This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 51,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Malibu | 190 |
| 2013 Malibu | 197 |
| 2014 Malibu | 25 |
| 2015 Malibu | 9 |
| 2016 Malibu (this page) | 42 |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 |
| 2018 Malibu | 40 |
| 2020 Malibu | 13 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 42 steering complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 42 steering 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a dangerous pattern: engine shutdowns with simultaneous loss of power steering and braking, leaving drivers unable to control the vehicle. These stalls happen at traffic lights, on highways, and in traffic with no warning codes. When warning lights do appear—"Steering Assist Reduced," "Stabilitrak," "Reduced Engine Power"—they often vanish after restarting, only to recur later.
Power steering failures are the most consistent complaint. The steering wheel locks or becomes rock-hard during turns or at stops, frequently paired with engine shutdown. Owners report being quoted $700–$1,000 to replace the power steering control module after warranty expiration.
Electrical gremlins plague these cars: batteries drain repeatedly despite passing charging-system tests; infotainment screens black out; accessories lose power en masse. One owner had to replace the battery twice in six months with no charging fault found. Another reports a short in the electrical system that dealerships diagnosed but never repaired.
The "Shift to Park" failure prevents vehicles from shutting down even when parked, and the auto-stop system unexpectedly cuts engines during operation. Dashboard warnings repeat constantly, clear after restart, then resurface.
Dealerships consistently return these vehicles after inspections stating "nothing wrong found" or clearing codes without performing actual repairs. Owners cite multiple shop visits for identical failures. No permanent fixes or recalls have materialized despite the systemic nature of complaints.
Same Chevrolet Malibu steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Assist Loss / Power Steering Failure
Steering assistance cuts out or becomes unresponsive; steering wheel locks or becomes hard to turn during operation. Occurs at stop lights, during turns, or while driving on highways. Warning message 'Steering Assist Reduced / Drive with Care' or 'Action Required Steering Assist Reduced' displays on instrument panel.
When: Ranges from 2,614 miles to 160,000 miles; most common in first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes hard to turn; Power steering unresponsive; Warning message 'Steering Assist Reduced' appears on dashboard; Engine shuts off when steering assist fails; Loss of steering control during turns or at stop lights
Codes mentioned: C056D
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership diagnosis of failed Power Steering Control Module requiring replacement; dealers have attempted reprogramming and software updates with temporary or no results. Some owners quoted $700-$1,000 for repairs after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers clear codes and reset fault messages but problem recurs. Some owners report GM stating problem was 'resolved' but vehicle not returned or issue persists. No recalls identified in narratives.
Engine Stall / Loss of Engine Power
Engine shuts off completely while driving or idling, often accompanied by loss of power steering and brake assist. Vehicle may restart immediately, after several seconds, or require jump start. Occurs at various speeds from accelerating from stop to highway speeds.
When: Varies widely; some owners report multiple incidents per week; others experience sporadic failures
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Tachometer and speedometer drop to zero; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable (loss of steering and brake power); Clicking sound when attempting to restart; Vehicle will not restart until engine is cycled off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners report dealerships replacing TCM (Transmission Control Module); others report no work performed despite multiple visits. No permanent repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified. Dealerships state no faults found and clear codes repeatedly. Owner states in narrative #1 multiple write-ups document systemic problem with multiple years of Chevy Malibu but no recall issued.
Electrical System Faults / Battery Drain
Recurring electrical failures including battery drain, inability to start, and intermittent loss of electrical system power. Accessories (AC, radio, wipers, infotainment screen) lose power and do not restore until vehicle is fully restarted. Short circuits reported in electrical system.
When: Can occur with relatively low mileage (34,000 miles reported); some cases after 6 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains repeatedly despite multiple replacements and charging system checks; All accessories lose power simultaneously; Dashboard screen goes black or fails to display information; OnStar system does not work properly; Infotainment screen will not power on
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report battery replacements; one owner had battery changed twice in 6 months with no charging system faults found. One dealership diagnosed short in electrical system but did not repair vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Charging system inspections return no faults. Dealerships unable to identify cause of battery drain.
Stability Control / ABS / Traction Control Malfunction
Stability control warning lights illuminate frequently with messages such as 'Service Stabilitrak' or 'Stability Control Warning.' ABS and traction control functions fail intermittently. Warnings often clear when engine is restarted but recur later.
When: Can occur at low mileage (21,220 miles reported); recurs repeatedly over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning light illuminates; Traction Control System warning indicator comes on; ABS warning light activates; Warning clears after restart but returns later; Intermittent loss of stability and traction control functions
Codes mentioned: C056D
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed internal malfunction in Electronic Control Module (ECM). No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships clear codes and restart vehicle; problem recurs. No permanent fixes or recalls noted.
Shift to Park / Auto Stop System Failure
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message when gear is already in park or will not turn off as intended. Auto stop / auto off system fails to engage or disengages unexpectedly, shutting down vehicle during operation or preventing shutdown when desired.
When: Can occur within 8 months of ownership (one owner replaced gearshift twice in 8 months)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not turn off despite being in park; Gear position indicator shows incorrect position; 'Shift to Park' message displays when vehicle is in park; Auto stop system causes unintended engine shutdown; Vehicle shuts down while in traffic or at lights
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports gearshift replaced twice within 8 months with problem recurring. Another owner notes battery drain related to failure to shut off properly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. One owner states this is known problem with all GM vehicles with no fix or warranty offered.
Steering Wheel Stiffness / Erratic Steering Response
Steering is overly sensitive, erratic, or catches intermittently during normal driving. Requires constant correction; vehicle drifts or shoots across lanes. Dealership reprogramming and software updates provide only temporary relief.
When: Occurs during normal driving; one owner with car for 2 years had ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Steering is touchy and erratic; Slight catch or hesitation in steering feel; Requires extra effort followed by vehicle shooting across lane; Constant steering corrections needed; Dangerous handling during highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reprogrammed steering, replaced tires, and performed software update; problem remained.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspection found no mechanical problems; attempted reprogramming and software update without lasting results.
Infotainment / Dashboard Display Failure
Infotainment touch screen and dashboard displays malfunction, going black or failing to power on. Backup camera, temperature, time, and warning messages do not display properly.
When: Can occur at low mileage (34,000 miles); issues may be intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen goes black; Screen does not power on; Backup camera display fails; Time and temperature display incorrect or absent; Warning messages do not display or display incorrectly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports soft-reset procedure did not work. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted in narratives.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet malibu. While the vehicle was in drive and stationary, it stalled and the drive assist warning indicator illuminated. The steering wheel also seized. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with ALL GM vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from GM for a known defect. My car was almost hit…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 34,400 and 71,000 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,400; a quarter make it past 71,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.