While traveling at normal speed (55-60MPH) Engine Power Reduced message pops up and car will not accelerate until I pull over, turn it off, then back on after a period of time. Message is beginning to come up frequently. Occurred 3 times this morning on the way to work.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →
My car was started shaking really bad and the stabili trak sensor came on. My engine had to be replaced in February 2023. My car was at 66K miles. I rarely drove it. I worked from home for 3 years due to the pandemic. I purchased the car with about 12K miles. I was on my way home and my car just shut off. I could not get it to start at all. The stabili trak light came on. This was in January 2024 with 75K miles. The tow truck driver told me he had picked up multiple Chevrolets experiencing this same issue. It took the dealership almost two months to figure out that the crank sensor needed to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, an alarm sounded and the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.
I'm adding to a complaint where I have found recall problems in the past on the model and the problem is still there the car shows the car is in park but it shows action is required shift the car to park and it's already in park I have a video I can't upload it.i purchased the car august 2023 for 28000 with a extended warranty that isn't right Hopefully someone will investigate.
I bought this car August 2013 and I have been constantly having issues with it I contacted the BBB they showed them a check off list of the problem I was having to quiet them I was having rear in issues that they claim they did a full exspection of the vehicle which isn't true they tried to give me excuses now the car shows it's in part but it's saying action is required the car isn't in parking made a video on my phone so they can't make a excuse this should be a recall because I have read reviews with people having the same problem not once but two times after the first repair and it's not fair to the consumer someone need to investigate the dealerships.I can't get my video to upload I do have a short video on my cell phone
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the stability control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and the engine needed to be deep cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light flashing. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery sensor and AC/DC box needed to be replaced. The failure persisted. On the last occasion, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH with the "Engine, Reduced Power" message had displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was driving rough. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 143,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began shaking violently and she observed a loud noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was stopped but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was no oil in the vehicle, and several unknown codes appeared on the diagnostic machine. Oil was administered to the vehicle. The contact stated that two days later the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blown head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,051.
When the auto shutdown feature on the car turns off the engine at a stop light; stop sign; or other reason, sometimes the cars entire electrical system shuts down. This happened twice to me. Once at a stoplight and once when freeway traffic came to a sudden stop. You cannot open the electrical trunk to get hazard lights or jumper cables; cannot get the car out of gear or out of park to move it safely out of traffic; cannot turn car hazard lights on; or even unlock a door that is locked. On freeway incident, I was in the middle of 3 lanes and traffic quickly got back up to ~60 mph. Fortunately, I was able to get out of the car and a few hundred feet away in case someone hit my car. This happened during the day and I cannot imagine how someone would see a stalled vehicle in the middle of the freeway in the dark with enough time to stop. My battery was brand new and in perfect order. The dealership said it is a known issue and they no longer sell cars with this auto shutoff feature.
Reduce engine power warning ‼️ losing power on highway and shift to park warning ‼️
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag light was illuminated and there was a message displayed "Service Air Bag". The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Vehicle engine light reported codes P050F, FE8:engine, and FE9. It was determined the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump was leaking oil and was faulty. It has been replaced and brakes better. Engine light went off. The other diagnostic by my mechanic showed the Oil Control Intake and Exhaust Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid needed to be replaced too.
I am very upset right because I purchased this Chevy Malibu 2016 from Vroom. It was fine at first and then things start to go downhill. For starters my tire light came on first only a week after having the car, then the shift into was appearing on the dashboard as well as the engine light. Then my husband spent almost 2000 on the brakes because the car was making this horrible sound and I almost couldn't stop the car because the pedal was stuck and would not push down. Thank God no one was hurt. Then my car just shut off twice one day at a busy intersection, it went completely dead with my children in the car. This is a ongoing issue. Now I had a diagnostic test ran on my vehicle and it was said I needed a new motor only after having the car for only a year. This car is very dangerous and I wish they would take it off the market, because it will also reduce your speed while driving out of nowhere. Chevrolet should be responsible for all problems before they are aware of these issues!
Occasionally when the car is put in park, it does not alert the rest of the car that it's in park. Although I turn the car off, it beeps like it's still on an I have to turn the car on again and move it back into park in order for it to stop. There has been a recall for this issue but so far, my car has not shown up and for that reason, the dealer/mechanic will not repair it which is understandable on their part. Please advise. Thank you.
