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: exterior lighting
107 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lamps failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the brightness of the brake lamps was reduced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his partner was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake lights failed to activate or respond as designed. The contact confirmed that at night when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate; however, when the brake pedal was released the brake lights illuminated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brake light failure recurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and had informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) had been repaired in December of 2014. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2022
Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. GM has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which GM won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? We've had it fixed on our own which cost $200.00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 23, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2021
THIRD BREAK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. THE OTHER TWO BREAK LIGHTS HAVE NO ISSUE. I HAD THE THIRD BREAK LIGHT REPLACED AND AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF OTHE CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2021
TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND HAVE A PROBLEM RECALL FOR TAIL LIGHTS PROBLEMS
Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2020
HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF REPLACEMENT. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO TO THREE TIMES A YEAR. POOR DESIGN MEANS THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR MUST BE REMOVED TO ACCESS AND CHANGE HEADLIGHT BULBS. BULBS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MAKING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION.
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2020
HEADLIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY GO OUT. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHTS ABOUT 4 TIMES BUT THE BULB HAS NEVER BURNED OUT ON ME THE LIGHT JUST QUITS WORKING. USED TO BE THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY AND EVERY NOW AND THEN IF I HIT A BUMP OR HIT THE LIGHT MYSELF IT WOULD FLICKER BACK ON. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT HAS REFUSED TO WORK FOR A YEAR NOW. I HAVE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW LIGHT AND NEW WIRING HARNESS AND STILL WILL NOT WORK WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN I UNLOCK THE DOORS THOUGH.
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.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Apr 30, 2020
THERE IS SOME ISSUE WITH MY DRIVERS DOOR. I GO TO LOCK IT WHEN I GET OUT AND IT UNLOCKS ITSELF AND ITS ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT DOES IT. MY CAR WAS PARKED AND NOT IN MOTION. I STARTED MY CAR UP TO GO HOME AFTER WORK AND WHEN I SHIFTED MY CAR INTO GEAR THE DRIVERS DOOR DID NOT LOCK. I HAD TO DO IT MANUALLY. ON TOP OF THAT HAPPENING MY DOME LIGHT IS SET TO TURN ON AND OFF WHEN A DOOR IS OPEN. ALL OF MY DOORS ARE CLOSED COMPLETELY AND THE DOME LIGHT IS STILL ON.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES AND WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BULB WAS REPLACED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTION THE REAR SIGNAL INSIDE THE VEHICLE WOULD CLICK VERY FAST AND THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,006.
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.
Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2020
MY PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. I CHANGED THE BULB AND IT STILL WASN'T WORKING. WHEN I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK, I NOTICED THE CONNECTOR WAS MELTED.
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.
Exterior lighting, Dec 8, 2019
RIGHT LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT. EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE BULB WITH A NEW BULB IT WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THEN GO OFF BUT NOT BURNT OUT.
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Nov 13, 2019
I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND IT CAUSES MY BRAKES TO ENGAGE BY THERE SELVES IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOW
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2019
I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT O PROBLEMS WITH MY LOW BEAMS I'VE CHANGED THEM 3 TIMES CHECKED OUT ALL FUSES AND WIRING SOMETIMES THEY WILL WORK MOSTLY NOT SEEN ALIT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE JUST SAYING THANK YOU
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2019
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY LOW BEAMS SEVERAL TIMES. A COUPLE OF TIMES A MECHANIC REPLACED THE (MELTED AND SCORCHED) HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULB AND IT WORKS FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT EVENTUALLY ONE OF THE LIGHTS GOES OUT AGAIN. I HAVE WASTED MUCH TIME AND MONEY ON THIS ISSUE AND REALIZE I AM NOT ALONE!!!
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
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS SHORTING OUT AFTER BEING FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES.
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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2019
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OFF. REPLACING THE BULB DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS.
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.