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: latches/locks/linkages
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCKS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Jul 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LOCK WITH THE KEY FOB, BUT IT DID LOCK WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE AIR CONDITIONER SMELLED LIKE THE COOLANT WAS BURNING; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 21, 2013
DOOR LOCKS ARE FAILING TO LOCK AND UNLOCK, WITH THE KEY FOB OR, WITH THE INSIDE SWITCH, FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE OR FROM EITHER ONE OF THE THREE OTHER DOORS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS, IF SOMEONE IS ABOUT TO GET ROBBED, RAPED, BEAT UP OR A CAR JACKING IS ABOUT TO OCCUR AND, THE DOOR LOCKS FAILS TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THEN, SOMEONE COULD GET RAPED, INJURED OR EVEN KILLED. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS MESSAGE AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST GENERAL MOTORS TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. I THINK, ALONG WITH EVERY OTHER 08 OR 09 MALIBU OWNERS, THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS USING THIS FOR A "CASH COW" AS THEY TOO ARE UNWILLING TO BUDGE AND DO THE RIGHT THING BY MAKING AND INSTALLING AN UPGRADED LOCKING SYSTEM THAT WILL LAST FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 30, 2013
INITIALLY THE LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONED - APPROXIMATELY 17 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, WOULD NOT UNLOCK; PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THEN THE DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK. SPOKE WITH GM DEALER - NOT COVERED, PARTS COST $165 PLUS, THE NEXT LOCK TO MALFUNCTION WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, WOULD NOT UNLOCK; PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THEN THE DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK. CONTACTED GM DEALER - NO RECALL NOTICE OUT, NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER CARE - NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE.THE LATEST DOOR LOCK TO MALFUNCTION IS THE RIGHT REAR DOOR, WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. WHET TO GM DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE - COST $ 58.80, INFORMED, "NEED RIGHT FRONT AN BOTH REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS, $ 784.24 INSTALLED - HAVE TO ORDER." IRONICALLY, THE ENTRY ALARM SYSTEM STILL FUNCTIONS IF IT HAS BEEN SET ALTHOUGH THE DOOR APPEARS, AND ACTUALLY IS, UNLOCKED. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2013
I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS MANY ON THE CHEVY.COM WEBSITE. THE ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH THE DOOR LOCKS NOT LOCKING. THE POWER DOOR LOCKS ATTEMPT TO PULL THE LOCK DOWN BUT HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO CONSISTENTLY DO SO. IT IS TOT HE POINT WHERE THE ONLY WAY TO LOCK THE DOOR IS TO MANUALLY DO SO. THIS WOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE IF THE CAR HASN'T ALREADY TRAINED YOU TO BE USE TO THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE AND LOCK WITH THE KEY FOB WHILE WALKING AWAY FROM THE CAR WITH A CLICK AND A HONK. THERE ARE SOME SAFETY ISSUES HERE AS YOU AREN'T QUITE SURE WHEN YOU CAR IS LOCKED OR NOT. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE WAS DISTURBING WHEN I LOGGED ONTO THE CHEVY.COM FORUM WHICH DISCUSS SUCH ISSUES. A RECALL SEEMS INEVITABLE AND VERY MUCH NEEDED FOR SAFETY REASONS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 19, 2013
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DOOR LOCK PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 1, 2013
THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ON ALL 4 DOORS DO NOT OPERATE, I HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR THEN CLIMB OVER THE SEATS TO UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS AND REACH ACROSS TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOOR. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 19, 2013
DOORS STOPPED LOCKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, AND UNLOCKING WHEN IN PARK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CARRY A TODDLER/CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEY ARE NOT LOCKED IN, AND COULD OPEN THE DOOR. WE ARE TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON IN MALIBU'S AND THE DEALER MAINTAINS AN INVENTORY OF ACTUATOR'S TO REPAIR ALL OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE BROUGHT IN. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Feb 12, 2013
STEERING SHAKES VIOLENTLY,WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED,TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL. CONDITION IS INTERMITENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A STEERING CONTROL MODULE. SO FAR CHEVROLET HAS NOT OFFERED A FIX ,EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF 743 .00$ WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE? ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 70000 MILES AND DEALER REPLACED CAT CONV AT NO CHARGE . THE THIRD ISSUE IS DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AT 74000 MILES,AND WILL ONLY OPEN MANUALLY. THE STEERING IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND I FEAR WILL CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 21, 2012
