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2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Steering is the leading concern among 1,015 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  9. 1,015

Of the 2008 reports, 33 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 20 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernSteering468 reports · 46% of complaints
Owner complaints1,015Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering468
  2. Electrical system244
  3. Exterior lighting107
  4. Service brakes90
  5. Power train89
  6. Latches/locks/linkages76
  7. Electronic stability control (ESC)71
  8. Air bags66

Recalls and investigations

  1. SteeringJul 21, 2014

    Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

    A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

    Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

    Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

    Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

    If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

    GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

    Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

    If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

    Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Sep 18, 2012

    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

    If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

    Campaign 12V460000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: electrical system

244 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 20, 2012

    2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 4 DOOR SEDAN. I PURCHASED THE CAR AND APPROX. ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPERATE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM AND THEY FIXED IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. APPROX. ONE YEAR AFTER THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK INCIDENT, BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCKS FAILED. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE I WAS 200 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY. APPROX. 3 MONTHS LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK FAILED AS WELL. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS, AND HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR. I HAVE TWO SMALL NEPHEWS IN CAR SEATS AND MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THEY ARE IN THE VEHICLE DURING AN INCIDENT THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CHILDREN FREE FROM THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE OF THE DOOR LOCKS. THEY CANNOT REACH THE LOCK ITSELF SO THEY WOULD BE TRAPPED. FOR MYSELF TO FIX THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD COST MORE THAN THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON THE VEHICLE AND IN THE ECONOMY THAT IS VERY HIGH. I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE WITH NO CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN TRAVELING WITH MY NEPHEWS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. CONSIDERING THIS I BELIEVE IT IS A PROBLEM THAT GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *KB

  2. Electrical system, Mar 14, 2012

    THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER WILL NOT COME UP ALL THE WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MOST OF THE TIME I EITHER HAVE TO GO AROUND THE CAR TO THE OTHERSIDE TO UNLOCK IT OR CRAWL OVER THE FRONT SEAT TO UNLOCK IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL OTHERS WHOM OWN THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE THAT THEY TOO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I PURCHASED MY CAR USED AND HAVE RECENTLY BEEN TOLD WHEN I CALLED ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR LOCK HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACE. IF SO MAY OF THEM HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE MY CONCERN IS WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON SUCH A DEVICE. TO ME THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD YOU BE IN A WRECK AND THE DOORS ARE LOCK AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL TRIED TO GET IN FROM THE BACK TO HELP SOMEONE AND THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. *TR

  3. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 31, 2011

    IN THIS 4 DOOR VEHICLE, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS APPEAR TO HAVE A DEFECT THAT HAS AFFECTED NUMEROUS VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS EITHER COMPLETELY FAIL OR BECOME INTERMITTENT. THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THESE ACTUATORS FAILING. THE FIRST BEING THAT NOT ALL THE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO DRIVE, GIVING WOMEN OR MEN A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY AGAINST CAR JACKING BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO INDICATION THAT ALL THE LOCKS ARE WORKING OR NOT ON ALL FOUR DOORS. SECONDLY, IMPAIRED PERSONNEL OR PREGNANT WOMAN MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REACH (MANUALLY) FROM THE INSIDE TO THE REAR LOCKS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR DUE TO THE POSITIONING OF THE LATCH TO THE FAR MOST AFT POSITION OF THE VEHICLE. NOR IS THERE A KEY SLOT TO UNLOCK THE REAR OR PASSENGER DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. THEREFORE, SOMEONE WITH A DISABILITY OR PREGNANCY MAY BECOME INJURED WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER IN A POSITION TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS VIA THE INSIDE LOCK LATCH. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH OF THE ISSUE REVEALED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT MANY CONSUMERS ARE EXPERIENCING. IN FACT, CHEVROLET RE-ENGINEERED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FOR NEWER MODELS AND FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS OF OLDER MODELS, HENCE CONFIRMING THE DEFECT. HOWEVER, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AGAINST A KNOWN ISSUE. THE SAFETY OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND OWNERS ARE COMPROMISED BY THIS FLAW. CASE IN POINT, OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR IN AL, THREE MEN ROBBED A MAN AND LEFT THE AREA IN HIS CHEVY MALIBU. ASKING A CONSUMER WITH A DISABILITY OR WHO IS PREGNANT, WHO BUYS THIS VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS, TO CRAWL OVER THEIR SEATS TO SECURE/UNSECURE THEIR VEHICLE IS WRONG. PLEASE HELP. *KB

