2016 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 106owner reports
- 56,800median miles
- $520median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
465 of the 837 complaints on this car are about the engine. 106 of those describe misfire. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 106 reports
Misfire on other Malibu years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (18 reports) and the ignition coils (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt.
All 9 recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Malibu
Erratic fuel gauge. Closed dec 30, 2003.
Engine stall due to fuel starvation. Closed nov 3, 2003.
Engine coolant boils over. Closed sep 24, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
11 of the 106 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $350 to $4,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 37,000 and 74,000 miles, from the 78 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 51 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of dtc p0299 p0234 setting due to oil/moisture cndensate freezing in Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) during cold weather driving
47 more on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu page.
What owners wrote
“Have been getting reduced engine power since the summer on and off. Check engine light says its throttle bottle sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor. Which I was told there was a recall but my vin isnât listed”
Filed Feb 4, 2026
“Vehicle listed a warning "engine power is reduced" and check engine light came on. Vehicle was taken to local dealer shop to have issue resolved. Original thought from technician was the oil was low. Upon topping off the oil problem persisted. After having the engine tested it was determined to have a cracked piston.”
Filed Jun 15, 2024
“Vehicle engine light reported codes P050F, FE8:engine, and FE9. It was determined the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump was leaking oil and was faulty. It has been replaced and brakes better. Engine light went off. The other diagnostic by my mechanic showed the Oil Control Intake and Exhaust Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid needed to be replaced too.”
Filed Mar 3, 2024
“The engine light has illuminated due to a cylinder 1 misfire and ECM lost connection with the fuel pump which also caused problem with the pistons on the vehicle. All of these issue are related to the engine and itâs only 94,343 miles on the car”
Filed Sep 10, 2022 · 94,343 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 106 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 118 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 102 reports
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 96 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 83 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 78 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 44 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 30 reports