Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (36.1% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 2.9× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 301 · 36.1% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 220 · 26.4% | Recalled | Recall 16V502000 · Recall 16V084000 |
| Power Train | 162 · 19.4% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 150 · 18% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 94 · 11.3% | No official action | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 76 · 9.1% | Recalled | Recall 16V272000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 834 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V400000 · 2018 · reported 06/14/2018
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 2018 · reported 05/31/2018
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V272000 · 2016 · reported 05/05/2016
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V781000 · 2016 · reported 10/26/2016
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 2016 · reported 07/05/2016
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V084000 · 2016 · reported 02/11/2016
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V151000 · 2016 · reported 03/11/2016
Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V125000 · 2016 · reported 03/02/2016
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 2021 · reported 08/20/2021
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“IN FEBRUARY 2016 I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE THE NIGHT BEFORE I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC STREET I CAME…”NHTSA complaint 11101259 — filed 06/11/2018 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE AND THE "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE…”NHTSA complaint 11096366 — filed 05/16/2018 · ENGINE
“TAKATA RECALL: I'VE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY 2016 MALIBU IT WILL STOP AND TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO START UP. WHILE DRIVING IT…”NHTSA complaint 11089060 — filed 04/20/2018 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 301 of 834 NHTSA complaints (36.1%), followed by electrical system (220), unspecified/other issues (172), power train (162). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
834 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 22 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 14 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V400000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
