# Chevrolet Malibu traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 110 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (25) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 110 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Chevrolet Malibu (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (25). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Chevrolet Malibu traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 270 | 0% | | 2016 | 24 | 865 | 3% | | 2017 | 25 | 727 | 3% | | 2018 | 17 | 700 | 2% | | 2019 | 10 | 193 | 5% | | 2020 | 20 | 200 | 10% | | 2021 | 2 | 90 | 2% | | 2022 | 3 | 99 | 3% | | 2023 | 4 | 73 | 5% | | 2024 | 3 | 44 | 7% | | 2025 | 1 | 12 | 8% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chevrolet Malibu recalls related to the traction control light **[16V272000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V272000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-05-05): If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Malibu owners report - "The esc light came on, air conditioner fan speed went high then low and my screen flickered out momentarily. The esc light came on three more times, 10-15 seconds each time with no lights remaining on after and no other changes. The next time I drove, when turning the esc light came on and the steering locked up for..." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "On several occasions in [XXX] and while traveling to [XXX] my vehicle has reported esc codes after starting the vehicle. The ignition light, esc light, parking brake lights come on and do not go off while operating the car until I turn the car off and restart it. When I am at a stop light and try to accelerate on..." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "Everytime I turn my car on it says service ESC which I have no clue what that means and have asked multiple people . My air bag service light is on and it has no reason to be on as my car has not had any problems with my airbags. My car automatically brake while on the highway going 75 when a car swerved into my..." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Malibu traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (16V272000) covering 2016 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Malibu model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 25 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Malibu with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Malibu has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-malibu): 22 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-malibu): 53 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-malibu): 63 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-malibu): 14 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu): 134 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-tahoe): 80 complaints ## Chevrolet Malibu - [Chevrolet Malibu specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.