Car moves even in park due to faulty gear shifter. It’s made of plastic. Computer reads error message “shift to park” and still moves while in park. A danger to other cars and car battery.
REAR SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO PARK WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. TRUNK, BACK SEAT, HEADLINER, ENTIRE CARPETED FLOOR, FRONT SEATS GET WET WHEN CAR IS WASHED OR IT RAINS. MOLD IS BEGINNING TO GROW INSIDE TRUNK AND HEADLINER.
Charged air cooler makes it so your car slows down to 20 on interstate
While driving at a fast pace a hazard message pops up on dash that states engine power reduced and the car goes slow unable to accelerate past 20 mph. It doesn’t happen all the time but it’s been happening quite frequently and it’s dangerous. I’m assuming there has something to do with the speed and or fuel function. The vehicle has not been inspected. I am willing to bring it for inspection if needed. I feel like this is a malfunction and I’m requesting this to be fixed.
Warning display on dash reads "Engine power is reduced " and forces and abrupt reduction on vehicle speed, Especially on highway driving on commute. Noticed online multiple similar concerns and complaints. No recall or extended warranty?
Shift to park message appears on dash screen when car is attempting to shut off ignition when shifter is in park position. Can't turn off car.
Shift to park message while in park position when attempting to shut off car; I can't cut off car without making many tries. this has happened before dealer repairing the problem and within two years dealer installing new "fix.".
*Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor- It is available upon request. * Due to the malfunction of the accelerator Pedal Position Sensor, the check engine light comes on and it flashes "engine reduced power" which slows the car down to a very low rate of speed not allowing the driver to go any faster. I was on the highway going speeds of around 75mph and that light came on and slowed my vehicle down which caused the car behind me to almost run into the back of my vehicle. I've had this occurrence with this problem several times. * UNKNOWN *UNKNOWN *No, absolutely nothing prior to the check engine light and "engine reduced power". The issue is sporadic and happens at any given moment. There is no warning that alerts when this happens.
My car enters a reduced engine power mode causing my car to slow down during high speeds with a potential acciden…. the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, the ‘Engine Power is Reduced’ message will display. I have called GM and was told it wouldn't be covered, I have talked to the dealer and taken it in before but I can't afford to keep paying a $150 fee to have my car looked at. I have been having this issue since April
I was driving about 70mph on a highway trying to pass a semi-truck. As I signaled right blinker to merge back into the right lane, the speed reduced to 40mph without notice. I then seen a notification on the dashboard saying "Engine Power Reduced". The car would not accelerate fast enough to clear the truck therefore almost causing a collision of 2 semi-trucks and myself. I was forced to drive off road to help avoid the collision. My fiancé was in the passenger seat when this happened on 11/25/2023. He then began telling me this happened to him a few months prior but he didn't mention it because it resolved itself. This was actually the 3rd time it had happened in this car over the last 2 years. I spoke to the chevy dealership about it the first time I experienced this and they advised that it had not been made a safety recall at that time yet, but the technician who helped me said his son experienced the same thing and it was becoming quite common. It still has not been recalled but there is currently a class action lawsuit because of this. I feel this is very dangerous and what I considered to be reliable transportation, is no longer the case for my family after this experience. This needs to be recalled immediately before people lose lives. Especially since the parts were Manufactured incorrectly and Chevrolet had knowledge prior to releasing 2016-2018 vehicles.
Bulletin 19-NA-122 that General Motors posted about my specific car having future engine issues happened to my car right after their mile limitation. They said due to my miles being pass the number and although I’m with in the 10 year window they cannot do anything for my car. I was driving in the high way using cruise control then my car just randomly slowed down on the highway, my stabilitrack sign came on and my check engine sign started to blink and my engine started to shake my car. Very dangerous and I was not notified about these issues a single time I took my car to the dealership when it was within the time frame.
My 2016 Chevy Malibu that does not have many miles on it is shifting into, Reduced Engine Power Mode. When this comes on I cannot accelerate up to speeds and can only go about 25 MPH. It is dangerous that my car can go from highway speeds to this slow. I have had 0 issues before this started happening and other Malibus have been recalled for this same issue.
I'm having a problem with the car going into park. When it's in park, the doors will not lock in the vehicle will Just drain the battery.
