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.
Of the 2008 reports, 33 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 20 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2020
HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPER AND LEAKING GAS TANK JUST BOUGHT THE CAR USED A WEEK AGO THE GAS LEAKS WHILE IM DRIVING
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 17, 2020
LOW BEAMS ON MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU INTERMITTENTLY TURN OFF AND ON. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT BULBS HAD DIED SO I REPLACED ONE THEN THE OTHER, HOWEVER, SAME ISSUE STILL EXISTS. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY, BOTH LIGHTS WILL JUST GO OUT. I HAVE PULLED OVER AND GIGGLED WIRES TO LIGHTS AND USUALLY I CAN GET AT LEAST ONE TO GO BACK ON, HOWEVER, THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFAULT THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BEFORE A DEADLY ACCIDENT HAPPENS AS A RESULT OF HEADLAMPS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2020
SO MY HEADLIGHT PASSENGER SIDE TO BE EXACT THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT AN I'VE CHANGE THE BULB AT LEAST 3 TIME IN THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2020
I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS THE COMPUTER CRASHED (CODE U0100 ECM PCMA) UNFORTUNATELY THE CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL SO NOW I MAY HAVE TO GET A NEW CAR BECAUSE THE CAR LOT DOESN'T WANT TO PAY FOR IT. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 26, 2020
THE VEHICLE STARTS RIGHT UP WHEN IT HAS NOT BEEN RUNNING. IF I DRIVE THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 20-30 MINUTES AND SHUT THE CAR OFF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT CRANK OR START. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR OR LONGER BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTING AGAIN. NO MECHANIC HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE THE PROBLEM OUT. I HAVE HAD THE STARTER CHANGED, THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECK OUT GOOD. *TR*DT*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 21, 2020
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR SOMETIMES I GET A MESSAGE ON MY DASH THAT SAYS SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE POWER STEERING. WHEN THE SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE COMES ON THE SPEEDOMETER SAYS ERROR AND I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING AND THE CAR STAYS IN FIRST GEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2020
MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT BAD. ALL OTHER COMPONENTS WORKING FINE. I DROVE IT AT 7AM WITH NO ISSUES. PARKED UNTIL 3PM, WENT TO START AND I HAD POWER BUT ABSOLUTELY NO START OR CRANK.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2020
LOW BEAM PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. IT TURNS OUT THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS BURNING OUT. THIS IS NOT AN EASY FIX FOR THIS MODEL, TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. I WAS TICKETED AND HAD TO PAY THE FINE SINCE I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET A SHOP TO TAKE OFF THE BUMPER WITHIN THE 24 HOUR GRACE PERIOD ALLOTTED BY THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2020
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAS DOOR LATCH ISSUES. WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOORS, THE LATCH WILL NOT CONNECT AND THE DOOR WILL FLY BACK OPEN. WE NEED TO KEEP PLAYING WITH THE LOCKS FOR THE DOOR TO EVENTUALLY LATCH AND LOCK. THEN IT ALSO SOMETIMES DOES IT FROM THE INSIDE AND YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE AND YOU WILL NEED TO KEEP PLAYING WITH IT. ONE DAY, I HAD TO ROLE THE WINDOW DOWN TO TRY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THIS INSIDE. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE EVENT SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS AND THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE THEY WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO, IT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING. EXPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE A SMALL SON. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FAST!
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2020
MY ELECTRIC LOCKS ARE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING RANDOMLY AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH MESSAGE ON DASH. THERE IS NO POWERSTEERING UNTIL I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON THEN LAST FOR A UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2020
LIGHTING NOT WORKING IN CAR, POWER LOCK NOT WORKING, POWER TRUCK OPEN NOT WORKING, BAD SUSPENSION.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 25, 2019
I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION TOTALLY LOCK UP AND SOUND LIKE BRAKING PLACTIC,HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. DASHBOAD LIGHTS EITHER DO NOT WORK OR FLICKER. FAST FLASHING AS IF A BULB IS OUT THAN IT FIXES ITSELF. NUMBERS RUNNING ACROSS THE RADIO SCREEN THAN STOPS.
