This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Malibu cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 97 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
97
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Malibu | 18 |
| 2013 Malibu | 11 |
| 2014 Malibu | 6 |
| 2015 Malibu | 23 |
| 2016 Malibu (this page) | 97 |
| 2017 Malibu | 96 |
| 2018 Malibu | 68 |
| 2019 Malibu | 4 |
| 2020 Malibu | 7 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 97 cruise control complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Chevrolet Malibu we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 97.
Owners have filed 97 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have the door locks will unlock immediately after auto locking usually at startup or while driving. Technician will need to remove power from the Sensing and Diagnostic Module. If doors no longer unlock unwanted the Sensing and Diagnostic Module should be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Malibu, 2017-2018 model year Buick LaCrosse, and 2018 model year Buick Regal vehicles may have a condition which affects the electrical connection to one of the vehicle?s accelerator pedal position sensors. If this electrical connection is interrupted, the accelerator pedal will still function, but the vehicle will enter a reduced engine power mode in which the vehicle?s maximum acceleration and torque are reduced. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, the ?Engine Power is Reduced? message will display, and a diagnostic trouble code for Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Correlat
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2016-2018 model year Chevrolet Malibu, 2017-2018 model year Buick LaCrosse, and 2018 model year Buick Regal vehicles may have a condition which affects the electrical connection to one of the vehicle?s accelerator pedal position sensors. If this electrical connection is interrupted, the accelerator pedal will still function, but the vehicle will enter a reduced engine power mode in which the vehicle?s maximum acceleration and torque are reduced. Additionally, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, the ?Engine Power is Reduced? message will display, and a diagnostic trouble code for Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Correlation (P2138) will be set when t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe sudden, dangerous speed loss while cruising at 55–70 mph. An "Engine Power Reduced" warning appears on the dashboard and the vehicle drops to 20–40 mph, regardless of accelerator input. Check engine light illuminates, often with code P2138 (throttle sensor correlation error). Turning the engine off and back on temporarily clears the warning, but it returns unpredictably—sometimes within minutes or days, sometimes months later.
Dealers consistently point to a faulty accelerator pedal assembly or throttle position sensor. The problem is widespread enough that one dealership technician confirmed his own son experienced it and acknowledged it's becoming "quite common." However, the replacement part sits on national backorder, and repairs cost $150–$415 or more. Owners report paying out-of-pocket when repairs fall outside the warranty window.
Most concerning: owners say they've replaced the accelerator pedal multiple times—up to three times in one case—only for the failure to recur. A few complaints allege GM knew of this defect before releasing 2016–2018 models; one owner references a pending class action lawsuit. One complaint ties the issue to GM Recall 17019 (stochastic pre-ignition in 1.5L turbos) and reports a cylinder compression failure, though GM has not acknowledged applying that recall to affected vehicles. No official recall or technical service bulletin has been issued, leaving owners responsible for repair costs on a vehicle that becomes unsafe to drive mid-journey.
Same Chevrolet Malibu cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Reduced / Limp Mode Triggered by Accelerator Pedal / Throttle Sensor Fault
Vehicle suddenly enters limp mode with 'Engine Power Reduced' dashboard warning, dropping speed from highway cruising (55–70 mph) to 20–40 mph regardless of accelerator input. Check engine light illuminates, often with diagnostic code P2138 (throttle/pedal position sensor correlation). Most owners report turning vehicle off and restarting temporarily clears the warning, though it recurs unpredictably—sometimes within minutes, sometimes days or weeks later. Owners describe multiple episodes over weeks or months. Dealers commonly diagnose accelerator pedal assembly or throttle position sensor as the culprit but report parts on national backorder. Some owners have replaced the accelerator pedal multiple times (up to three times in one case) without permanent resolution.