Engine losing power going highway speed acceleration will not work
Acceleration to the engine malfunction no power to engine going excessive speeds on interstate failure light appeared car shut off one stopped car turn right back on. I’ve reported this incident of the last two years to the dealership GMC to 2016 Chevy Malibu that has already had this instance back in 2019 and now has occurred at once again mileage since the last engine was replaced is 10,000 miles on the new engine
My 2016 Malibu is a piece of shit. Randomly, and this cannot be anticipated or reproduced, I will be driving and the car will say "engine power has been reduced". This is dangerous! It takes me from 70 mph on the highway to 15 mph almost immediately. I cannot speed up. It has almost caused at lease 5 accidents. It happens on the freeway, regular roads etc. and Chevrolet refuses to issue a recall to fix it. I can't take it into a dealership because it cannot be reduced and Chevrolet was EXTREMELY rude. They said you issue recalls and I need to contact you. The most recent date this happened was 9/25/2023 but it has happened many other times.
Water has been leaking into my car from the roof and onto my seats. Today I discovered that I have black mold under my headliner. So water is somehow leaking through and had been for some time.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her dad was driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated and decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle was speeding up and then slowing down independently. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to crash into a pole, however, the air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While the mechanic was driving the vehicle, the vehicle drove as designed. However, the contact stated that while her dad was driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the wheels were extremely hot. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
The engine only has 78K miles on it. I took it in because I received a notification that said stabilitrack. First I had a mechanic change the spark plugs, then I was told I had to take it in for a bigger issue with the engine. I was told it would cost $2500 just to break down the engine and diagnose it. Then I was quoted 11k on top of that to completely replace the engine. 78k miles and the engine needs replacing for more then the car is worth. The diagnosis was that I had a piston crack and the whole engine was ruined.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine oil pressure control circuit is stuck. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving when all of a sudden my car would not let me speed up to the speed limit and almost caused someone to rear end me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dick Allen's in Meadville as well as AutoZone who read the code Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning until the light came on and the car slowed down. This is the 3rd time this has happened. Previously I was told to put Cataclean into my fuel to help which it did but it seems to only be a temporary solution.
I was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden my information center on my was driving down the interstate when all of a sudden my information center on my 2016 Chevy Malibu popped up a warning, reduced engine power and drop me down to 20 mph without warning. I barely made it to the side of the road before being run over by 18 wheelers all around me. Once I got it home I read the code, and it shows there’s not enough power going to the turbo in the engine that’s caused by the accelerator sensor. When I start at low speed or from a stop in attempt to accelerate the car hesitates to the point I can’t pull out with any cars around because I will be hit. I’ve been told this is a known problem for the vehicle and it’s a $500 part to fix. It’s extremely dangerous and I am so shocked there has not been a recall for this, it is putting everybody that is in one of these vehicles in danger
Automatic transmission shifter assembly is out of specifications and needed to be replaced by removing the center console to gain access with all other related new seals gaskets and non-reusable hardware and reinstall all components for repairs in the reverse order of removal. cleared all diagnostic trouble codes. the system is NOW operating as designed. Before the repair was made the car kept telling me that the shift was NOT in park, when it was. I am uncertain as to my safety or risk but was afraid to drive the vehicle as is. The repair was made on 8/17/23 by Richard Lucas Chevy, 1077 Rt.1 S, Avenel, NJ 07001 732-634-0100 at the cost to me of $435.42. My claim with GM is [XXX]. I was notified that this was a common problem with my specific vehicle and yet there has been no recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on the highway started to exit the exit ramp at the top of the exit ramp. There’s a stop sign. Want to stop for it previously to this my brakes were fine then I went to press on them to come to the final stop at the stop sign and they were super hard. and
After driving I went to put my car in park and across the information display screen it said shift to park. I have to wiggle the shifter back and forth then the message goes away. Otherwise, the car lights stay on, car beeps at me saying I left the key behind.
I bought the car brand new. Periodically the doors will not lock or unlock, only one at a time. I have had it in the shop on numerous occasions to get it repaired. It's fine for a while then it does it again, it changes from door to door. Now I can not get the driver's side back door to lock. My dash lights up to let me know the door is unlocked. I am afraid when i go to a public place, that someone will get into my car. I am so aggervated with this. I have an appointment AGAIN with the dealership for 8/16/23 for them to look at it and try to solve the problem. I have no idea when this started as it's been ongoing. The dealership is Wantz Chevrolet in Taneytown MD
The contact's finance owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hardened when depressed without warning. While driving at 15 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle due to the hardened brake pedal. The driver side air bag failed to deploy as needed; the air bag slightly popped out of place but did not deploy. A police report was filed; no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic verified that the vacuum pump needed repair. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle would independently downshift while driving at a high rate of speed as the "engine reduce speed" warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified the failures; a case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was emailed a recall notice on the fuel pump system and Air bags and it has never been repaired in my car even from the past owners.There have been 10 recalls from Malibu's manufactured in 2016 and my car shows every sign and indication that it is one of those few selected. My VIN should be updated or investigated for parts in my vehicle that have been recalled. The Car stops when idle for two minutes or longer and shuts off the engine and air if you use the USB outlet there is a serious electrical problem which is also a safety hazard according to NHTSA guidelines.
My 2016 chevy Malibu had brake vacuum pump failure. No warnings. Brake pedal got hard and could not stop. I was returning home with my 13 yr. old daughter from Tennessee and had to get it fixed so we could get home. Mechanic said this is a common problem and that there is a class action lawsuit on this problem with these cars about having a recall. This put me out of pocket 1986.00 dollars which is unacceptable and could have ruined my entire engine.
The accelerates by itself while driving the car cut off and won’t crank. While driving all kind of light a signals come across the dashboard. It’s dangerous for me to drive I’ve replaced battery, alternator and map censor. My sister has a Cruze and her car is doing the something my friend has a Malibu and it is doing the same thing as my vehicle. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When pressing on break it goes straight to floor sometimes or locks up and throws service needed code and reduce power steering
Car indicator states to shift into park upon stopping. Have to restart car move shift lever several times before car system will shut down. Same issue was repaired by Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro NC on9/7/2022. Repair cost 279.88. Dealership replaced harness and updated wiring. Situation has returned with worse condition. Spent 20 mins trying to "shift into park ". On off shift on off shift off.
I just bought this car 2 weeks ago. Had to replace the windshield wiper pump. There are at least 10 TSBs on the vehicle I'm on disability I can't afford to fix all that. The rear hub bearing was barely making noise when I bought it. Now tire feels like it's going to fall off. I believe there's a TSB on when you put the car in park and shut it off then it's not going in to gear even though it said it's into gear so I have to get that fixed as well. Can't Chevy fix thermostats just like I have to fix my mistakes in life.
#1 3RD BRAKE LIGHT LEAKING INTO BACK SEAT AND TRUNK MANUFACTURE BOLTS BACKED OUT AND/OR MISSING, CAN ALSO CAUSE WATER TO GET INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT WHICH TENDS TO CAUSE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE, INCREASING RISK OF A CRASH. #2 GEAR SHIFT LEVER INNER LOCK BLOCKING THE ABILITY FOR USER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO INDICATE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, BUT THE TRANSMISSION MAY ACTUALLY BE IN ANOTHER GEAR. THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION OR INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. A RECALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR CHEVY MALIBU 2016-2020 BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHILE MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES. ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE POP UP ON DASH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF UNSURE OF EXACT START DATE BUT STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE SINCE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH ON ISSUES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS.
The contact's client owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his client was driving at an undisclosed speed, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated briefly and failed to stop in a reasonable amount of time. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
When the vehicle is shifted (manual transmission) from any gear into park, and the vehicle is turned off, the "Shift into Park" warning appears. I verified it was in the park. Warning stays on from 1-5 minutes, leaving all outside marker and headlights on until the sensor engages and the vehicle returns to proper state (outside marker and headlights shut off and interior dome light turns on for exiting the vehicle. This occurs each time the vehicle is driven, and the malfunction has caused a reduced battery power (eventually replacement) and outside light replacement from unnecessary use. Losing battery power has left us stranded, and the loss of outside lighting reduces our visibility for other drivers to see the vehicle. Upon research, this has been reported and reproduced numerous times to the manufacturer, dealers, and NHTSA with no solutions reached except charging the customer to repair the issue (this is unacceptable). There were no warnings and the symptoms started approximately 2-3 years after purchased in 2016 and still continue (brand new car).
Shift to park displayed when gear was already in park I was traveling on the highway when I felt the speed decline and engine speed reduced was then displayed. Thank you.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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