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: electronic stability control (esc)
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE OF ARRIVAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 29, 2014
MY TRACTION LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR VERY SUDDENLY AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND ROARED UP REALLY LOUD. I WAS SURROUNDED BY TRAFFIC. IT WAS VERY SCARY. *JS
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED BRIEFLY. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) DUE TO THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 24, 2014, crash
MY SISTER AN I WAS ON A FLIGHT FROM LOS ANGELES, CA INTO DALLAS, TX AT THE AIRPORT WE RENTED A CAR FROM NATIONAL CAR RENTAL TO GO ONTO SHREVEPORT. LA TO SEE OUR SISTER WHO WAS IN HER LAST DAYS WITH HER FIGHT WITH CANCER. WE'RE ON I-20 NORTH DRIVING ALONG THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STEERING WENT OUT OF CONTROL, SPEEDING GOING VERY FAST I COULD NOT STOP, THE WENT OVER INTO THE MEDIN OF I-20 STEAL TRAVEL FAST WENT ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE SOUTH I-20 STILL COULD NOT STOP NO BRAKE WE HIT A CAR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE I-20 THAT WHAT KEEP US FROM GOING OFF I-20 COMPLETELY. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOY AT MY SISTER DIED ON THE SPOT OF THE CRASH, I WAS KNOT OUT AND THE HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN DALLAS, TX SHE WENT TO THE MORDGE IN TYLER,TX I COULD NOT WALK, SHOULDER BROKE, ARM AND LEGS WE'RE IN BAD SHAPE. THE DAY I GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL THE SISTER WE'RE GO TO SEE DIE. THEIR NEVER WAS A OFFICER OF THE LAW TO COME AN TELL ME ANY THING IN REGARD TO THE CRASH, THE GM CHEVROLET 2008 MALIBU WE RENTED ACT JUST LIKE THE OTHER GM VEHICLES IN THE IGNITION RECALL, THE CAR ENGINE, GOING OUT OF CONTROL, STEERING I HAD NO CONTROL , POWERS BRAKES NOT WORKING I COULD NOT STOP, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY AT ALL GM KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECT AND MY INJURIES AND MY SISTER DEATH DID NOT HAVE TO BE NOT ONLY THAT THIS MODEL WAS NOT IN THE RECALL I NEED SOME ANSWER AS TO WAY THE VERY SAME THING HAPPEN TO ME AND MY IN A FATAL CRASH IN THIS GM PRODUCT A INVESTIGATION NEED TO BE DONE AND I NEED AN WONT ANSWER TO THIS CRASH, MY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME I NEED TO KNOW WHY PLEASE. *TR
Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 26, 2014, crash
I WAS T BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING THE WRONG WAY ON A ONE WAY. I THEN WAS SENT UP A CURB 35 MPH HITTING A TREE HEAD ON DRAGGING THE CAR DOWN THE TREE THEN WENT UP A SMALL HILL ALMOST ENDING UP IN SOMEONES PORCH. I PASSED OUT AT SOME POINT. NOT ONE AIRBAG WENT OFF IN MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY REQUESTED PICTURES FIRST. I SENT PICTURES OF THE MALIBU AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T FEEL THE AIRBAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED. I WOULD HAVE TO FIND THE VEHICLE FOR THEM TO CHECK THE MODULE. I FOUND THE VEHICLE AND GM SAYS THE MODULE WAS NOW PUT IN ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I NOW HAVE TO FIND THAT VEHICLE. THIS NEXT PERSON MIGHT NOT LIVE THROUGH A ACCIDENT. WHY WOULDN'T THEY FIND THIS.VEHICLE AND CHECK THE MODULE? MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I WORRY ABOUT THE PERSON NOW DRIVING WITH THIS MODULE IN THEIR CAR! ISN'T THIS THE PROBLEM GM HAS NOW? *TR
Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ERRONEOUSLY AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE DURING DECELERATION. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL, DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROLS ALSO FAILED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 14, 2014
SOMEONE FOLLOWING ME TO WORK INFORMED ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BUT WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STREET LIGHT, THEY WOULD GO OFF. NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE WARNING TO SERVICE MY TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC SYSTEM IS ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY ALL THE TIME. I GOOGLED THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE AND FOUND A RECALL FOR MY YEAR OF CAR THAT CAN CAUSE MY OTHER ISSUES. I CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD BY [XXX] THAT MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THIS AND TRANSFERRED ME TO THE NEAREST DEALER TO MAKE AN APPT FOR MY CAR REPAIRS. THE DEALER SAID THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES