2016 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 6%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,641miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,641 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was coming to a stop at a traffic light. I received an alert on my dash reduced engine power and my check engine light came on. My car became much less responsive to pressing on the accelerator and seemed to be having trouble going more than ~30 MPH. An inspection of the problem gave the error code p2138 as the source of the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11405011, filed 2021-03, 50,000 miles“My car stabilitrak comes on every other 20 mins when driving. If I try to accelerate my cars check engine light will come on and then say engine power reduced almost stopping my vehicle on the interstate I can only drive it in town under 40 MPH. Diagnostic showed nothing and of course no recalls but every recall chevy has with the Malibu fits my model. Very disappointing. It has become very dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174771, filed 2019-02, 69,000 miles“The car constantly gets message of engine power reduced while driving with no previous issues or warnings. The check engine light comes on then my driving speed decreases while driving. This is very dangerous! This happens on city streets and on the highway. I have to pull over to shut the car off and wait a few minutes then restart the car. The car then starts normal without the check engine light or error code”
NHTSA complaint #11252725, filed 2019-09, 47,000 miles“Incident has happened twice while driving on highway. Engine light came on, then received an error message of engine power reduced . Engine power and acceleration was reduced dramatically. Luckily there were no cars behind me or I may have been rear ended and involved in an accident. I pulled off on shoulder and turned car off and then turned car back on and engine power and acceleration was restored. Engine light remained on though.”
NHTSA complaint #11309087, filed 2020-02, 46,000 miles“Driving my vehicle, out of no where reduced engine power mode came across my dashboard information center. The car immediately reduced its speed and allowed me to drive about 20mph (I was so thankful I was not on the highway and/or had passengers in the vehicle). It has been at the dealership now, with the explanation that the accelerator circuit board needs to be replaced; however it is on back order and they are not certain when the part will become available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164870, filed 2019-01, 81,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V358000May 31, 2018General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018, GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Colorado 2016–2018 +6 more
Related 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.
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank 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…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10241417Aug 1, 2023This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% |
| 2016 | 54 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
| 1980 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
304 complaintsElectrical system
222 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
166 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsBrakes
104 complaintsElectronic stability control
76 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