This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems
critical Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 166 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
166
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Malibu | 237 |
| 2013 Malibu | 283 |
| 2014 Malibu | 73 |
| 2015 Malibu | 56 |
| 2016 Malibu (this page) | 166 |
| 2017 Malibu | 137 |
| 2018 Malibu | 123 |
| 2019 Malibu | 51 |
| 2020 Malibu | 38 |
4crashes
4injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 166 electrical 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
Owners have filed 166 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Over 165 complaints document a pattern of critical electrical and powertrain failures in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The most dangerous issue is sudden engine power loss while driving at highway speeds. Owners repeatedly describe the vehicle dropping from 60–70 mph to 20–35 mph in seconds, triggered by a "Reduced Engine Power" or "Engine Power Reduced" message. The problem recurs despite multiple repairs to accelerator sensors, throttle bodies, and engine controllers; one owner spent $4,000 on repairs only to have the problem worsen.
Brake hydraulic failure is documented in at least one complaint with measured residual pressure of 6.839 psi holding brakes engaged and overheating them to 240°F—a safety-critical defect that General Motors appears aware of but has not addressed.
The "Shift to Park" error is widespread. Owners place the transmission in Park correctly, but the dashboard displays "Shift to Park" and the vehicle will not turn off, leaving all electrical systems energized and draining the battery. GM issued Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 acknowledging this defect but without warranty coverage.
Auto Stop/Start failures cause the engine to shut down at red lights and refuse to restart unless the driver goes through multiple shift cycles. Some vehicles experience total electrical shutdowns while driving, going dark with no lights, radio, or instrument cluster, leaving owners without power steering or braking on the highway.
Charging system and battery problems plague multiple owners despite replacing batteries three to four times. One owner replaced the alternator twice and spent $2,000 on diagnostics with no resolution. Water leaks through the 3rd brake light assembly have flooded trunks and caused interior damage. Dealerships frequently state they "cannot figure out the problem" or "have never heard of this," even as the same complaints repeat across ownership reviews and forums.
Same Chevrolet Malibu electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
EBCM/Brake Control Hydraulic Failure
Electronic Brake Control Module causing sustained residual brake line pressure (documented at 6.839 psi when brakes should be released), forcing all four brakes to drag and overheat to 240°F. Occurs even after release of brake pedal, causing unstable handling and overheating.
When: Documented during diagnostic at dealership; mileage not specified for this specific failure
Symptoms owners cite: All four brakes drag and remain engaged; Brake overheating to 240°F; Unstable handling; Constant residual hydraulic pressure in brake lines when pedal released
Codes mentioned: 6.839 psi residual pressure (measured), GM Recall 39440 reference
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic scan performed at Monken dealership documented the hydraulic failure; dealer submitted fraudulent 'rust buildup' diagnosis to GM to deny warranty claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall 39440 exists for 2016 Malibu EBCM defect; GM denied claim based on mileage and dealer's misdiagnosis; refused to investigate documented 6.839 psi pressure issue
Engine Power Reduction / Limp Mode
Check Engine Light illuminates and vehicle enters reduced power mode, limiting speed to 20–35 mph. Occurs while driving at highway speeds (40+ mph, 55+ mph, 65+ mph). Vehicle may stall completely or require restart to clear. Multiple owners report similar accelerator pedal sensor failures and throttle body issues despite repeated repairs.