BUT I AM UNDER A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING RECALL! THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS BUT I CAN KEEP CALLING AND CHECKING . I THEN CALLED GM BACK SPOKE TO [XXX] WHO ADVISED THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT YET . IT IS UPCOMING SOON THEY ARE IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THIS . NO TIME FRAME WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I ASKED WHAT DO I DO IN THE MEANTIME WITH THIS UNSAFE CAR. SHE SAID I CAN GET IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I QUESTIONED IF I WOULD BE REIMBURSED ONCE THEY ISSUE THE RECALL. SHE ANSWERED NO PROMISE THEY WILL. LATER THAT DAY THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER CALLED SAYING GM TOLD HIM TO CALL ME! WE COULD MAKE AN APPT TO CHECK MY CAR, PAY OUT OF POCKET , KEEP RECEIPT , AND IF THE RECALL INCLUDES MY PARTS, I WILL BE REIMBURSED OR I CAN TRY TO HOLD OUT FOR RECALL. I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED. I'M UNDER AN ACTIVE RECALL BUT NO PART TO FIX IT AND THIS OTHER IN BEGINNING STAGES. THIS LIGHT ISSUE HAPPENED TO ME IN OCTOBER 2013. I BOUGHT A NEW BRAKE SWITCH, HAD IT REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. NOW MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE BUT ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL, ESC WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE BEST PART WHEN I ASKED [XXX] AT GM WHAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE YOU ARE DRAGGING THIS OUT. SHE REPLIED YOU SHOULD CALL US BACK AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/14/2015*JS
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 6, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITH MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT. THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE STABILITY CONTROL WILL NOT WORK. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 27, 2014
INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT SKIPS A BEAT/STALLS FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THEN OFF, THE DASHBOARD READS: "SERVICE TRACTION/SERVICE ESC". DURING RESEARCH OF THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE, WE LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE POTENTIALLY DYING WHILE IN OPERATION. WE HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THAT. FURTHER WE LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ISSUED 5/14/14, NUMBER 103518, CALLED ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL WITH TECHNICAL DETAILS NOTING A FIX TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AS THE SOLUTION - ALL ISSUED ON 5/14/14. HOWEVER, UPON INQUIRY OF GENERAL MOTORS, THEY NOTED OUR VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE NOTED IN THE RECALL. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE RECALLED VINS MAY NOT BE A COMPLETE LIST AS WE ARE CLEARLY EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE. THE RECALL NOTES THAT THE DEFECT INCREASES RISK OF A CRASH. WE ARE UNSURE OF HOW TO PROCEED AS GM NOTED PARTS FOR REPAIR ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2014
THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THE SERVICE ESC AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON. THEN THE ESC AND TRACTION OFF LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE JERKING CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AT 40MPH AND AT 65MPH. *JS
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 3, 2014
06/18/2013 SUDDEN ONSET OF STEERING PULLING TO THE RT AND POPPING @ BRAKE PEDAL & STEERING WHEEL. SVC: ROTATE & BALANCE * DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. 06/23-SERVICE TRACTION/TRACTION OFF ON DIC. SVC: SCANNED FOR CODES-TOLD TO BRING BACK WHEN DISPLAY ON DIC. 07/22 BRAKE LIGHT OUT. SVC: REPLACED BULB. 07/23 SCANNED FOR CODES 3 TIMES, CHECKED BATTERY/ALTERNATOR. 09/11 BRAKE JOB, TURNED ROTORS, RAN SCAN, PULLED BCM (PASSENGER SIDE) CHECKED FOR FRETTING CORROSION. 09/19 SERVICE TRACTION FINALLY ON DIC- REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, RESET CODES. 57 MILES LATER WARNING BACK ON. SCANNED FOR CODES-MULTIPLE CODES. 09/20 RAN SCAN WHILE DRIVING (SVC TRACTION NOT ON DIC)- MULTIPLE CODES * RECOMMENDED CONTACT CHEVROLET TO BE DIAGNOSED - TOO MANY CODES. CALLED CHEV. CUSTOMER SERVICE- REFERRED TO DEALER. 