  4. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2011

    DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED IN REAR, DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. *TR

  5. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 5, 2011

    AFTER RETURNING GROCERY SHOPPING I COULD NOT GET GROCERIES INTO BACK SEAT, DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK . THIS COULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR MONTHS AS I ALWAYS PUT GROCERIES IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND FLOOR AND NEVER USED REAR DOORS . APPROXIMATELY 1-2 WEEKS LATER OTHER REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. I CONTACTED DEALER WHO STATED GM MIGHT WORK WITH ME TO HELP A LITTLE BUT DOUBT IT AS MY MILEAGE WAS AT 42000 MILES. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM MALIBU OWNERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM AT 40,000 - 50,000 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY IS OVER. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM AS IT SHOWS A DEFECT IN THE ACTUATER IN DOORS GO BAD, AS WELL AS A NEGLIGENT SAFETY HAZARD KNOWING MANY CARS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IS IT GOING TOI TAKE SOMEONE TO DIE IN REAR SEATS DUE TO THIS DEFECT WHEN AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE OCCURS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AS CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT CANNOT OPEN DOOR IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE, AS WELL AS A POLICEMAN/FIREMAN/RESCUERER, CANNOT OPEN EITHER REAR DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. YOU HAVE TO CRAWL OVER AND SQEEZE IN BETWEEN FRONT SEATS AND HAVE ENTIRE BODY IN BACK SEATS BEFORE YOU CAN REACH THE DOOR LOCKS TO MANUALLY OPEN THEM. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME APPROX $400-$500.00 FOR REAR DOORS AND READING OTHER CUSTOMERS THIS COULD EVENTUALLY APPLY TO ALL DOORS INCLUDING FRONT DOORS (ANOTHER $400-$500.00). THIS IS MY FIRST CHEVY I PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND WILL PROBABLY MY LAST. *TR

  6. Electrical system, Dec 30, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CODES ILLUMINATED AND ALL OF THE TEMPERATURE GAUGES ON THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE ALSO BEGAN TO RUN VERY ROUGH. IF THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, OCCASIONALLY SHE HAD TO WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN MODULE, BUT THAT ONLY CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE WIRES WITHIN THE COMPUTER WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR ONLY LASTED A FEW WEEKS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE STATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60000.

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Equipment, Jul 8, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, THE BATTERY, THE STARTER CABLE WIRES, THE SYSTEM COMPUTER AND THE DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH REAR DOORS. ALL OF THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,988 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

  8. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 13, 2010

    2008 CHEVY MALIBU AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY. BEGAN WITH PASSENGER REAR DOOR AND MOVED TO ALL DOORS. WHEN CAR REACHES 15 MPH THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO AUTO LOCK. THEY DO NOT. KEYLESS ENTRY AND STARTER DO NOT WORK. BATTERY WAS REPLACED IN THE KEY FOB WITH NO CHANGE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. COST WOULD BE 250 DOLLARS PER DOOR TO REPAIR. CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO 3 YR 36000 MILE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED WITH INTERMITTENT DOOR LOCKS ON REAR DOOR WORKING AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. DOOR LOCKS COMPLETELY FAILED AFTER 36000 MILE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 12, 2010

    2008 CHEVY MALIBU 4 CYLINDER HAS ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS MORNING DRIVING TO WORK IT RIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY WIFE'S HANDS IF SHE HAD BEEN GOING MORE THAN 35MPH SHE WOULD HAVE RAN INTO A DITCH. I WENT AND MET HER AND DROVE IT HOME IT VIOLENTLY JERKED BACKED AND FORTH ON ME AS WELL. GOOD THINK WE WERE NOT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 70MPH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY DIED. *TR

  10. Electrical system, Mar 17, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS HAVE FAILED, LOCKING THE CONTACT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR ACTUATORS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WOULD PERSIST. IN ADDITION, THE ALTERNATOR, ENGINE LIGHT AND RADIO HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,473.

