2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Brake failure multiple problems
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2016 Malibu report: brake failure multiple problems. CarComplaints.com lists 5 owner complaints, average mileage 96,000 miles.
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints for the 2016 Malibu in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771541 (filed 10/16/2026): “It said service to stabilitrak press the gas and it won't go its delayed..…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11745818 (filed 06/22/2026): “Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: brake vacuum pump, brakes hardened up (3 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Pads and rotors are a common DIY job with hand tools and a jack; ABS/hydraulic faults need a scan tool. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $1,570 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .