How common are engine problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA lists 373 engine complaints for the 2016 Malibu, which is 45% of all 837 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu engine power loss issue?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do 2016 Malibu engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 55,500 miles.

Have engine problems in the 2016 Malibu led to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries among reported cases.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 373 engine complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 45% of all 837 complaints filed for that year. Owners report sudden engine power reduction and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 55,500 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 373; 45% of 837
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 55,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine suddenly reduces power at highway speed, dropping from around 55 mph to 20 mph or below without warning.
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly along with a 'reduced engine power' message, sometimes limiting speed to 25-40 mph.
Vehicle stalls or loses power while merging or turning, in some cases leading to a crash.
Dealers report being unable to duplicate the issue or diagnose it after multiple visits.
One case involved rewiring by the dealer after a check-engine and reduced-power event, though the failure recurred afterward.

When 2016 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 3, 2016, latest Sep 2, 2026.

373 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (32).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Malibu model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010222 (16%)
2011223 (23%)
2012144 (16%)
2013229 (27%)
2014137 (39%)
201581 (30%)
2016373 (45%)
2017314 (45%)
2018339 (49%)
201970 (37%)
202070 (35%)
202114 (16%)
202236 (37%)
202318 (26%)
20244 (10%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?: NHTSA lists 373 engine complaints for the 2016 Malibu, which is 45% of all 837 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu engine power loss issue?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do 2016 Malibu engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 55,500 miles.
Have engine problems in the 2016 Malibu led to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries among reported cases.