Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 55 MPH in a rain storm and making a right turn, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights had illuminated, and the driver suddenly lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the incident the driver sustained a concussion and neck and shoulder injuries which later required medical treatment. No police report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.
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 contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal grinding sound and became stiff. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the brake sensor; however, the failure recurred several days later. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the battery needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the battery needing to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V272000 (Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
I was driving vehicle and "check engine" light came on and message said engine power reduced. The car rapidly slowed down and would not speed up even though I pressed down hard on the gas pedal. I pulled over and parked, shut down and restarted the engine. It worked fine. As I drove to go back home, the car could barely go the speed limit. I parked the car for more than 24 hrs. When I started the car, the engine light had gone out so I drove off. While driving the engine light came back on and the car's speed suddenly dropped down to a very slow pace. The speed limit was 40 MPH. I pushed the gas pedal to the floor but the car would only go about 10-20 MPH. Speed control was a definite problem. The dealership was not far so I drove it there. I explained the problem and the service attendant told me what the problem was before he checked the vehicle. …
I have had my vehicle for 2 years since day 1 I have had issues with the vehicle from control arms, electrical in doors and car systems, throttle body, stability traction control. I think the car has been in the shop well over 12 times with at least 5 times being the throttle body where the car just looses power and your unable to drive more than 40 MPH. It generally would happen on the freeway. I would pull over and have to turn my car off and sit and then turn it back on. The above issues with this car is just to name a few. By the way I purchased the vehicle at 27,000 miles so there is no reason why these issues should continuously be happening. I have called Chevy numerous of times complaing that this vehicle is something wrong with it. I believe they have just about replaced every part except for the brakes, engine and transmission and I a sure those are going to be next. …
When shifter was placed into park in a public parking lot, the vehicle displayed a "shift to park" error and would not turn off. The issue continued despite two dealer repair attempts. I have been unable to shut off the vehicle in my garage, in my driveway, and at numerous public parking lots. Later, the vehicle smacked the brakes without driver input while I was driving on the highway and displayed a "stabilitrak" error. When I pulled into a parking lot and shifted to park, it again displayed the "shift to park" error and would not turn off. Eventually I was able to turn off the vehicle. When I restarted it, it displayed "stabilitrak" error and "power steering" error. I disabled the stabilitrak system in order to get back on the road because I was in a remote area with no place to get the car fixed. …
When shifter was placed into park in a public parking lot, the vehicle displayed a "shift to park" error and would not turn off. The issue continued despite two dealer repair attempts. I have been unable to shut off the vehicle in my garage, in my driveway, and at numerous public parking lots. Later, the vehicle smacked the brakes without driver input while I was driving on the highway and displayed a "stabilitrak" error. When I pulled into a parking lot and shifted to park, it again displayed the "shift to park" error and would not turn off. Eventually I was able to turn off the vehicle. When I restarted it, it displayed "stabilitrak" error and "power steering" error. I disabled the stabilitrak system in order to get back on the road because I was in a remote area with no place to get the car fixed. …
Around 50,000 miles sensor on throttle pedal went out and caused my car to stop accelerating with my kid in the car in the middle of the road driving. Next at 74,000 my 2016 Chevy Malibu lt 1.5l turbo has a cracked piston. I believe recall 17019 stochastic pre egnition should be linked to my VIN. First service stabilitrak comes on with a glowing icon showing a car with wavy lines underneath it. Then code reading p0301 (cylinder 1 misfire) went through the checklist, spark plugs, coils, fuel injectors all fine. Checked the compression of cylinder one and it's gone. Cylinder one has no compression it doesn't work. I saw this is happening to many people with the 1.5l turbo GM tried perfecting and still doesn't know how to fix besides replacing the piston or motor. Both times I was driving my car. …
Related recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020).
Traction Control complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of the model year's 841 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-272 (electronic stability control (esc), May 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.