For the Malibu’s ninth generation, Chevrolet updated the sedan’s base engine offering to a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. While smooth and quick to accelerate, owners have also reported a few problems, including hesitation, rough idling, and blown pistons.
Key Points
- New for 2016, Chevrolet adds an entry-level 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine to its midsize Malibu sedan.
- In general, the 1.5L turbo isn’t a dud, but some problems have come up, including reduced engine power and blown pistons.
- “Engine Power Reduced” warning likely caused by faulty accelerator sensor. The part costs roughly $500 to replace per owner reports.
- Coolant air pockets may develop, causing rough idle, shaking, and engine stalls. Coolant type and amount seem to affect the likelihood of this problem.
- The 1.5L turbo engine is a fine choice overall, with issues being few and far between. Models from 2017 and 2018 are just as likely to see engine problems.
‘Engine Power Reduced’ Warning May Appear Randomly in 2016 Malibus with 1.5L Turbo Engine, Potentially Creating Hazardous Road Conditions
For 2016, Chevrolet debuted the ninth generation of its popular Malibu sedan. The model featured updated styling both inside and out, more technology options, and an all-new base engine.
This last addition, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, offers potent performance but has a few reported problems, mostly regarding loss of engine power.
Of the model’s 638 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly a third concern the engine. Car Complaints, seems to confirm this number by mentioning loss of power as the car’s main problem.
In general, most owners describe similar experiences: The car hesitates at random and won’t accelerate above 15-25 mph. Several drivers have found themselves in hazardous situations while out on the road. When power does return, it’s often jarring.
“The engine light came on with the message “Engine Power Reduced” and the car would only go about 25 miles an hour,” shares one owner. After having his Malibu serviced, the repair shop claimed the issue “had to do with the accelerator.”
More specifically, the accelerator position sensor seems to be the culprit. However, there are also a few mentions that replacing this part didn’t fix the issue.
Coolant Air Pockets in 2016 Chevrolet Malibus with 1.5L Turbo Engine May Result in Piston Damage
Piston failure is another problem with 2016 Chevrolet Malibu’s with the 1.5L turbo engine. While not common, the issue has been noted by Chevy, which often covers the majority of repairs depending on the vehicle’s age/mileage.
Most drivers mention the same things: rough idling, shaking (often described as “violent”), and sometimes, the engine stalling out.
“I noticed the car was idling rough while stopped at a light,” says one owner on Chevy Malibu Forums. “Over several more stops, the idling got rougher…”
Results are often identical, “The service center checked compression and guessed that a piston had failed. [The shop] did an inspection and a day later they told me they needed to replace all four pistons.”
One moderator’s reply to the issue, “Based on piston failure reports… all of them had the coolant air pockets… Air pockets in coolant create hotspots… Excess heat causes a cylinder to ignite at the wrong time, and you blow pistons.”
Depending on the number of damaged cylinders, repairs seem to run from around $900 to over $4,000. Using the correct type and amount of coolant seems to be influential on whether air pockets develop or not.
2016 is a Fine Year for the Chevy Malibu, but Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms Suggesting Problems With the 1.5L Turbo Engine
At the end of the day, the 2016 Malibu’s 1.5L turbocharged engine isn’t a dud, but it’s also not perfect.
While no engine-related recalls have been issued or investigations opened, many reports do claim Chevy has covered much of the repair bills, albeit after a few shop visits.
Should you opt for a later Malibu model year instead? Not necessarily, as a similar number of engine-related issues have been reported for 2017 and 2018 as well.
The main symptoms to watch for are rough idling, shaking, and engine stalls. These indicate potential piston problems. Bringing the car to a shop early, as well as using the correct type/amount of coolant should keep you from experiencing the worst 2016 Malibu 1.5L turbo problems.
Photos: Chevrolet