When: Intermittent; multiple occurrences over months to years of ownership; mileage 40+ mph triggers; one case at 63,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light comes on; 'Engine Power Reduced' or 'Reduced Speed Engine' message on dash; Vehicle speed drops from highway speed (55–70 mph) to 20–35 mph within seconds; Difficult or impossible acceleration; vehicle may creep at very low speeds; Vehicle stalls after entering limp mode; Jerking and shaking while in limp mode; Intermittent; more frequent in warm weather and with A/C running
Codes mentioned: P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Malfunction), App Sensor Failure codes, Multiple check engine light codes (non-specific in some complaints)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships and independent mechanics replaced accelerator pedal sensor, throttle body, engine control module (ECM), turbocharger solenoid, catalytic converter, alternator, pistons, and harnesses; parts on national backorder as of 2018. Some owners spent $1,600–$4,000 in repair attempts with no lasting fix. One case resulted in engine replacement demand by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some recalls issued for accelerator pedal sensor; no nationwide recall for broader limp mode defect despite repeated occurrences across multiple model years
Auto Stop/Start Feature Failure
When vehicle stops (red light, stop sign, traffic jam) and Auto Stop/Start feature engages to shut off engine, the vehicle may fail to restart or may stall immediately when driver removes foot from brake. Engine may also shut down without warning while in Drive or at low speeds. Entire electrical system may shut down with no power available.
When: Intermittent; typically at traffic lights, stop signs, or during highway traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off when Auto Stop engages at traffic light or stop; Engine fails to restart when driver releases brake pedal; Vehicle stalls completely while in Drive; Entire electrical system shuts down (no lights, no power steering, no ability to shift out of gear); Driver unable to open doors, unlock trunk, or activate hazard lights when electrical system is dead; Vehicle restarts after several minutes or multiple restart attempts; Doors lock and unlock randomly during shut-off event
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (may appear intermittently), Stability Control warnings (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing batteries (multiple times, 3+ batteries in one case), VCM (Vehicle Control Module) replaced up to 4 times in one case, wiring harnesses, and shifter assemblies. One dealership stated they would no longer sell cars with this Auto Stop/Start feature due to known issues. One owner spent over $2,000 on repairs without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership acknowledged the issue as 'known' but offered only a trade-in or exchange; no recall or TSB found for this specific failure in complaints; another dealership informed owner that 'everyone with a Malibu is having these problems and they can't figure it out'
Shift to Park / Park Recognition Failure
Transmission shifter is placed in Park, but vehicle's Instrument Cluster or Body Control Module does not recognize Park position. Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' warning message even though vehicle is correctly in Park. Prevents engine shutdown and leaves electrical systems energized, draining battery and leaving driver stranded.
When: Intermittent and recurring; happens multiple times, then may stop for a while before reoccurring; one case took 2 hours of repeated shifting to achieve shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' error message on dashboard even when transmission is in Park; Vehicle will not turn off when Stop/Start button pressed; All electrical systems remain energized (lights, radio, dash displays, climate control stay on); Battery drains completely if error persists; Driver unable to exit vehicle or lock doors properly; Requires multiple restart cycles and repeated Park/Reverse/Drive/Park shifts to eventually recognize Park
Codes mentioned: Service Bulletin GM 19-NA-206 (does not cover warranty repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships quote $500–$800 for replacement of transmission control assembly, shifter assembly, or faulty park switch sensor. One dealership had replaced 8 shifter assemblies in a short period. Transmission control assembly replacement quoted at ~$500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 issued by GM acknowledges issue but does not cover repair under warranty; affects multiple years and makes (2016–2019 Chevy Malibu, Volt, Traverse, Silverado mentioned); multiple owners report dealerships cannot duplicate the symptom and no fault codes are retrieved
Battery Drain and Charging System Failure
Vehicle battery drains rapidly even when vehicle is off or during normal operation. 'Service Battery Charging System' warning illuminates intermittently. Battery Saver mode activates. Multiple battery replacements do not resolve issue; suggests underlying electrical or charging system defect in alternator, BCM, or infotainment system.
