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: steering
468 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Oct 27, 2010
THE POWER STEERING MOTOR ON OUR 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAS GONE OUT WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO PULL RIGHT TO LEFT VIOLENTLY WHILE THE WHEEL IS TRYING TO CENTER ITSELF. THIS REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO FIGHT THE WHEEL AT TIMES TO KEEP IT CENTERED ON THE ROAD. THIS TYPE OF SYSTEM FAILURE IS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR ANY DRIVER. GIVEN GM'S HISTORY WITH OTHER VEHICLE RECALLS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THE CHEVY MALIBU SHOULD BE INCLUDED. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2010
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU POWER STEERING ISSUES. ISSUES BEGAN OCCURRING AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. PROBLEM WILL APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR AT ANY SPEED, INCLUDING WHILE STOPPED, WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE STOPPED, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL RAPIDLY OSCILLATE LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN APPROXIMATELY 20 DEGREES. THE BEST ANALOGY IS THAT IT IS "SHIVERING OR SHAKING" UNCONTROLLABLY. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SUDDENLY GO FROM A SMOOTH RANGE OF MOTION TO A RANGE OF MOTION WITH ONLY A FEW VERY DISTINCT AND SEGMENTED DIRECTIONS. TYPICALLY THE TWO CHOICES ARE LEFT OF CENTER OR RIGHT OF CENTER WITH NO SMOOTH MOTION IN-BETWEEN. THESE ISSUES CAN LAST ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 10 SECONDS TO 30 MINUTES. IF THE PROBLEM DOES NOT CORRECT ON ITS OWN, IT CAN BE CORRECTED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTING THE CAR. CAR NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES AND THE POWER STEERING ISSUES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY AND LASTING FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME. *TR
Steering, Oct 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SUDDENLY VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 39,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. UPDATED 02/23/11
Steering, Power train, Traction control system, Oct 3, 2010
THE VEHICLE JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF THE PURCHASE THEN ANOTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED AND ANOTHER PART WAS REPLACED. BUT NOW ONE MONTH LATER THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO JERK AND WIGGLE WHILE I AM DRIVING OR EVEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF. THEN 2 DAYS AGO THE POWERSTEERING ALERT KEEPS COMING ON. ALLOW SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE TRACTION LIGHT WILL COME ON AND SOMETIMES I AM JUST SEATING AT A RED LIGHT. *TR
Steering, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 23, 2010
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU 1LT HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS, LET ME EXPLAIN. FIRST THE PROBLEM WAS A SLIGHT CLICKING, POPPING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, THEN IT STARTING DOING IT EVERY TIME I SLIGHTLY TURN THE WHEEL YOU CAN FEEL IT THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN, NOTHING BAD BUT ITS ANNOYING, THEN SUDDENLY WITHIN A COUPLE MONTHS OF THAT MY POWER LOCKS SUDDENLY STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES PERIODICALLY WHETHER IT'S PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN, LOCKED ME OUT TWO TIMES, I WAS LATE FOR WORK BECAUSE I HAD TO CALL DOOR UNLOCKING SERVICE, ALSO THE MANUAL LOCKS ON THE DOOR USED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WON'T WORK AT ALL, YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY USE YOUR HAND, THEN TO BEAT IT ALL MY SEATBELT WONT LOCK I TRIED TO CLICK IT BUT IT WONT EVEN GO DOWN HARDLY AT ALL, THIS IS ONLY THE SEATBELT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A REAL BAD SAFETY ISSUE AND THE LAW IN KY (CLICK IT OR TICKET) SO FAR THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY IS GOING ON FOR NOW. I DO KNOW THIS FOR A FACT I WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVROLET. *TR
Steering, Sep 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN, RACK AND PINION AND CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Aug 30, 2010
MY SON'S 2008 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SUDDENLY SHAKING AND JERKING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY WHILE IN PARK. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ALSO COME ON WITHOUT HIM PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF IT IS ON. WE HAVE HAD A SWITCH REPLACED THAT WAS FAULTY, BUT IT DID NOT FIX EITHER PROBLEM. NOW WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE STEERING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
I OWN A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHILE DRIVING OR AT A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL EITHER SHAKE OR SUDDENLY PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND THEY REPLACED A STEERING COLUMN THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP BELIEVES THAT IT IS THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ITSELF EVEN THOUGH NOTHING IS SAYING THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. WITH THE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IN CHEVY COBALTS FOR 2004 TO 2009, I'M CONCERN THAT THE ISSUES WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MAY NOT BE JUST IN ONE MODEL CAR BUT THE COMPONENT ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND ALSO WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
STEERING WHEEL IS HAVING AN ISSUE WHERE IT WILL JERK TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BY ITSELF AND THEN PULSATE WHILE SITTING STILL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. WHEN WHEEL JERKS, IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO HOLD IT IN THE CORRECT LANE. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING LIMITED STEERING CAPABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,400.