10/03 @ DEALER: CS REQUEST SCAN FOR CODES - HAS STABILITRAC-TCONTROL ON-BRAKE LIGHT ON BUT PRESS BRAKES AND LIGHTS GO OFF-DIAG ONLY PERF DIAG TEST EBCM CODE C056100 BCM CODE C0277 00. *REPLACE BPP SENSOR, CLEAN APPLY DIELECTRIC TO BCM CONN., RELEARN BPP SENSOR AND CLEAR CODES. $212.23. ON SAME WO: CS: STEERING WILL PULL OR TWITCH LFT TO RT **PERFORM SPEC. POLICY 10183 STEERING ASSIST. $0. **10/21@7:30AM TRANSPORTING MY 2 DISABLED CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, TOOK RT AND COMPLETELY LOST STEERING. CALLED FOR TOW TO DEALER**CSPOWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON-STEERING TIGHTENS UP-WON'T STEER-THEN LIGHT GOES OFF AND STEERING COMES BACK ON. PERFDIAG TEST CODE C0545 DIAG PS. REPLACE COLUMN & SETUP POSITION SENSOR TURNING & TORQUE SENSOR $763.08. **DID NOT FIX STEERING POPPING & PULLING. CALLED DEALER IN NOV. WANTED $65 DIAG. FEE. 02/02 TOOK TO INDEPENDENT SHOP: LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PER TSB DID NOT FIX. 02/11 SVC TRACTION BACK ON!!! CALLED DEALER, TOLD TO BRING IN WHEN ON DIC TO SCAN FOR CODES - REALLY! WANTED ANOTHER $65.CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE INTO DEALER. 04/03/14 STEERING POPPING AND PULLING! UNSAFE CAR!!!
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 3, 2014
WHILE MAINTAINING SPEEDS AROUND 35-40 MPH. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO TRY TO CUT OUT AND LOSE POWER. THE SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. THE ENGINE WAS TRYING TO CUT OUT. LATER IN THE DAY STARTING OUT AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I WAS STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED A FEW THINGS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE ON A SIDE ROAD. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR RESTARTED AGAIN AND HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A FEW MORE PARTS AND SAID IT WAS OK. AFTER IT HAPPENED FOR A THIRD TIME I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO KEEP IT UNTIL THEY GET IT RUNNING PROPERLY. THE CAR WORKS BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE WANTS TO CUT OUT SOMETIMES BUT NOT AS BAD. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 1, 2013
WHEN WE PURCHASED THE MALIBU LTZ V6 FULLY LOADED , LEATHER SEATS ALL THE UPGRADED OPTIONS I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING A "EXCELLENT" CAR. I WAS DELUSIONAL ! WITHIN A COUPLE OF MONTHS I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY RADIO, AND COMPONENTS IN THE RADIO SAYING" AUX INPUT DEVICE" AND IT KEPT TURNING ON AND OFF ! I CALLED CHEVROLET IN GREEN COVE SPRINGS FLORIDA AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS "NOTHING" IT WASN'T NOTHING ! I WAS TOLD OF COURSE "AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED" THAT IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM! AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE THEN $3,000 TO FIX IT! NICE GM! BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS WIRED INTO THE RADIO SO WHEN THEY RADIO HAS A PROBLEM GUESS WHAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ? EVERYTHING GOES TO HELL ! ALSO MY MOTORS ON ALL MY DOORS HAVE FAILED AT LEAST ONCE AND NOW BECAUSE MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS GOING MY DOORS OPEN AND CLOSE WHEN THEY WANT TO ! I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES AND HOUR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AS IF I HAD NO POWER AGAIN THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG ! THIS IS MY FIRST CHEVROLET AND MY LAST ! I AM TRADING THIS GARBAGE IN FOR A FOREIGN CAR ! PROBABLY A FIAT ! THANK YOU ! GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BAILED THEM OUT AND THEY HAVE CHINA WHO BTW HATES US ! MAKING PARTS FOR OUR CARS ! OMG I JUST LOVE THIS COUNTRY ! *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 26, 2013
I FIRST EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OCTOBER 2011 WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATED SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC, I TOOK MY CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE WHERE THEY PUT DIELECTRIC GREASE ON THE BCM CONNECTORS. THEY STATED IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A DEALER FOR THE BCM TO BE REPROGRAMMED. WHILE THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM OF MY SERVICE BRAKE LIGHTS COMING ON WITHOUT TOUCHING MY BREAK PEDAL AND THEN WHILE BREAKING NO BREAK LIGHTS COME ON, THE FIX ONLY WORKED TEMPORARILY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE LIKE OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF IT CLEARS THE MESSAGE UNTIL YOU ARE NO LONGER AT THE GARAGE AND IT COMES BACK ON. I TOO TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND DID NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE SERVICE WRITER SAW THE MESSAGES WHICH WERE, SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC. THE FIRST TIME I VISITED THE DEALER WAS ON JUNE 1, 2012, THEIR REPORT STATES CODE C0131 ABS TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PRESSURE CIRCUIT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED ON JUNE 25, 2012 IN WHICH THEY REPLACED AND CALIBRATED BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH, GREASED BCM CONNECTOR, CLEARED CODE, ROAD TEST, REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOR A SUM OF MONEY. THIS HAS NOT FIXED MY PROBLEM TO DATE. THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY PERSISTENT DURING DAMP AND WET WEATHER. IT IS AN UNEASY FEELING DRIVING BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 2, 2013
