENDING TROUBLE CODES, NO BODY CONTROL MODULE TROUBLE CODES, 1 TELEMATICS TROUBLE CODES, NO HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE MODULE TROUBLE CODES, AND FOUR ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE TROUBLE CODES. I SAVED THE REPORT AND RESET THE TROUBLE CODES. COPY OF THE REPORT ATTACHED. THEN ON JULY 2, 2019, I WAS DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET AND THE CAR STALLED AGAIN WITH THE SAME MESSAGE TO SHIFT TO PARK. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PRESSED THE OFF BUTTON AND SHIFTED TO PARK. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT DID START AND I DROVE IT HOME. NEXT DAY I SCANNED THE TROUBLE CODES AGAIN. THE REPORT SAID NO CONFIRMED TROUBLE CODES, NO PERMANENT TROUBLE CODES, NO PENDING TROUBLE CODES, 2 BODY CONTROL MODULE TROUBLE CODES, 3 FRONT CAMERA ACTIVE SAFETY TROUBLE CODES, 3 TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE TROUBLE CODES, AND 1 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE TROUBLE CODES. I SAVED THE REPORT, COPY ATTACHED. NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING, AND REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint 11243134VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DESPITE SERVICING AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. BOTH TIMES, POP UP ALERT SAYS "SHIFT TO PARK" AND THEN "ENGINE HAS REDUCED POWER" AFTER WHICH THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER WORKS. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE WAS A LOW BATTERY ALERT.
NHTSA complaint 11194372COMING OFF THE HWY MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN FROM 55 MPH TO ABOUT 40 MPH FAIRLY FAST THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TRIED PRESSING ON THE PEDALS BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT SPEEDING UP AT ALL. THE TRACTION LIGHT ALSO CAME UP. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALER RIGHT AWAY AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE SYSTEM. TOOK ABOUT A WEEK TO GET MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint 11181585TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 29-34 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH BUCKNER CHEVROLET (9301 EARL THORNTON FREEWAY, DALLAS, TX 75228, 469-294-3000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEFECTIVE. A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS INSTALLED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,218.
NHTSA complaint 11165602WATER FOUND IN REAR COMPARTMENT AND/OR REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AREA, LEAKING FROM THIRD BRAKE LIGHT AREA AND.OR REAR WINDOW. THE CAUSE OF THE CONDITION MAY BE THAT OVER TIME, THE CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LAMP (CHMSL) FASTENERS MAY LOSE TORQUE AND ALLOW WATER TO LEAK INTO THE REAR COMPARTMENT OR FLOOR AREA. THE FASTENERS MAY LOSE TORQUE DUE TO THERMAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CHMSL MATERIAL
NHTSA complaint 11154550Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.