2016 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine · IN

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

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Engine · IN

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.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine · 90,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Steering · 160,000 miles · WI · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle came to a stop. After coming from the stop, the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s daughter crashed the vehicle into a utility pole and a utility box. The air bags deployed. The contact’s daughter was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for a concussion and seat belt-related bruising on her chest and waist. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but the insurance company was not yet notified of the accident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

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!

Filed May 22, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 176,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently engine seized and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery would not stay charged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a no-start dead battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of TSB 16-NA-209 in which the failure description was similar to that of the contact's vehicle. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for repair. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and the vehicle had a scheduled service appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

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

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Engine · TX

The engine only has 78K miles on it. I took it in because I received a notification that said stabilitrack. First I had a mechanic change the spark plugs, then I was told I had to take it in for a bigger issue with the engine. I was told it would cost $2500 just to break down the engine and diagnose it. Then I was quoted 11k on top of that to completely replace the engine. 78k miles and the engine needs replacing for more then the car is worth. The diagnosis was that I had a piston crack and the whole engine was ruined.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · MO

My problem started with the engine first sending me a code “reduced engine power” and this code would appear one week and gone the next. I have taken it to mechanics and had parts replaced and temporary fixes. After getting it back from the mechanic and them telling me that the cylinder one isn’t holding the correct pressure and the exhaust value is burnt due to the consistent auto engine shutoff. The day I got it back on the road the engine went full shutdown at a stop light and would not turn on immediately. I was lucky enough to get it running long enough to crawl into a gas station and get a tow truck to come pick it up and tow it back to the mechanic shop and that’s where it’s been sitting there till I find a new engine to replace it.

Filed Feb 11, 2022 · Seat belts · 48,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the driver’s side seat belt was inoperable. The contact attempted several times but the seat belt had seized in place and was not retractable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Engine · 70,200 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was with the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failure was related to the turbocharger, and several gaskets and seals. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,200,

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 70,000 miles · IN

13 months ago I began having accelerator sensor issues. Driving 40+ MPH and the check engine light came on, "engine reduced power", "stabilitrak" came on my hud. My father has a 2017 malibu and this had just happened to him, so I knew to pull to the side of the road, shut the car off and turn it back on, but the light stayed on and the car wouldn't accelerate past 40mph and took forever to get up to speed. Took it in and they "fixed" it. I had to have it fixed 3 times in 3 months. All similar situations, driving 45+ MPH. My touch screen radio also went out, and had to get a new head unit. Still to this day only one of the USB slots works. Summer goes on, no issues. October time frame, my car shut off while I was driving 60 MPH for a split second. Headlights went out, radio, speedometer, all of it at 5am. It came back on within 2 seconds and the car was fine. No check engine light or anything. Had a buddy of mine run a code check and nothing showed up. A month later I had another accelerator sensor issue, driving 60+ MPH. Had to drive on the shoulder of the road until I could get it to the dealership. Took it in and got it fixed for free since there was a recall. 2 months go by, we're in january 2020 now, driving 60+ and my car shows "stabilitrak" and had the same symptoms of the previous low power, and not accelerating. Turns out to be the air charge cooler. Not a week later after getting it back, driving 70+ MPH and my car loses power. Had to tow it since I was in a different state. Cylinder 1 has low pressure and the charge air cooler is flooded with debris. And now chevy is telling me I have to pay for a new engine!! Wtf?