Problems · by component

2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicle speed control problems

158 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cite vehicle speed control, 18% of all 865 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
158
18% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the vehicle speed control

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am reporting a recurring safety defect related to GM’s known “Shift to Park” issue. My vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” warning even when the vehicle is already in park, preventing the car from shutting off properly and creating a safety risk. This issue has been widely reported and associated with GM recalls and service bulletins. GM previously repaired this issue once while my vehicle was under warranty, acknowledging it as a known defect. The same defect has now reoccurred after the warranty period expired. GM is refusing to repair it again, despite the issue being recall-related and tied to a known defective design rather than wear and tear. This defect affects safe vehicle operation, risks battery drain, rollaway hazards, and driver distraction. I believe this is an unresolved safety defect that should be covered regardless of warranty status.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11708443
“UNKNOWN While I'm driving my car will lose power and go into reduced engine power mode and slows me down to a crawl. I've almost been hit in the back many times for to this. The coffee is P2138”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2025Vehicle speed controlODI 11703103
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11694970
“Engine power reduced defect, causing affected models to lose power while driving at highway speeds. My son’s was driving 55 mph and then all of sudden the car decelerated to 20 mph in minutes before his 2016 Malibu stalled on [XXX]. Unfortunately the car did not make it to the emergency lane and as a result a SUV hit his car killing my daughter who was 33 weeks pregnant. The baby survived with lifelong injuries. Despite this recall, GM failed to notify vehicle owners, including the owner of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident on [XXX], in Dallas, Texas, resulting in my daughter’s death. This defect has been found in several 2016 Malibus, prompting a class action lawsuit against GM. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reported having to restart their vehicles or replace faulty accelerator pedal position sensors to address the issue. GM's failure to notify vehicle owners of the safety recall constitutes negligence and gross negligence.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineCrash reportedODI 11672099
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2025Engine, Fuel system, gasoline, Vehicle speed controlODI 11665802
“Happened around 46000 miles after receiving a recall notice in the mail about the pedal positioning sensor causing a reduced engine power signal, and immediately reducing speeds on the interstate. Local Chevy dealership replaced. Fast-forward 80K miles and the same incident is happening, however likely not going to be covered by GM. Same message, same code being detected.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 21, 2025Vehicle speed control, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11644103

Showing 6 of 158 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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