When: Intermittent; ongoing over months or years; one case involved battery drain while parked; another during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies or goes dead after 20 minutes of operation or while parked; 'Service Battery Charging System' warning light illuminates intermittently; 'Battery Saver Activated' message appears on dash; Vehicle requires jump-start or battery recharge frequently; Headlights and interior lights flicker or come on randomly, draining battery; Vehicle stalls due to battery drain
Codes mentioned: Battery charging system codes (non-specific in complaints), Telematics trouble codes mentioned in one complaint
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners replaced batteries 2–4 times; one owner replaced alternator twice and spent $2,000+ on repairs without resolution; one owner had OnStar system removed at dealership ($500+) but problem persisted; flickering lights suggest parasitic drain or infotainment short circuit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar system removal was dealership recommendation; no manufacturer response documented for systemic charging defect
Complete Electrical Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving at highway speed (50–74 mph). Dashboard lights, headlights, radio, instrument cluster, and climate control all go dark simultaneously. Engine may or may not shut down. Vehicle becomes a dead weight on highway with no power steering, no braking assist, no hazard lights, and no way to control the vehicle.
When: Intermittent; one case occurred twice in one evening; another during rush hour; mileage not consistently reported
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate at once (5–10 second warning); Headlights go out; Radio shuts off; Instrument cluster goes black (no speedometer, no tachometer); Climate control stops; Engine may stall or continue running without electrical support; Vehicle power restored after a few seconds to 2 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce failure or retrieve any diagnostic codes; one vehicle was exchanged under warranty due to inability to diagnose; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state they 'have not heard of this' and 'are unable to recreate the issue'; vehicle exchange offered as only solution in one case
Stabilitrak / Traction Control Malfunction
Stabilitrak warning illuminates and vehicle applies brakes without driver input, causing sudden deceleration or jerking. May occur during normal driving or highway operation. Speedometer and tachometer may drop to zero mid-drive. Power steering may fail. Issue often accompanies 'Shift to Park' or reduced power symptoms.
When: Intermittent during normal driving and highway driving; one case occurred during acceleration at an intersection
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning message on dashboard; Vehicle applies brakes without driver input; sudden jerking or hard brake application; 'Service Stabilitrak' warning message; 'Service Vehicle Soon' and 'Reduced Power Steering' warnings; Speedometer and tachometer drop to zero while vehicle is moving; Power steering becomes unavailable; Difficulty accelerating or loss of acceleration response
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak fault codes, Brake system codes, ABS codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner disabled Stabilitrak system manually to continue driving; another had speed sensors and vacuum pump replaced ($700 in parts) without resolution; BCM (Body Control Module) implicated in at least one complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealership stated issue is BCM-related with involvement of Stabilitrak and ABS; no recall identified
Water Leak at 3rd Brake Light / Roof
Water enters trunk and vehicle interior through 3rd brake light assembly above rear window or windshield enclosure. Leak causes standing water (up to 1/2 inch deep) in trunk spare tire storage and water damage to roof interior, floor mats, and headrests. Occurs after rain while vehicle is parked.
When: After 2–3 consecutive days of rain while vehicle parked on inclined driveway; one case at 100,000 miles; another on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Water pools in trunk spare tire storage compartment; Water marks and staining on roof interior; Soaked floor mats and trunk materials; Water damage to headrests; Potential electrical damage near 3rd brake light area (though not always manifested)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involved tightening loose nut on 3rd brake light assembly (minor fastener issue); another case involved windshield replacement and screw tightening, but leak recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refused to service or investigate because vehicle was out of warranty due to mileage; issue appears to be a manufacturing defect (loose fastener or poor sealing)
Check Engine Light / Diagnostic Fault Code Intermittence
Check Engine Light illuminates intermittently and then goes off, making diagnosis difficult. When light is off at dealership, technicians cannot run diagnostics or retrieve codes. Light returns after vehicle leaves dealership. Patterns suggest electrical/software issue rather than mechanical fault.
