2016 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 104about this part
- Share
- 12%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 104 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 12% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We had been driving for over an hour to our destination as I came to the second red light that was right past one we just passed with no problems, the brakes made a loud noise underneath the car and brakes would not work. As I pulled to the side of the road, you had to press brakes with both feet and everytime it would make a loud sound.”
NHTSA complaint #11326624, filed 2020-05, 64,423 miles“When braking to stop at light sometimes my car will jerk like it is trying to take off. Will have to push hard on the brake pedal to get it to stop. Won't happen for a while then it will happen 4 to 5 times in a row then won't happen again for a while. Sometime I feel like my car is going to jump out of control.”
NHTSA complaint #11302570, filed 2020-01, 3,000 miles“I've had problems with the off and on ignition push button since last year. I have to push and start several time in order to cut off to lock my doors and turn the radio off. My brakes locked on me while driving on the street and smelled like rubber where burning. I had the vehicle towed. I was told nothing is wrong and had to get my vehicle and park it.”
NHTSA complaint #11150940, filed 2018-11, 45,000 miles“Engine failure. My car went completely out while driving home. The stabikitrak pop on, engine light pop on, brakes locked up making it hard for me to stop the car in traffic. I hope they are planning on doing something about this because I shouldn't have to be afraid for my life. This car is definitely not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11235317, filed 2019-07, 67,340 miles“'takata recall' I found 2 recalls that match the systems of my vehicle perfectly however when I put my VIN in. The recalls do not come up. Here are the recall numbers I am referring to. 51230, and 39440. When the engine power reduced happens usually on the highway only has happened a few times on the street. When braking a noice is coming from under the hood and the engine light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #11246408, filed 2019-08, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11004762Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct customer concerns of a Crank No Start or Extended Crank, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated or…
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 50 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 14% |
| 2018 | 69 | 10% |
| 2017 | 73 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 12% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 45 | 13% |
| 2013 | 46 | 6% |
| 2012 | 74 | 8% |
| 2011 | 44 | 5% |
| 2010 | 199 | 15% |
| 2009 | 153 | 10% |
| 2008 | 89 | 9% |
| 2007 | 51 | 5% |
| 2006 | 70 | 6% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 63 | 11% |
| 2002 | 55 | 10% |
| 2001 | 89 | 12% |
| 2000 | 250 | 27% |
| 1999 | 308 | 39% |
| 1998 | 376 | 39% |
| 1997 | 111 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
304 complaintsElectrical system
222 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
166 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsElectronic stability control
76 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology