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
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 7, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY CHEVY MALIBU 2008. MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE ON MY WAY HOME ON THE STREET AND THEN MY GEAR SHIFTED TO PARK WHILE AGAIN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. I HAVE BAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT I GOTTEN FIXED AND IT STILL ACTING UP BUT WHAT'S IS IMPORTANT IS THAT MY CAR IS NOT DRIVING AND I CANT START IT AT ALL. YES I GOT A NEW STARTER AND ITS STILL RESPONDING THE SAME. THESE PROBLEMS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED IT ALMOST 3 YEARS AGO. CAN YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME AND HELP ME. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 5, 2016
WHEN DRIVING, 2 MESSAGES APPEARED ON DASH - "POWER STEERING" AND "SERVICE AIR BAG." WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR LATER, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, AND THE "ANTI-THEFT" LIGHT WAS ON, ALONG WITH THE OTHER 2 WARNING MESSAGES FROM ABOVE. AFTER OTHER LIGHTS TURNED OFF, THE "ANTI-THEFT" AND "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT" REMAINED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. ODOMETER: 101844
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 ( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S LOCKS FUNCTIONED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE IDLING AND DRIVING. THE CHECK AIR BAG, CHECK POWER MODULE, AND SERVICE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 21, 2015
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR IT DRIVES FINE. IN THE MORNING WHEN I TRY TO LEAVE AT 7 OR 8 IT REFUSES TO TURN ON UNTIL IT IS WARM I GUESS. THERE'S DEFINITELY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAT FOR 2 MONTHS AND WHEN IT DOES START IT SAYS POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ESC. SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE OVER 20. IT'S DEFINITELY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS RECALLED.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2015
MY GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING FOR NO REASON (NO WEAR AND TEAR-EVERY MECHANIC SAID THAT IS ALMOST UNHEARD OF), MY POWER WINDOWS AND LOCK STOPPED WORKING 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO PAY ALMOST $300 TO FIX EACH MOTOR FOR THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS, THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, MY AC ALSO HAVE ISSUES; THE SENSOR AND THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN CHANGED 6 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 4 YEARS. I AM SICK OF ALL OF THESE ISSUES AND HAVE NO ASSISTANCE WITH IT. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HERE, COINCIDENTALLY, MY WARRANTY WAS UP ON EVERY ISSUE I FACED. GM HAS REALLY TAKEN A LOT OF MONEY OUT OF MY POCKETS. I WAS INFORMED OF THE POWER STEERING ISSUE AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WOULD BE IN THE SHOP FOR 1 DAY, WHICH TURNED INTO 5 DAYS, AND I WAS DENIED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RENTAL FEES, WHICH WERE ALMOST $600. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES, BECAUSE MY CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND 3 CHILDREN. THE WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN AT TIMES, WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR NOT. THE AC IS THE SAME ISSUE, THE PARTS WILL GO OUT WHETHER I AM DRIVING IT OR NOT. THE GAS LEAK ISSUE IS AWFUL, BECAUSE THE CAR WREAKS OF GAS, AND MY CAR BURNS GAS WHETHER IT IS POWERED ON OR NOT. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE THE END OF 2010 AND WE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE ISSUES WITH MY CAR ARE THERE 24/7, AND HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR NOT. ALTHOUGH, THE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN HAVING HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, EXCEPT THE GAS LEAK ISSUE WHICH IS RECENTLY, I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT PUT THE START AS TODAY'S PRESENT DATE, BECAUSE EACH ISSUE STARTED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND CONTINUE TO CAUSE ISSUES, EVEN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR WITH SOME ISSUES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2015
ELECTRICAL AND MODULE PROBLEMS SAFETY HAZARDS WITH TRACTION CONTROL. TC ON WHEN IT SHOULD NOT BE. FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. CAR POWERS OFF DURING DRIVING. GM REFUSED REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGING 120 TO LOOK AT. HAD TO DISCONNECT FUSES AND HAD TO PULL ACTUATORS PRESSURE. SENSORS FUEL AND ELECTRICAL. DOOR LATCHES GOING UP AND DOWN EVEN WHEN CAR IS OFF. CANNOT DRIVE HIGHWAY. GM REFUSED VEHICLE FROM REPAIR OR COMPENSATION.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2015
OWNERS OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH 2008 - 2010 POWER DOOR LOCKS THAT MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE DOORS CAN LOCK AND UNLOCK AT RANDOM TIMES, AND MINE DO NOT LOCK AND UNLOCK UNLESS DONE MANUALLY, SINCE THERE IS ONLY A KEY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS DOOR YOU HAVE TO CRAWL OVER THE FRONT SEATS TO MANUALLY UN LOCK THE REAR DOORS. PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION AND ORDER THE MANUFACTURER TO RECALL THE VEHICLES AFFECTED SINCE ITS SAFETY RELATED. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 13, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2015
DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT AND DOOR WOULD FREELY OPEN. AFTER PULLING THE DOOR SHUT MULTIPLE TIMES IT FINALLY LATCHED AND I COULD DRIVE. WHEN TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. I HAD TO ROLL MY POWER WINDOW DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. AFTER I GOT OUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE IT. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS THE DOOR WOULD STILL NOT LATCH SHUT AND I HAD TO PHYSICALLY HOLD THE DOOR SHUT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WHERE IT NEVER WOULD LATCH. RESEARCH ONLINE INDICATES THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS THAT THE DOOR LATCH/LOCK ASSEMBLIES FAIL WHICH DOESN'T SEEM SAFE IF YOU CAN'T EXIT THE CAR OR IF IT WERE TO COME UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2015
THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS GOING OFF RESULTING IN MY CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO START. I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN MY CAR WILL START AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY IT WILL NOT START OR SOMETHING WORSE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE AND I AM PERSONALLY TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF MY CAR STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR EVEN WORSE, THE HIGHWAY AND IT DOES NOT START BACK UP? RIGHT THERE WOULD BE A SITUATION FOR A POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION AND AT WHOSE FAULT? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR HOW MANY TIMES I AM SEEING THE ISSUE. IT IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN SHOVEL $300+ DOLLARS OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT IS CLEARLY GM'S ISSUE. PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING IT A RECALL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2015
THE CAR HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE SYATEM SETTING A CODE TO CHECK TRANSACTION AND ESC AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD STICK ON. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT ONCE EVERY 2 OR 3 MONTHS. NOW THAT THE GM RECALL HAS BEEN DONE IT IS SETTING THESE SAME CODES 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY. BUT INSTEAD OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS BEING ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK, MY CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, MY TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE CAR STILL SAYS SERVICE TRANSACTION AND ESC DAILY. THIS RECALL HAS MADE MY PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS I NEVER KNOW IF MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING OR IF MY ANTILOCKS OR STABILIZATION SYSTEMS WORK. GM NEEDS TO FIND A DIFFERENT SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 29, 2015
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP FOR UNNECESSARY REPAIR WORK AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SERVICE BRAKE ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. INSTEAD OF FIXING THE WIRING HARNESS AS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE SENSOR AND CHARGED HIM $245. 03. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE DISCOVERED THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT BEEN FIXED., EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIAN NOTED EVERYTHING WAS OPERABLE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A DAY AND A HALF AND REPLACED THE BCM AND DTC.*JB UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2015
INCIDENT DATE IS APPROXIMATE. IT STARTED ON A TRIP HOME FROM CHICAGO WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARMER KEPT COMING ON BY ITSELF. MY WIFE HAD TO SIT IN THE BACK SEAT MOST OF THE WAY HOME. WHAT WE DID NOT KNOW UNTIL JUNE 25TH 2015 WAS THAT IT WAS COMING ON DUE TO A CONDENSATION LINE LEAK AT THE PASSENGER SIDE COWL. ON JUNE 28, 2015 I DISCOVERED SOAKED CARPET IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR FLOOR BOARD. I PULLED THE CARPET AND FOUND 1" OF WATER. OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, ONLY DURING SUMMER MONTHS WITH AC RUNNING, THE SEAT WARMER WAS SHORTING OUT DUE TO WATER WAVES TRAVELING FORWARD AND BACK DURING ACCELERATION/BRAKING. THE LAST TWO YEARS ID FIND WET CARPET, BUT THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS A FLUKE, POSSIBLE SUNROOF LEAK, OR THAT I LEFT MY WATER THERMOS LID UNSCREWED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STAY WET ALL THE TIME DUE TO WEATHER, DRIVE TIMES ETC. OUT OF WARRANTY, I KNEW IT HAD TO BE AC CONDENSING LINE RELATED. I WENT TO THE DEALER (WEBER CHEVROLET IN CREVE COEUR MO), WHERE PURCHASED NEW, TO GET A DIAGRAM OF WHERE THE AC LINES RUN. THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST ME. I WENT TO AN AC AUTO REPAIR PERSON WHO FOUND A FACTORY PLUG IN THE AC DRAIN HOSE THAT EXITS THE COWL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE REMOVED THE PLUG AND WATER OF COURSE CAME OUT. I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT BUT THE WATER KEPT LEAKING INTO THE CARPET. I REMOVED THE FRONT CARPET AND FOUND THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK AFTER VISITING A POST ON A CHEVYMALIBU FORUM. IT IS LEAKING THROUGH A 3OR 4SPONGE RUBBER SEAL ABOUT THE SIZE OF A HOCKEY PUCK, THAT APPARENTLY SURROUNDS THE BLOWER HOUSING TUBE THAT ENCASES THE CONDENSATION LINE THAT EXTENDS THOUGH THE COWL. I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH A SERVICE SUPERVISOR AT WEBER. I JUST RECEIVED A FORUM REPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING TSB INFORMATION: MOISTURE IN CABIN: TSB 09-01-37-002A (A/C - FRONT/REAR PASSENGER CARPET WET). I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A VIABLE REPAIR PROCEDURE BECAUSE I CANNOT ACCESS THE TSB BULLETIN.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, WHICH CAUSED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS, THE DIMMER SWITCH, THE CONSOLE LIGHTS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS, AND THE TURN SIGNALS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BULB FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION, BUT THE REPAIR FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOOSE PIN ON ONE OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE CONNECTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BULBS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK EXCESSIVELY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2015
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE CAR WILL LOCK OUT AND NOT START DUE TO FAULTY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE FOUND JUMPING BATTERY OR DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING BACK WILL CLEAR LOCK-OUT AND ALLOW CAR TO START. ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ALL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WILL BEGIN FLASHING REQUIRING EMERGENCY STOPPING.
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2015
AUTOMATIC REMOTE BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION; REPLACED BATTERIES. FAILED. BROUGHT TO DEALER AND THEY TOOK APART THE DOOR $350.00 AND NO REPAIR. STATED THEY NEEDED TO TAKE APART THE DASHBOARD AND PULL UP RUGS TO FIND WHERE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS. ANOTHER $700.00 AND I DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED. PROBLEM HAS WORSENED AS IT WAS AT FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE ONLY; NOW AFFECTING ALL LOCKS. I HAVE TO LOCK IT MANUALLY AND IT'S DIFFICULT BEING DISABLED TO REACH BACK AND LOCK OR UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS. CANNOT AFFORD REPAIR. NOW THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ARE PROBLEMATIC. I HAVE TO MANUALLY SHUT OFF THE DIRECTIONALS AS THEY STICK. VERY DISAPPOINTED AS I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES MY CAR AND IT ONLY HAS 38,800 MILES ON IT AND JUST MADE MY LAST CAR PAYMENT.