When: Intermittent; light comes on and off unpredictably over weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light comes on and goes off intermittently; Check Engine Light off when vehicle arrives at dealership, preventing code retrieval; Light returns after leaving dealership; Engine may run normally when light is off, then show reduced power or other symptoms when light returns; Pattern suggests sensor or software glitch rather than consistent mechanical failure
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes mentioned throughout complaints (P2138, P3055, P3056, others) but retrieval is unreliable
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership stated they 'could not even run a diagnostics' because light was off upon arrival; suggests BCM or software issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action identified; dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose intermittent faults
Door Lock / Unlock Malfunction
Doors lock and unlock randomly during driving or when vehicle shuts down unexpectedly. Interior door locks click repeatedly; exterior door sensor locks/unlocks fail. Manual lock engagement sometimes fails (lock unlocks by itself). Issue may be tied to electrical shutdown events or BCM faults.
When: Intermittent during driving or at shutdown; one case involved constant flickering locks for extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock repeatedly without driver input while driving; Door locks clicking or engaging repeatedly; Unable to lock doors using door sensor or key fob; Door unlocks by itself after manual lock engagement; Random unlocking during electrical shutdown events
Codes mentioned: 'Check Rear Door Locks' message on dash, BCM-related codes (implied)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had OnStar system removed and door lock issues persisted; suggests BCM or central power distribution problem rather than lock actuators
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented; one dealership noted issue is 'known' but offered no remedy
Infotainment / Radio / USB System Failures
Touchscreen radio and infotainment center go out intermittently or completely. Blinker sounds stop working when infotainment shuts down. USB ports malfunction (only one port functional). Dashboard climate control display may fail.
When: Intermittent; one case involved complete shutdown during electrical failure; gradual degradation in USB function
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen radio goes black; Radio and infotainment display completely shuts down; Blinker audible alerts stop working; USB ports non-functional except one; Climate control display may go dark; Issues may resolve after vehicle restart or remain persistent
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had head unit (radio) replaced; USB port issue persisted after repair, suggesting broader power distribution or BCM problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action documented; head unit replacement performed at dealer
High Voltage Battery Manual Service Disconnect Failure (Hybrid)
2016 Malibu Hybrid with manual service disconnect (MSD) switch for high-voltage battery may not lock into position. MSD can slip or disengage while driving, unexpectedly disconnecting high-voltage power and stalling the vehicle.
When: Intermittent; one case involved vehicle stalling during normal operation; vehicle may stall and require manual restart
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving with no warning; Hybrid propulsion system loses power; Vehicle requires manual intervention to restore function; Vehicle may restart after waiting or attempting restart
Repairs/costs cited: Owner complaint mentions GM recall for this issue (MSD not properly installed); no repair cost documented in available complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall (specific number not provided in this narrative) addresses MSD installation and lock mechanism
Synthesized from 166 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
When the car goes into the auto stop mode it completely dies and the light. No dash lights, no dome light, no hazard lights, literally nothing works. This has happened 3 times so far, and all three times I was in the middle of traffic. I'm not happy, I have had trouble out of this car with other issues sense I gotten it back in july of 2020
I was driving on the highway, going 74, all the lights on the dashboard went on (regular lights, warning lights, everything) it lasted about 5-10 seconds and then went back to normal. Drove another two miles regaining speed to 74 and headlights wentout, all lights in the inside (dashboard, radio, climate control), and I had no power and quickly dropped speed. The car completely shut down while…
Press on the gas and the car slows down to an almost stop position. While driving on a street or on the freeway, the car decides it wants to shut down. All electrical regarding the front and back cameras have gone black.
Takata recall: I purchase a new vehicle in 2016. I start having issues 6months after purchasing. The first one that was never resolved: check engine, engine power reduced. I have taken my car to Chevy webb in lansin, il. This car has stop on me on the expressway and on the street. When reduce speed come I have to pull over and hoping I am not on the express again. Now, Chevy stop assisting me…
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said…
When put my car in park, a display comes on the dashboard saying put car in park. It's not recognizing that the car is in park and won't shut off! It has happened several times with the lasted being 12/19/2020!
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a serious issue. 166 complaints have been filed, including 4 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 91 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,000 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 79,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.