When: Occurs between 26,000 and 105,680 miles; many incidents reported within 39,000–50,000 miles; some within first 60 days of purchase; happens unpredictably after 45 minutes to several months of normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed reduction to 20–40 mph from highway speeds without driver input; 'Engine Power Reduced' or 'Engine Speed Reduced' warning message on dashboard; Check engine light illumination; Loss of engine acceleration; accelerator pedal depressed with no vehicle response; Hesitation or jerking when braking; stiff brake pedal reported in at least one case; StabiliTrak warning light or service indicator appearing simultaneously; Vehicle feels stuck at 3000 RPM in some instances; Temporary recovery after turning engine off and back on; Recurring failure sometimes within days or weeks of first incident
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation), P2122 (Throttle Position Sensor D Circuit Low Input), P1101 (Intake Air Flow System Performance), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), Check engine light without specific code captured
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically recommend or perform replacement of accelerator pedal assembly ($150–$415 parts and labor cited). Some dealers reset/cleaned the sensor without permanent fix. One shop diagnosed vacuum pump replacement needed alongside pedal assembly but completed only partial repair. Multiple owners paid out-of-pocket as repairs fell outside warranty coverage. One owner cited accelerator circuit board on national backorder. Another received quote over $1200 for repairs. At least three owners report having the same part (accelerator pedal) replaced two to three times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM opened case numbers and acknowledged awareness at some dealerships (e.g., case 9-5339020905 mentioned). One complaint references Global Safety Field Investigation DCS5117 and Special Coverage Adjustment #N192188250 for warranty consideration, but most owners report no recall issued. One owner mentioned a class action lawsuit is pending. Owners allege GM had prior knowledge of defect in 2016–2018 models but did not issue recall; one dealership technician reportedly confirmed his son had the same issue and acknowledged it was becoming 'quite common.' No TSB or formal recall identified in complaints.
Intake Valve / Engine Compression Failure (1.5L Turbo)
Owner with 2016 Chevy Malibu LT 1.5L Turbo reported intake valve defect initially; replaced intake valve but 'Engine Power Reduced' warning returned same day. Upon further diagnosis, cylinder 1 showed zero compression, indicating internal engine damage. Owner alleges this is linked to GM Recall 17019 (Stochastic Pre-Ignition affecting 1.5L turbo engines) and that GM knew of the defect but did not apply recall to his VIN. Complaint indicates piston failure is a known issue with 1.5L turbo engines that GM has not resolved.
When: Cylinder 1 compression failure diagnosed at 74,000 miles; throttle sensor failure at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning; Check engine light with StabiliTrak service indicator; Code P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire); Vehicle shaking at idle after initial sensor warning cleared; Loss of acceleration; unable to rev engine normally
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports need for piston or motor replacement; no repair completed in complaint narrative. Dealership did not acknowledge link to GM Recall 17019 and declined to honor recall on that VIN.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM did not issue recall for this vehicle despite owner's assertion that the vehicle meets Recall 17019 criteria for stochastic pre-ignition. Owner believes GM has known about this issue in 1.5L turbo engines but has not fixed it.
Cruise Control Malfunction (Adaptive Cruise Control Runaway)
When resuming adaptive cruise control, vehicle accelerated uncontrollably after a preceding semi truck without driver input, requiring hard braking to avoid collision. Incident occurred twice more. Dealership performed recalibration of front camera and long-range radar modules but reported no recall available.
When: Occurred at approximately 55 mph; vehicle was operational otherwise
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control caused vehicle to accelerate toward vehicle ahead without driver input; Vehicle took off after semi truck in front during cruise control resume
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed recalibration of front camera and long-range radar modules.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised no recall on the vehicle and performed sensor recalibration.
Synthesized from 97 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I was driving downtown when car engine warning light came on and it slowed down then shut off, luckily the car behind me didn't hit me. I was able to pull over. I've had it towed 2 time one mechanic said: I needed a motor. I bought a code reader replaced both batteries. Next code p2138 reduded engine power. It a defective throttle control accelerator pedal position sensor. I towed it to gm…
I was driving down the Freeway at 65 mph. The roads were wet and slick from snow and in heavy traffic. I got a check engine light and immediately a Engine Power Reduced light. I suddenly lost power and another vehicle behind me almost hit me. I was able to get to the side of the road and shut it off. After a few minutes, I started it back up and the light was still on. I needed to get off the…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 97 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 43,500 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,500; a quarter make it past 72,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/Malibu.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.