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2019
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER ENGINE HAS HEATED UP THE FUSE BOX. COLD STARTS ARE OK. ONCE THE FUSE BOX HAS COOLED THE CAR WILL START AGAIN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 8, 2019
ESC ALWAYS TURNING OFF. BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATING RANDOMLY AND NOT WORKING RANDOMLY WHEN IN MOTION. CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGING IF ESC LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CONTROL
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 16, 2019
FRONT LOW BEAM LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT REPLACED LOW BEAM BULBS 3 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS AND REPLACED HARNESSES ONCE AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CONTINUES TO GO OUT. BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND CONTINUES TO STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. 3RD BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME. IT LIGHTS UP BRIGHT SOMETIME, DIM SOMETIME, AND OTHER TIMES IT DON'T WORK AT ALL.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUNN CHEVROLET BUICK (LOCATED AT 3000 DUSTIN RD, OREGON, OH 43616, (419) 442-7814) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A TUNE UP WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V2520000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 9, 2019
2008 CHEVY MALIBU ENGINE SHUT OFF IN MID DRIVE ON CITY HIGHWAY DURING HIGH TRAFFIC. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS DISPLAYED AND CONTINUE TO CODE P0365/6. HOWEVER THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATORS, THE ALTENATOR AND THE BATTERY HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. THE ISSUE HAS UPSET ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS IN LINE WITH 2 KNOWN CONCERNS AND REPORTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED BY CHEVY OR GM. 1) DISCUSSION OF BATTERY CABLES BEING THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM (UNANSWERED) 2) GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL FEB 2014 (WHICH SEEMS TO BE VERY IN LINE WITH THIS ISSUE). I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND OFCOURSE PAID FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO BE TOLD "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". IT IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT COULD BE THE SOURCE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND FORUMS AND REPORTS ON BOTH THE BATTERY CABLES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES. THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE WERE SUPPOSEDLY ONLY ISSUES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLES HOWEVER THE SYMPTOMS WITHIN THE RECORDED MALIBU COMMUNITY ARE TOTALLY IN LINE WITH THE SAME FROM THAT RECALL. WE NOW ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION STRUGGLING TO TURNOVER. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSAFE, FINANCIALLY BURDENING AND STRESSFUL ON THE FAMILIES WHO ARE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THESE CONCERNS WITH NO ANSWER OR RESPONSE IN SIGHT. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2019
2008 CHEVY MALIBU PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT REPEATEDLY HAS BURNT OUT SOCKET, MELTING INSIDE. WIRING HARNESS AND BULB HAVE BEEN CHANGED OUT THREE TIMES AND ISSUE REOCCURS WITHIN DAYS. BULB HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED. WIRING SEEMS IN TACT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH THIS SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE ON FORUMS. WE'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND SAFELY. THANK YOU.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2019
THE VEHICLE STAYS ON AND RUNNING WHEN I CUT THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED AND THE DOORS AND CLOSED. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY RUNNING AND THERE ARE NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2019
ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE SAT IN MY VEHICLE WITH OUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND THE BLOWER CAME ON THEN SHUT BACK OFF ON ITS OWN. I'VE SEEN MY TAIL LIGHTS FLIP ON AND OFF CAR LOCKED NO ONE IN IT FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING RIGHT AS WELL.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2019
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU PASSENGERS HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVERY TWO WEEKS I BEEN READING A LOT ABOUT IT ONLINE AND IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT REPEATEDLY! BAD WIRING, MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 27, 2019
FIRST TIME CAR WAS IN PARK. THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES BUT DOESN'T TURN OFF. ALSO MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. NEXT WAS STATIONARY, I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. NEXT WAS STATIONARY AND THE CAR TURNED ON BUT THEN THE CLUSTER INSTRUMENT LIGHTS DIDN'T COME ON IT WAS COMPLETELY DARK. ALSO WHILE IN MOTION CAR RPM DIDN'T READ ANYMORE AND IT WAS SHIFTING HARD. ANOTHER THING IT SAYS SERVICE TIRE SENSOR AND SERVICE AIRBAG
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2019
IGNITION SWITCH (RELATED TO THE KEY) FAILS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING VEHICLE TO EITHER NOT START OR QUIT RUNNING WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 22, 2019
REPLACED PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HARNESS TWICE, AS THE LOW BEAM/ DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT CONNECTOR BURNS UNTIL THE BULB ITSELF BURNS OUT, OR THE CONNECTOR FALLS OFF THE BULB. MOSTLY NOTICED AT NIGHT, AS THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS ARE USUALLY NEEDED THEN.