2016 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 53 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of its 837 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles. A related recall, campaign 18V358000, covers the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe on this model year.
- Fuel System complaints
- 53
- 6% of 837
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 56,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden reduced-engine-power mode where the car slows to around 20 to 40 mph and will not accelerate normally, sometimes on highways.
- Several complaints describe the check engine light coming on with fuel system related trouble codes, including a code linked to the catalyst fuel system.
- Some owners report a faulty fuel filler pipe triggering the check engine light, with multiple vehicles in the same fleet affected.
- A cluster of complaints describe engine power loss paired with dashboard warnings referencing both engine and transmission systems, sometimes limiting speed to about 40 mph on the highway.
- One owner reported an unpleasant odor inside the car along with a check engine light tied to the catalytic converter.
When 2016 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 5, 2017, latest May 27, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
- NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Fuel System complaints by Malibu model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are fuel system complaints on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA lists 53 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Malibu, which is 6% of the 837 total complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Yes. Campaign 18V358000, reported May 31, 2018, covers the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe. GM dealers replace these parts free of charge.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems tend to appear on the 2016 Malibu?
- The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on this model year is 56,000 miles.
- Do the fuel system complaints involve crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these fuel system complaints for the 2016 Malibu.
- How does 2016 compare to other Malibu model years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2016 Malibu's fuel system share is 6%, lower than 2017 at 9% and 2018 at 14%, but similar to or higher than years like 2010 through 2013.