2008 MALIBU SHOWS "ICE POSSIBLE" AND THEN TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN ENGINE POWER REDUCE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ENGINE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGH WAY, IN TRAFFIC, WHILE ACCELERATING AND HONESTLY GOING UP AND DOWN HILLS. TOOK TO SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, HOWEVER AFTER REPLACING THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE DONE HOWEVER THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE RECALL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUE AND HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY THE CAR IS DOING THAT. I HAVE LOOKED ON LINE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE A RESOLVE FOR THE ISSUE. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A DEFECT AND SOMETHING THAT IS RECALLED IMMEDIATELY AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 21, 2012
STARTED THE CAR TO COME OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, HEARD HUMMING/RATTLING NOISE. STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE THEN WOULD DO RAPID HALF-TURNS BY ITSELF, JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. SEEMED OK FOR FIRST FEW MINUTES THEN STARTED AGAIN. GOT ON THE ROAD, DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPG ON HIGHWAY AND IT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. COULD NOT KEEP IT STRAIGHT WITHIN THE LANE. ALMOST HIT A CAR IN THE LANE ON MY RIGHT! PULLED UP TO AN AUTO SHOP NEAR BY. THEY TEST DROVE AND EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE BUT EXPLAINED THAT WITH THESE CARS, THE TECHNOLOGY IN THEM IS TOO ADVANCED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A CHEVY DEALER. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THE MATTER IS QUITE HAZARDOUS AND IT WOULD BE A HUGE RISK DRIVING IT NOW. SINGLE MOM DRIVING 45 MINUTES FROM HOME WITH 2 MINOR CHILDREN. HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO GET BACK HOME, 45 MINUTES AWAY. $$$!! HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 11 MONTHS ONLY. PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE, HAD DOOR LOCKS ISSUES AS I'VE READY ON OTHER THREADS AND ALSO CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH FAULTY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AS WELL. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I'VE HAD IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND VERY LAST CHEVROLET!! *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 20, 2012
I JUST PULLED ON AND STARTED TO DRIVE ON A WINDING DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN ROAD -NOT YET ACCELERATING 40MPH- WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT LET ME TURN, ALMOST FROZEN, AND I AM INTO A RIGHT CURVE! I WAS FIGHTING THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL FOR WHAT SEEMED MINUTES BUT WAS ACTUALLY SECONDS AS I SLOWLY PUT ON MY BRAKES WHILE I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL (MIND YOU I AM IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A MT. CURVE, A CONCRETE WALL TO MY LEFT, A ROCK OUTCROPPING ON MY RIGHT, NO SHOULDER, GUARDRAIL BEGINS WHERE THE ROCKS END. WHEN I FINALLY REGAINED CONTROL, I STILL HAD A HARD TIME STEERING; STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE...INTERMITTENT SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL/SOMETIMES FELT LIKE I HAD LOST A BOLT ON MY RIGHT RIM (FOR THOSE WHO DID AT ONE TIME YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT)/I HAD A SHIMMY ON THE RIGHT LIKE SOMETHING WAS NOT CONNECTED/ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR CONTROL AT ALL (HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL-TOOK SOME MUSCLE), JUST NOT RIGHT. MY CAR USED TO HAVE SUCH CONTROL- TURN ON A DIME BARELY TOUCHING THE WHEEL. THIS STEERING ISSUE HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND MENTIONED TO MY MECHANIC AT AN OIL CHANGE BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING, EVEN