2016 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 166about this part
- Share
- 20%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 166 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 3 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.
“As I was exiting the highway the just slowed to a crawl . The screen said reduced engine power and wouldn't allow me to accelerate past 15 - 20 miles per hour. Luckily there were no cars following behind me at the time . I pulled over shut the car off and issue continued. I plugged up a code reader and got p2138”
NHTSA complaint #11396726, filed 2021-02, 87,577 miles“Car is stalling whenever I come to a complete stop. I have to try to avoid making a left turn because it takes so long for the car to react when I get on the accelerator to go. Some days it will hesitate a little and go, but lately it has been stalling all the way out and it takes a few mins for it to react when I'm trying to pull off!!”
NHTSA complaint #11218784, filed 2019-06, 111,000 miles“I was traveling on a highway, going around 70 MPH, as I was about to merge onto another freeway, my check engine light came on, and a notification came on that said reduced engine power. My car then dropped speed to about 40 MPH. I was unable to accelerate the rest of my route to work. I topped at 20 MPH. I checked my code reader and p2138 came up.”
NHTSA complaint #11163602, filed 2018-12, 45,000 miles“I came to a red light the car went into auto stop mode, the brakes started loosing pressure I let off of the brakes it continued to roll backwards almost hitting the car behind me then it finally kicked into gear and said service stabilitrak and and also said power assist reduced drive with care then had the codes p3055 and p3056 and the car has 100,000 miles and is serviced regularly”
NHTSA complaint #11355156, filed 2020-09, 100,000 miles“After putting my car in park I get a warning that the car is not in park. When this happens the car will not lock plus the lights and the radio will not turn off. My concern is that the car is really not in park plus my security with the doors not locking. Have had it to the dealer twice now they want me to replace the shifter assembly at my cost since it is over 3 yrs old but still under 30,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11302568, filed 2020-01, 29,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
304 complaintsElectrical system
222 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsBrakes
104 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