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: service brakes
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OR NOT DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIGOROUSLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I'M NOT TOUCHING THEM.WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THEN HAVE TO APPLY A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO GET THEM TO COME ON. I CONSTANTLY KEEP GETTING THE LIGHT SERVICE ESC THEN IT SAYS IT IS OFF. I TURN OFF CAR AND IT RESETS BUT AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES IT COMES BACK ON. I ALSO KEEP GETTING A SEATBELT LIGHT AS TO BUCKLE UP AND I'M ALREADY WEARING SEATBELT. THE STEERING GETS HUNG WHILE DRIVING PULLING TO EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Nov 22, 2011
THE E-BRAKE STRIPPED OUT TO A UNABLE STATE AFTER 50,000 MILES. NOW IF THE BRAKES FAIL I HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE TO STOP THE CAR. THE STEERING POPS WHEN TURNING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND FROM START OFF AFTER A STOP THIS STARTED AT THE SAME TIME. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 13, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE BRAKES WERE PARTIALLY ENGAGING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD THE BRAKES WERE OVERHEATED WHILE THEY WERE PARTIALLY ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ADJUSTED TO TILT DOWNWARDS AT THE LOWEST SETTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE IT TO A CERTIFIED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED AND THAT THEY WOULD TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THEY COULD REENACT THE FAILURE. AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO WORK SOMETHING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 12, 2010
2008 CHEVY MALIBU 4 CYLINDER HAS ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS MORNING DRIVING TO WORK IT RIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY WIFE'S HANDS IF SHE HAD BEEN GOING MORE THAN 35MPH SHE WOULD HAVE RAN INTO A DITCH. I WENT AND MET HER AND DROVE IT HOME IT VIOLENTLY JERKED BACKED AND FORTH ON ME AS WELL. GOOD THINK WE WERE NOT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 70MPH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY DIED. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 15, 2010
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU STEERING FREE WHEELS AT TIMES JERKS SIDE TO SIDE AT TIMES AT ANY SPEED. BRAKES FADE AT TIMES RUMBLE .THIS WEEK I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS WAITING TO HEAR WHAT I SHOULD DO. DID SEARCH ON INTERNET AND I SEEN HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM .AND THEY SAY DEALER CANNOT REPAIR .HAS ANYONE INVESTIGATED MALIBU STEERING PROBLEMS IT SCARES ME WHEN IT STOPS WORKING .ALL AT ONCE THE STEERING JERKS SIDE TO SIDE .HARD TO TURN AT LOW SPEED .CAR HAS 27000 MILES AND HAS HAD INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH STEERING AND BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT IT AFRAID TO TAKE IT TO DEALER THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT BUT I SAY THERE WRONG . *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2009
APPROX. 10K ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GET HARD UPON BRAKING REGARDLESS OF RAIN, SNOW OR SHINE, IT EVENTUALLY GOT WORSE. AFTER TAKING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3X'S THE TECH REALIZED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW. THE TECH FOUND THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BREAK FLUID INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS MORE THAN HALF FULL WITH FLUID BY THE TIME THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS STILL HAVING VARIOUS ISSUES THAT CANNOT SEEM TO BE RESOLVED WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING ONLY 36,555 MILES. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED SO MUCH THAT THEY ALREADY NEED REPLACEMENT. THE MALIBU'S BRAKE SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I'VE TALKED TO OTHER MALIBU OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 17, 2009
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON AND REMAIN ON. THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. AT THAT POINT THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. IF YOU PRESS THE PEDAL AGAIN, THEY WILL COME BACK ON, BUT ONLY IF YOU SLAM YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE LIGHTS CYCLE ON EVERY 5 SECONDS, PROVIDING YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE TO TURN THEM OFF. PRIMARY CONCERN IS THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO STOP AND WHEN YOU DO STOP, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN OFF (WITH A HARD PUSH ON THE PEDAL). IT APPEARS THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS AT NIGHT. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES REGARDING THE ISSUE. EVERY TIME IT JUST 'STOPS'. NO REMEDY. THE PROBLEM REMAINS UNSOLVED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 24, 2009
I HAVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU LT 2008 SINCE MAY 2008, UNFORTUNATELY IT SEEMS THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS STILL A HEADACHE BASED ON SEVERAL ONLINE REVIEWS. AFTER 15,000 MILES, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING EVERY TIME THAT I PRESSED THE BRAKES, THEREFORE I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, ROBINS CHEVROLET IN HUMBLE (GREAT SERVICE BY THE WAY), AND THEY RESURFACE THE FRONT ROTORS, THAT WAS JUST 2 MONTHS AGO, AND NOW WITH 5 K MILES MORE I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. BRAKING DISTANCE HAS INCREASED MAYBE BY 20%, MY QUESTION IS? WHY GM HAS NOT IMPROVE THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES, I GOOGLE IT AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES 2000 AND UP, YEAR BY YEAR.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS A DECREASE IN THE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE WOBBLING, WHICH MADE STEERING DIFFICULT. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON EIGHT SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 03/18/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IF FELT AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE LOCKING UP. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 03/20/09. *JB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD STRANGE NOISES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. HE STATED THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING/STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SMOOTH IN THE BEGINNING AND THEN SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AS IF HE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES, BUT COULD NEVER DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Oct 6, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL ALL OVER THE FRONT RIMS AND TIRES. THE DEALER REASSURED HER THAT THE OIL CAME FROM THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD NOT GET AMPLE GAS MILEAGE AS STATED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GAIN SPEED. ON-STAR PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND THAT THE TRACTION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE GEARS WOULD NOT CHANGE, THERE WAS A LOUD, PERSISTENT SCREECHING NOISE, AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 8,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,432 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,900. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/23/08.*JB
Steering, Service brakes, Electric, Jul 30, 2008, fire
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 260 MILES PURCHASED ON 7-21-08 ON 7-22-08 RECEIVED WARNING LIGHT "SERVICE TRACTION" AND "SERVICE SCE" PULLED TO THE SIDE AND LOOK IN MANUAL DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM. MANUAL SAID SERVICE AS SOON POSSIBLE. CAR WAS RUNNING VERY SLUGGISH AND ABS BRAKES WERE CHATTERING WHEN APPLIED. CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. TOOK TO DEALER ASAP. DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FROM A LOW CHARGE ON THE BATTERY. DEALER HAD CAR FOR 2 DAYS. DID NOT DRIVE CAR AGAIN UNTIL 7-28-08. DROVE 4-5 MILES AND "SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE SCE" WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. DROVE TO DEALER APPROX 2 MILES. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALER, THE LEFT FRONT ABS BRAKE WAS SMOKING WAS VERY HOT, ALMOST SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD BURST INTO FLAMES. HUBCAP HAD WILTED ON WHEEL. LEFT CAR A DEALER, RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER SAYING THE PROBLEM WAS PROBABLY DUE TO STEERING WHEEL BEING ADJUSTED TO THE LOWER POSITION, CAUSING THE STEERING ASSEMBLY TO PRESS AGAINST THE BRAKES. IF THIS IS THE CASE IT SOUND AS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW. SINCE PEOPLE ALWAYS LOWER THE STEERING COLUMN TO A LOWER POSITION. DEALER WAS ORDERING PARTS AND WOULD CAR FOR 4-5 DAYS. PARTS TO BE ORDERED WAS A PAD FOR THE STEERING COLUMN (BAND AID) NEW HUB CAP. *TR