2016 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Brakes, Fuel system · LA

It said service to stabilitrak press the gas and it won't go its delayed..

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IN

Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · KY

The brake vacuum pump broke, causing my brakes to go rock hard and pieces fell down into the camshaft, causing engine damage

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 144,000 miles · TN · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 55 MPH in a rain storm and making a right turn, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights had illuminated, and the driver suddenly lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the incident the driver sustained a concussion and neck and shoulder injuries which later required medical treatment. No police report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · AL

On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it would cost over $2800.00. Upon further research I discovered that the same make model and year was recalled under recall #39440. I also learned the my VIN number was not included in this recall. This is a safety defect that has rendered my car not drivable until I get it fixed. As a senior citizen on a fixed income I am unable to fixed. I would like to know why was my car not included in the recall and if its possible to get it on the recall list so it can be fixed.

Filed Dec 24, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with ALL GM vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from GM for a known defect. My car was almost hit because of the car had to be towed because it’s unable to be moved.

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

My 2016 Malibu has a severe EBCM-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°F), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu EBCM recall (GM Recall 39440). I sought help from GM. A GM-certified dealer-Monken in Centralia, IL performed a “diagnostic scan” which documented the core hydraulic failure: a constant, uncommanded 6.839 psi residual brake line pressure when the pedal was released. (A healthy system should be near 0 psi) This 6.839 psi is actively forcing the brakes to drag. The dealer ignored their own scientific data and submitted a fraudulent diagnosis of ("rust buildup") to GM, which GM used to deny the claim based on mileage. “Rust buildup” doesn’t create hydraulic pressure. GM is aware of this specific, documented, quantifiable safety defect (the 6.839 psi pressure) and is refusing to investigate it further. I stressed to GM that the vehicle wasn’t safe to drive and that I have a small child who has to ride in the car with me. GM dismissed my concerns by stating the dealership won’t release my car unless its safe to drive. I then had to drive the car 22 miles back home with all 4 brakes dragging. I requested the full diagnostic scan report (that the mechanic confirmed he could provide me with when I dropped my car off there) numerous times and never did I get one. I informed them that I would be filing a complaint hadn’t I received it by a certain time. The new kid in service then did send me screenshots of a generic OBDII scanner where I saw the 6.839 psi. I knew what the issue was prior to taking my car to Monken. I had an independent scan done prior. I only took the car there to comply with GM’s protocol to be eligible for assistance. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate GM for failure to address a documented hydraulic control safety defect that causes brake dragging and overheating, which is non-compliant with safety standards. I can give further info Please call me for further details.

Filed Oct 26, 2025 · Brakes · WI

Car suddenly stopped dead cold while driving on a highly driven road. No power. Several attempts were made to get off the main road and drive to a close neighborhood. Finally started and at every stop sign the car grinded during stopping and threw me backwards in driver's seat. Needed a tow. .

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Brakes · IL

My 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited is experiencing Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) failure symptoms that match Recall 39440, even though my VIN is not listed in the recall. Details of the problem: -The brakes would randomly feel like they were sticking and the car being held back -Brake lights would remain on -Car would float all over the road -ABS and StabiliTrak warning lights illuminated in the dash once. -ABS and ESC functions stop working, leaving only based braking available. -These failures occur intermittently but increased to everytime. -All 4 brakes are dragging, pulsing (no lights illuminated), reaching 240 degrees -Confirmed by mechanic EBCM This is a safety hazard. The vehicle becomes more difficult to control in adverse conditions without ABS/ESC. I transport my special-needs child in this vehicle, and I am deeply concerned for our safety. Why I believe recall expansion is needed: GM has acknowledged this exact defect in Recall 39440 (affecting other 2016 Malibus built during specific production dates). My vehicle is showing the same failure, and I request the federal safety agency investigate whether the recall population should be expanded to include additional VINs.

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Brakes · OH

When I was driving my car with my child in it my break tightened up and I couldn’t apply them to stop I had to let my foot off the gas and let my car slow its self down safely. When I got my car home my husband looked at it and found out that my vaccum pump had went out and part of it broke off in the engine. This is very unsafe and this needs to be investigated because people can’t know when the vacuum pump is going to go bad this issue lays on gm and Chevy to make sure the parts they are using will hold up and be safe