Problems · by component

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited power train problems

170 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited cite power train, 21% of all 803 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
170
21% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). The contact had to manipulate and maneuver the gear shifter several times before the vehicle recognized that the gear shifter was in park(P). The message to "Shift-to Park" was illuminated. While receiving a routine oil change, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic charged the battery; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the was experiencing the "Shift to Park" failure. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train); and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2025Power train, Electrical systemODI 11667071
“I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power Reduced." I had to keep using it due to work needs. Over time, it hesitated more during acceleration and felt increasingly unsafe. When I finally brought it to a Chevrolet service center, I was told the issue involved the pistons. The vehicle also regularly shows a "Shift to Park" warning even when the gear is in Park, raising concerns about the transmission's reliability. The power loss continues, especially when going uphill — again triggering the "Engine Power Reduced" alert and dropping the speed to no more than 35 MPH. A diagnostic showed a P0302 code for a cylinder 2 misfire. The radio head unit, already replaced once under warranty, failed again after just 9 months. Prior to the worsening idle and gear issues, I also received network-related codes involving the ECM and transmission computers. Although I’ve replaced the alternator, the car still shows "Service Electric System" warnings, suggesting…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11663745
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after shifting to park, the message to shift to park was displayed. The failure occurred intermittently and had become more persistent over time. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2025Power trainODI 11649409
“Car showing warning : engine power reduced Car decelerate unexpectedly Car won’t accelerate past 20 mph intermittently - when putting car in park, car won’t recognize when in the park positioned and shows warning : shift to park”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11641570
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that occasionally while shifting into park(P), the computer failed to register that the vehicle was in park(P). The message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that during the failure, the doors failed to lock. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the shifter, shifter harness, and shifter switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2025Power trainODI 11637934
“I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an ongoing issue I have encountered with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently, I experienced a significant problem with the vehicle’s trunk and rear seat release mechanism, which has made it impossible for me to access the trunk or fold down the rear seats. The specific issues I am facing are as follows: Trunk Latch Stuck: The trunk latch has become stuck, and I am unable to open the trunk manually or with the remote key fob. The latch mechanism appears to be malfunctioning, and it will not unlatch when attempting to open it. Remote Key Fob Failure: The remote key fob, which is typically used to release the trunk, no longer works, making it impossible to access the trunk from outside the vehicle. Seat Release Mechanism: Additionally, the release button for folding down the rear seats is also not functioning, and I cannot lower the seats from inside the cabin. Typically, this release mechanism can be accessed from the trunk; however, due to the trunk being inaccessible, I am unable to release the seats, which is an urgent issue. This situation is highly inconvenient and concerning, as I rely on the trunk and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11634960

Showing 6 of 170 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.