2016 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on
- 78owner reports
- 55,000median miles
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Apr 28, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
78 of the 837 complaints on this car describe traction control light.
Tick what matches of 78 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the wheel speed sensor (12 reports) and the ABS/ESC module (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the electronic stability control (esc) covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk and remedy
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). GM's number for this recall is 39440.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 37,000 and 76,000 miles, from the 65 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
No report on this problem is short enough to quote in full.
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 78 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 118 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 106 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 102 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 83 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 44 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 30 reports