THE CHEVY MALIBU 2008 DOOR LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED MANUALLY. WHEN YOU BUY ANEW CAR AND PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR IT, YOU EXPECT THE DOORS TO WORK PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AS I DID FOR MY OTHER CARS. THIS IS WRONG AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHETHER IT'S UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. THIS IS JUST GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE. ALSO, MY FRONT HEADLIGHT LEAKS INSIDE WHEN IT RAINS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. I'VE DRIVEN ALMOST 50 YEARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OF MY CARS. THIS ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. ..UPDATED 12/11/12 *BF
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 12, 2012
THREE OF MY CAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK UNLESS MANUALLY LOCKED. THE ELECTRONICS HAVE FAILED ON ALL THREE DOORS. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN EACH DOOR, AT THE COST OF OVER $750. THE COST IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM. THE MOTORS THAT FAILED IN EACH DOOR WILL BE REPLACED BY THE SAME FAULTY PART. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT COSTS $300 TO FIX ONE DOOR'S LOCKS ALONE. THE DRIVERS LOCK HAD GREATER PROBLEMS THAN THE OTHERS BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT LOCKS ME IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT SHIFTS THE LOCK A LITTLE AND THE DOOR GETS JAMMED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 24, 2012
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN PUT BACK IN PARK. I CAN NOT EASILY OR QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITH THIS FAILURE. GM SAYS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ARE ONLY A CONVENIENCE AND OLDER CARS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS. HOWEVER, ON OLDER CARS THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED. ON THE MALIBU PULLING UP ON THE LOCK KNOB IS THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. COST TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR $300. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON. *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
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 16, 2012
THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD DO THAT WITHOUT WORKING DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 9, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO HELP OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. THE LOCK PULL KNOB IS LOCATED IN A POOR POSITION. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 26, 2012
BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BREAK PEDAL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AND MY BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN IT HAS RAINED AND THE CAR IS WET. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ELECTRICAL... MY TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT IS SHUT. WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY I NOTICE THE BEDDING BECOMES VERY WET ON ONE SIDE. THE RADIO IS ALSO EFFECTED ALONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. CERTAIN BUTTONS STOP WORKING FOR PERIODS OF TIME. THE SCREEN WILL ALSO GO BLACK AND THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK AT ALL THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 24, 2012
TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT ALL TIMES. ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $300.00 AND THE DOOR LOCK STILL FAILS. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOORS IS TO DO IT MANUALLY AND CLIMB OVER THE SEATS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAS TO BE UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY AND MANUALLY LOCKED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2012
THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPERATE. THE LOCKS MOVES SLIGHTLY BUT NOT ENOUGH TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 8, 2012
THE A/C UNIT IS BLOWING HOT AIR ..DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE AFFECTED THE REAR DOORS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS USING THE INNER DOOR LOCK CONTROL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE OFTEN WHEN THERE WERE HIGHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,600. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE DOORS WOULD LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR DOOR ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOORS THE WINDOW HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN TO BE ABLE TO REACH INSIDE AND MANUALLY UNLOCK THEM. THE CONSUMER'S THREE GRANDCHILDREN WERE IN THE PARKED VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION OFF WHEN THE LOCKS FAILED. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 56,000 MILES. UPDATED 09/10/2012 *JS
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO SECURE BOTH FRONT DOORS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE LOCKING MECHANISMS FAILED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED. THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS WERE BROKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE EXTERIOR BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO COVER HALF OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/12
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 19, 2012
REMOTE LOCK WOULD NOT WORK ON DRIVER'S DOOR. *JS
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