  11. Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Wheels, Mar 8, 2010

    I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU THAT HAS SOME STEERING ISSUES. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JERK BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE SITTING STILL, STEERING WHEEL MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING. 2 OF THE 4 DOOR LOCKS COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING ELECTRONICALLY. SO MANY MORE PROBLEMS, THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR MAKING THIS VEHICLE CAR OF THE YEAR. *TR

  12. Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Wheels, Feb 12, 2010

    MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS STARTING WITH RIM BENT, LEAKY ROOF, WET FLOOR, BURNT WIRE UNABLE TO START CAR. *TR THE LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND THE SUN ROOF DRAIN WAS CLOGGED. UPDATED 05/12/10. *JB

  13. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2010

    ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. 2008 CHEVY MALIBU. PROBLEM STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO, DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO A DEFECTIVE, CHEAP PIECE OF METAL IN THE FUEL GAGE THAT EASILY CORRODES. CHEVROLET REFUSES TO RECALL PART EVEN THOUGH IT IS DEFECTIVE. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON ALL OF THE TIME IS RELATED. I AM REQUESTING THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED TO MAKE GM RECALL THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE CONSEQUENCE IS THAT I HAVE A CAR THAT HAS A DEFECTIVE PART, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE, I DON'T KNOW IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART OR A REAL PROBLEM. THE RESALE VALUE OF THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY POOR . I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS "2008 CAR OF THE YEAR". THE COST TO REPAIR THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS YET THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PART. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED, ANY TIME. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

  14. Electrical system, Nov 30, 2009

    I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AS I NORMALLY DO. I TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND WENT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT. IT GOT JAMMED. I HAD TO PULL IT OUT. IT TOOK ABOUT 10 MINS FOR ME TO GET IT OUT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAD HAPPENED WAS 10/27/09 AT ABOUT 9:15PM. *TR

  15. Steering, Electrical system, Sep 23, 2009

    I WAS DRIVING APPROX 45 MILES PER HOUR ON A ONE LANE ROAD. MY CAR DIC DISPLAYED POWER STEERING THE WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE, PULLED TO THE LEFT AND BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER, ALMOST MAKING ME HIT THE CAR IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE LADY DRIVING THE OTHER VEHICLE SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER WHICH PREVENTED THE ACCIDENT. I SHUT THE CAR OFF. A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE CAME TO MY LOCATION AND COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING RESETS ONCE THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD IT WAS NOT. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET MY UNDERSTANDING IS I AM NOT A SOLE INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 AND NEWER CHEVY MALIBU. PLEASE PREVENT THESE TYPE OF OCCURRENCES FROM CONTINUING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR

  16. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 17, 2009

    UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON AND REMAIN ON. THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. AT THAT POINT THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. IF YOU PRESS THE PEDAL AGAIN, THEY WILL COME BACK ON, BUT ONLY IF YOU SLAM YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE LIGHTS CYCLE ON EVERY 5 SECONDS, PROVIDING YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE TO TURN THEM OFF. PRIMARY CONCERN IS THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO STOP AND WHEN YOU DO STOP, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN OFF (WITH A HARD PUSH ON THE PEDAL). IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS AT NIGHT. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES REGARDING THE ISSUE. EVERY TIME IT JUST 'STOPS'. NO REMEDY. THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNSOLVED. *TR

  17. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS A DECREASE IN THE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE WOBBLING, WHICH MADE STEERING DIFFICULT. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON EIGHT SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 03/18/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IF FELT AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE LOCKING UP. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 03/20/09. *JB

  18. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,432 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,900. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08.*JB

  19. Electrical system, Aug 13, 2008

    I BOUGHT A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ FROM DAVE SMITH AUTO IN KELLOGG, IDAHO, PICKED IT UP ON JUNE 6, 2008, DROVE IT TO CASPER, WY. ON 7/22/08, CAR WON'T START, FIND OUT IT IS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (HAS TO DO WITH ANTI-THEFT, ETC.), AS OF TODAY'S DATE, AUGUST 13, IT STILL SITS IN THE SHOP AWAITING THE PART FROM CHEVY, WHO SAYS THEY WILL NOT HAVE A PART AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPT./OCT. BECAUSE ALL THE PARTS NOW ARE BEING PUT INTO THEIR NEW CARS. I HAVE ABOUT 1400 MILES ON IT, AND IT IS INOPERABLE. WHAT GOOD DOES A WARRANTY DO WHEN THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS? I HAVE CALLED CHEVY'S SO-CALLED CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, AND THE GIRL THAT'S ASSIGNED TO MY CASE CAN'T DO ANYTHING BUT CALL THE LOCAL DEALER, WHICH I CAN DO, AND CALL THE PARTS DEPARTMENT, WHO GIVE HER INFORMATION CONTRARY TO WHAT THEY'RE GIVING THE LOCAL DEALER. I WANT MY MONEY BACK. *TR