Steering, Aug 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE, HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. BEFORE THE FAILURE, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. HE HAD TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT IN ORDER TO RESET THE POWER STEERING AND IT WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 11/11/10 *BF UPDATED 11/18/10
Steering, Jul 29, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. I WENT ON VACATION SO THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I WASHED THE CAR AND THEN STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND FELT LIKE THE POWER STEERING WOULD WORK OFF AND ON. IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM OFF AND ON. SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS THERE AND SOMETIMES ITS NOT. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2010
2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 4700 MILES, BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD BE HARD TO HANDLE AS IF SOMEONE HAD TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN WHEN IN IDLE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE BACK AND FORTH. TOOK IN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FIRST TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND ASK IF THEY WERE AWARE OF ANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL ANSWER WAS NO. NOT UNTIL I TOLD THEM TO GOOGLE THE PROBLEMS THAT WERE BEING REPORTED DID I FEEL WE RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2010
2008 CHEVY MALIBU 4 CYL MOTOR. 56,000 MILES, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGH AND LOW RATE OF SPEED WHILE DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE CAR IS IDLE WITH NO ONE IN AUTO. STEERING ASSIST GIVES OUT AND THEN ENGAGES WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION CAUSING CAR TO JERK FROM SIDE TO SIDE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF AUTO. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2010
I OWN 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH A LITTLE OVER 50K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. RECENTLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK LEFT AND RIGHT PULLING THE VEHICLE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. I DROVE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. AS I WAS WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT I THEN NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL MAKE SLIGHT TURNS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BY ITSELF. I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AT WHICH POINT THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A TEST DRIVE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE TALKING TO THE MECHANIC AND EXPLAINING HE SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO CENTER ITSELF TO ZERO CALIBRATION AND SUGGESTED THAT I GET IT CALIBRATED WHICH I DID. I THEN DROVE HOME AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY THEN STATED THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE COLUMN CONTROL MODULE REPLACED AT THE PRICE OF $700. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED IN TO BEFORE SOMETHING REALLY TRAGIC OCCURS. THE FREQUENCY THE STEERING WHEEL JERK WHILE DRIVING WAS VERY CONCERNING TO THE POINT THAT I THOUGHT I MIGHT BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THANK GOD THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHEN MAKING A TURN. OTHER TIMES WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS BEING PARKED IT WILL SHAKE AND JERK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT HE WILL NEED A NEW ELECTRONIC MOTOR AND A CONTROL MODULE FOR THE POWER STEERING. THERE HAVE BEEN NO DIAGNOSIS AND NO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,800.
Steering, Jun 21, 2010
ONE WEEK AGO I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE BACK AND FORTH WHEN IDLING. I THOUGHT THE FLUID MAY BE LOW AND LOOKED TO FILL IT ONLY TO FIND OUT THE CAR HAS ELECTRIC STEERING. I DROVE IT TO WORK WITHOUT ISSUE BUT NOW THE SHAKING HAS BEGUN TO APPEAR WHEN DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. IT IS AN UNCANNY SHIMMY THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED BUT REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION AND A FIRM GRIP. IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ENOUGH(EVERY 10 MIN OR SO) THAT IT HAS BECOME WORRISOME. A CALL TO THE DEALER EVOKED THE RESPONSE OF , "YES, THAT HAPPENS SOMETIMES WITH THIS MODEL AND IT CAN BE FIXED IN A DAY OR TWO AND COST IS AROUND $1000". MY CAR HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT AND IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT THE TYPE OF ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE A CONSUMER PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING A VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE AN UNUSUAL CLUNK NOISE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000.