HOOKED UP TO THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT, WALLET LIGHTER. I ACTUALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING OUT OF MY MIND THEN READ OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME KINDS OF PROBLEMS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? FOR THE MOUNTAIN THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE EVERY DAY TO AND FROM WORK, THIS COULD PROVE VERY DANGEROUS-LIFE THREATENING... I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY OWN CAR I HAVE ONLY HAD NEARLY A YEAR NOW NOR HAVE THE FUNDS TO SPEND ON COSTLY REPAIRS. I AM READY TO TAKE THE BUGGER BACK AND DEMAND MY MONEY BACK AND GET A MORE DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. I AM DONE SPENDING MONEY- WHY THIS IS HAPPENING? WHY NO ANSWERS OR FIXES? WORSE YET, "EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY" WHEN IT KEEPS HAPPENING! *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 21, 2011
THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, TRYING TO USE THE BRAKES WHEN NEEDED (IE SLOWING DOWN, STOPPING) SHUTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF, WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS PERSONS IN OTHER VEHICLES AROUND MY VEHICLE. IT ALSO TAKES WHAT SEEMS TO BE SOME FORCE TO MAKE THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. SOMETIMES SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING IT SOLVES THE ISSUE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING A CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE, WHICH I AM ASSUMING IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ABOVE PROBLEM. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WANT TO STAY ENGAGED WHEN TURNED ON. IT SEEMS THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE BY THEMSELVES. THIS IS ALSO ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PERSONS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING AN ERROR THAT COMES ON ADVISING THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF AND TO SERVICE THE ESC SOON. THIS LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON THAT I CAN DETERMINE. THE ERROR CODE THAT COMES ON IS C0131. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE (MORE THAN 50 AT THIS TIME) THAT I HAVE FOUND THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THIS IS A VERY HIGH SAFETY CONCERN, THAT I AM UNSURE ON WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. I CAN IMAGINE THERE ARE WAY MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HAVE JUST HAD THIS ISSUE FIXED ON THEIR OWN INSTEAD OF TAKING THEIR TIME OUT TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA FOR THEIR REVIEW. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF CONTACT TO BE MADE BY THIS DEPARTMENT TO MYSELF. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THESE SAFETY ISSUES. *TR
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 16, 2008, crash
HAVE HAD TWO ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHICLE BOTH FRONT END COLLISIONS AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. ALSO THE RIMS ARE NO GOOD TIRES KEEP LOOSING AIR. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 24, 2008
SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND ACCELERATION WAS DECREASED, COULD NOT GO OVER 50 MPH. TOWED TO DEALER & THEY SAY A MODULE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO STICK. SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLACE 2 BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND THE MODULE IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THEY'VE HAD IT FOR 9 DAYS NOW. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 20, 2008
DRIVING ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY THE WARNING LIGHT FOR EMERGENCY STABILITY CONTROL/TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON. DRIVER'S INFORMATION CENTER THEN INDICATED THAT BOTH NEEDED SERVICING, THEN ADVISED "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". MANAGED TO "LIMP" HOME DRIVING THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, SAME THING HAPPENED (BUT NOT ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY). DEALER FIXED IT, CLAIMING "TRACED PROBLEM TO WIRING HARNESS, CHAFFED AND RUBBING ON TRANSMISSION BOLT - REPAIRED HARNESS & REROUTED HARNESS." CAR HAD LESS THAN 900 MILES ON IT. MAYBE OUR CAR WAS UNUSUAL, BUT I'M THINKING IF WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS RUBBING AGAINST A TRANSMISSION BOLT, SO BADLY THAT IT STARTED SHORTING OUT IN LESS THAN 900 MILES, THERE ARE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2008 MALIBUS AT RISK OF THE SAME THING. *TR