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P0016 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
4
Most Affected
2009, 2011, 2013

What P0016 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"Gm: some dtc codes may be set, p0016, p0017, p0018, p0019, p0008, or p0009. 3.6 ly7 with cam actuator dtc.the reluctor for the crankshaft sensor pressed on the crankshaft may have moved."

— 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • ENGINE • Filed 07/26/2014

"My 2011 chevy malibu with 2.4 ecotec just broke a timing chain guide. 67,000 miles. was getting the p0016 and p0017 crank / cam correlation codes. man am i ticked!! i bought this car with 18,000 miles always changed oil."

— 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • ENGINE • Filed 03/14/2019

"Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, it began to hesitate and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart."

— 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • POWER TRAIN • Filed 05/04/2019

"Small trip to Georgia granddaughter’s birthday. Vehicle just went in limp mode. Lost power brakes. My brothers code reader showed P0 014, P0 017, P1101, P0016. I’m pulling up and showing on NHTSH for open recalls and one complaint. I’m trying to make a complaint. The car we turn off."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE • Filed 08/26/2022

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P0016 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

50%
25%
25%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2009
1
2011
1
2013
1
2017
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P0016 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026