VEHICLE PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2015 WITH 18 MILES. 3 WEEKS LATER WHEN BRAKES WERE PRESSED, THEY STARTED MAKING THIS GRINDING SOUND. THE SOUND APPEARED OCCASIONALLY EVERY FEW MONTHS FOR A FEW SECONDS. BRAKE NOISE STILL OCCASIONALLY OCCURRING IN 2019, DEALERSHIPS SAID IT'S JUST MOISTURE. THINK IT'S SOMETHING ELSE. 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH CODE P2097, THEN LIGHT CUTS OFF A F…
2016 chevrolet Malibu brakes problems
severe 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Crashes
8
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLID INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2016 chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 52 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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