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2015
THE POWER DOOR LOCKS (THEIR ASSEMBLIES) ON ALL DOORS HAVE GONE BAD. THIS PREVENTS THE UNLOCKING OF ANY DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND BACK DOORS FROM INSIDE VERY DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE IN THE FRONT SEAT WHICH CAN TRAP INFANTS OR OTHERS INSIDE. FOR ALL DOORS TO GO BAD AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE AND NEWER CAR IS NOT NORMAL. DOORS INITIALLY STARTED GOING BAD 3 YEARS AGO. OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND DEALERS APPEAR TO ALSO KNOW THIS ISSUE IS COMMON AS THEY CHECK FOR IT WITHOUT REQUEST. GM SHOULD REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS AND FIX ANY OTHER NON- FUNCTIONING DOOR LOCKS AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DOORS DO NOT HAVE KEYED LOCKS AND ALL DOORS TRY TO AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN GEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2015
I PURCHASED A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU ONE YEAR AGO AND HAS HAD STEERING AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER 2 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THE POWER STEERING AND LACK OF CONTROL. WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK OR DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND MAKES LOUD NOISES. WHEN I'M DRIVING, THE WHEEL WILL JERK LEFT AND RIGHT AND FEEL "STUCK" IN CERTAIN POSITIONS. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE WHEEL WILL TURN AND STICK AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT... IT HAS TURNED AND STUCK GOING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON THE STREET AND HIGHWAY. THERE IS ALSO ISSUES WITH THE CAR DOOR LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN, AND I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. I NOTICED THE TURNING LIGHT/BLINKER GOING FAST AND SLOW AND A COUPLE OF TIMES THE CAR SPEAKERS HAVE GONE IN AND OUT. MY DEALERSHIP HAS SENT ME AROUND IN CIRCLES WITH NO CARE IF THIS GETS RESOLVED. I CONTACTED GM AND I HAVE A CASE NUMBER BUT NO ONE HAS GIVEN ME A RESOLUTION OR EVEN SUGGESTED HELP BY GM OR MY DEALERSHIP. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 31, 2015
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND A PERSON BEGAN TO ENTER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HIS 2008 MALIBU DUE TO THE ELECTRIC LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN RANDOMLY. HE WAS ABLE TO RUN A RED LIGHT AND DRIVE AWAY IN ORDER TO ESCAPE. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN A HIGH CRIME CITY. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2015
POWER LOCKS NOT WORKING.I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, FOR THE REASON THAT IF IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL NOT HAVE EXIT ACCESS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 8, 2015
WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK, SUDDENLY MY TRACTION LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION CAME ON MOMENTS LATER, THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 10-20 MPH(LIKE IT ALMOST DIED BUT STILL RUNNING) AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, I COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT AND IT WAS IDLING ROUGH. I SHUT IT OFF, WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND STARTED IT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS SCARED AND JUST WANTED TO GET HOME AND BORROW ANOTHER CAR TO GET TO WORK. I WAS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY FROM HOME, AND MANAGED TO GET IT HOME. WHILE RETURNING HOME IT DID THE SAME THING BUT, IT ADDED A NEW CODE DISABLED ENGINE. I HAVE READ THESE FORUMS, AND I DON'T HAVE EXTRA MONEY TO WAIST ON REPLACING PARTS THAT DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH GM, I DON'T WANT TO BE GIVING THE RUN AROUND WITH BS REASON, I WANT TO FIX MY CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2014
1.AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED ON AND THE GEAR IS SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE, THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. EITHER IT SAYS "SERVICE AIR BAGS" OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN I SWITCH OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE THE WARNING LIGHTS GOES OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK AND I AM FINE. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY DAY. MANY TIMES THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT SOUND THE AUDIO. IT BLINKS QUIETLY. WHEN I SWITCH OFF THE AUTO HEADLIGHT BY TWISTING THE LEVER TOWARDS ME IT DOES NOT GIVE THE CHIME. 2.WHEN I TURN ON THE IGNITION AND START THE ENGINE I HEAR A NOISE FROM THE SPEEDOMETER WHEN THE NEEDLES ARE MOVING FREELY TO THE FULL AND RETURNING TO ZERO AND SETTLING. *TR