Steering, Jun 20, 2010
2008 MALIBU WITH 41K MILES HAS STEERING ISSUE WITH STEERING WHEEL SHAKING LEFT TO RIGHT AT HWY SPEEDS. HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT IN OWN LANE. NO NOTICEABLE INCIDENT LEADING UP TO ISSUE, JUST FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO STEERING ASSIST. HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS. NOTHING DONE AS OF YET, BUT WILL BE CALLING DEALER TOMORROW. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST. REMEDY APPEARS TO BE TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN MODULE. AT A COST OF $800+, THIS IS NO CHEAP REPLACEMENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INVOLUNTARILY JERK TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE FAILURE PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,600.
Steering, Jun 17, 2010
DIFFICULT TO TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND SHIMMIES LEFT, CLUNKING OR RUBBING NOISE. HAD STEERING COLUMN LUBED, NEW RACK AND PINION INSTALLED AND STILL DOING IT. *TR
Steering, Jun 10, 2010
I HAVE HAD MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU IN THE GARAGE NOW 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME RECURRING PROBLEM. MY STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES AND THEN LOCKS UP AND IT'S VERY HARD TO STEER. IF I WEREN'T AS STRONG IN MY HANDS AND ARMS, I WOULD BE DEAD! IT COMES AND GOES BUT IT IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM THAT THEY CANNOT OR WILL NOT FIX. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT FIX SOMETHING THAT THEY DIDN'T DIAGNOSE AS "BROKE" AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE TO JUST START REPLACING PARTS RANDOMLY THAT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I AM VERY SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR BUT HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING AND AM A SINGLE MOM. I FEEL THIS IS PUTTING ME AND MY SONS LIFE IN DANGER!!!!!!!! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM IN THE STEERING! *TR
Steering, Jun 1, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LT. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. IT WOULD ALSO JERK WHILE BEING STOPPED AND WHILE IN PARK.THERE IS ALSO A POPPING SOUND OR A CLUNKING SOUND LIKE A BAD UNIVERSAL WHILE TURNING AND/OR BACKING UP. I NOTICED THIS ABOUT JANUARY OF '09. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS ON THE FRONT,BUT THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. ON 5/12/10 THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT STRUT AND MOUNT AND THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE JERKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL COMES AND GOES,IT WILL RUN FINE FOR A WHILE THEY ITWILL START UP FOR A WHILE. THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. ON 5/30/10 AND 5/31/10 THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN THE INFORMATION CENTER. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THERE IS NOT. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE LOOKING INTO IT. I WENT TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEB STE AND SEEN THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE '05 MALIBUS (PS CONTROL MODULE).THERE WERE AT LEAST 7 COMPLAINTS FOR THE '08'S ON THIS SITE THAT I NOTICED. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING PROPERLY,THEY WOULD NOT UNLOCK WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK NOR WOULD THE REMOTE WORK ON THEM. WHEN THE LEFT REAR DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE WAS USED TO OPEN THE DOOR THE DOOR WOULD LOCK. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRIC IN THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, May 29, 2010
I AM AT ABOUT 45K MILES ON MY 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. MY CONSOLE WARNING OF "POWER STEERING" CAME ON AND WITH IT MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN I START THE CAR. I DON'T DRIVE OR PUT IT IN GEAR IT JUST SHAKES! AFTER BEING TOLD I DO NOT HAVE POWER STEERING FLUID A GM SERVICE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT SOUNDS LIKE MY "ELECTRONIC MOTOR FOR POWER STEERING" SOUNDS LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE COBALT WAS JUST RECALLED FOR SUCH A PROBLEM. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE MALIBU AND WAS TOLD .....AT MY EXPENSE, I NEED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, THEN CALL THEM BACK WITH THE REF# THEY GAVE ME, AND THEN THEY WILL PUT IT IN THEIR RECORDS!!!! CALLING AND REQUESTING THAT A RECALL BE PUT IN PLACE WAS BASICALLY IGNORED. I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT IF THEY WERE TO INVESTIGATE JUST THE BLOGS ABOUT THE MALIBU THEY WOULD SEE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT ARE TOLD TO FIX IT THEMSELVES. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS ON SO MANY LEVELS. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, BECAUSE I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MOST OF THE TIME,BUT I AM RECORDING EVERY ONE OF MY COMPLAINTS, BECAUSE GOD FORBID I GET HURT, OR WORSE YET, ONE OF MY CHILDREN, THEN MY LAWYER IS READY TO RIP GM APART! I LOST MY JOB ABOUT A YEAR AGO, AND FOR A COMPANY WHO JUST GOT BAILED OUT WITH MY TAX MONEY, THEY SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE SMACKING THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH SUCH ARROGANCE AND STUPIDITY. *TR