2016 Chevrolet Malibu: check engine light

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · CA

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT 1.8L - current mileage 147,059 miles The factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. This caused check engine codes P0401 / P26BE, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. GM has released 4 revisions of this part and all fail the same way, indicating known defective design. The part is currently on indefinite national backorder with no ETA from GM (Order #343585 from GMPartsNow on 08/22/2025 held without ship date). Dealers quote $1,587 and cannot obtain part either. This is a safety and emissions defect: coolant loss risks engine overheating, exhaust leak risks carbon monoxide in cabin, and coolant contaminates catalytic converter. GM discontinued Malibu Hybrid in 2019 without proper fix. This should be recalled. They produced a car, we bought it and now they don’t have the overpriced parts in stock to fix my car and when the parts is backordered, I keep driving it because i can’t work without my car which I very much need, the hybrid battery gets overheated, then they sell battery too and other damages too which will cost thousands to fix. This is a scam!

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

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.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

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

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 Nov 19, 2025 · Acceleration · NE

Check engine light comes on and dash says reduced engine power

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · LA

The engine power reduced came light came on along with service stability trac. The car would stall after going into auto stop and just shut off. In certain instances it would shutoff when slowed down enough. It was brought in for service where the turbo charge solenoid starter and catalytic converter annd alternator all were replaced due to the turbo braking into pieces and being lodged into the converter and engine. Less than a week later the car returned to stalling at the auto stop feature. When brought in for service it was linked to the alternator and engine control module and mass air flow sensor. The car was then serviced again six months later for the alternator again. Now the car is once again stuck in engine power reduced with no direct codes linked to the problem and the starter was replaced and now the engine is remaining in limp mode. The car has stalled multiple times on not only at stop lights but on the highway and while turning at busy intersections causing traffic jams and even a side collision. The engine light as remained on since the day I got the car.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 107,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IL

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.

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Driver assistance · 120,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal grinding sound and became stiff. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the brake sensor; however, the failure recurred several days later. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine · 163,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Engine · IN

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.

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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.