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, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was steering faulty functionality. There were no failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Steering, May 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently with the power steering message displayed. The contact then used extra effort to steer the vehicle while pulling into a nearby parking lot, where she turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Apr 28, 2022
The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2022
While driving on the freeway going 60mph the power steering went out and the steering wheel began stiff and unable I was unable to turn the wheel or steer/ control it. this is a problem because without having the ability the turn the wheel I risk not being able to get where I’m going. And further more cannot avoid an accident. It’s available for inspection upon request. Thank you
Steering, Mar 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 6, 2022
Power steering shuts off, traction control shuts off.
Steering, Mar 6, 2022
Steering had become more stiff, and at some instances, the steering forced the wheel in one or the other direction and would shake vigorously. Power steering has now completely gone. I had to swerve with all arm strength to avoid a collision in which caused muffler to come off when I pulled onto a curb. I also read online that there was a recall on this issue a few years back and i am unable to determine if my vehicle was included. I am also experiencing a message on my dash that says Power Steering.
Steering, Mar 6, 2022
The power steering system has been failing and my steering wheel has been locking up on me while driving and while parked. The steering wheel shakes when idling, and also stopped in gear. This is dangerous to be on the road and have that happen and a risk to my life. Once the power steering fails, “Service ESC” comes up on the dashboard
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
Steering column shakes when I exceed 60 miles and higher. I am forced to break to reduce speed. Which is dangerous. Based on all the recalls I'm kind of scared to drive my vehicle. I have an 8 yr old little girl who I have to pray for protection over because I need my car to maintain daily responsibilities.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 22, 2022
The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2022
Automatic power steering randomly goes out while driving, posing serious safety risks. Steering wheel locks up and message reads “Power Steering Service ESC”
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine, Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and manually steered the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering wheel and alignment had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred increasingly while reversing. The contact notified the independent mechanic of the failure and he advised her to drive the vehicle for about 15 miles and the steering wheel would loosen up. The contact drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the steering repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering and the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) had already been completed in 2014. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as recalls are repaired one time free of charge and additional related failures would be repaired at her expense. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Nov 10, 2021
While driving I randomly lose power steering. Happens at various speed but usually slower speeds or stopped. Power steering warning light comes on in the dash panel. Sometimes can be reset by shutting off the car and restarting it. Still not 100% after resetting. Constant pulsing felt in the steering wheel and vehicle always wants to pull to the left.
Steering, Jun 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the electric power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2021
ON 3/15/21 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER2008 MALIBU DOWN 787 INTERSTATE WHEN TAX STARTED GOING UP AN DOWN ENGINE RAISING FOR NO REASON ALSO THAT SAME MONTH WHEN YOU TURN SHARP TO GO INTO A TURN STEERING HAD MIND OF ITS OWN AN YOU CAN HERE A LOT OF RATTLING UP UNDER DASH ON DRIVERS SIDE.
Steering, Mar 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTATED AND REGAINED POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A&T CHEVROLET (801 BETHLEHEM PIKE, SELLERSVILLE, PA 18960, (610) 890-7312) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING GEAR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 22, 2021
POWER STEERING FAILURE HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. GET MESSAGE ON DASH OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOSS AND THAT MOMENT IT'S HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. I SEE YOU HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS BUT IVE NEVER RECEIVED THIS REPAIR. THE RECALL NUMBER I HAVE IS N140115.
Steering, Feb 15, 2021
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU 4 CYLINDER AND MY POWER STEERING IS SHAKY AND HARD TO TURN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT HAPPEN JANUARY 10TH 2021
Steering, Feb 13, 2021
DROVE VEHICLE AND PARKED, WHEN I CAME BACK AND STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING, DASH LIGHT READ POWER STEERING. MANAGED TO DRIVE VEHICLE HOME WITH 'NO POWER STEERING'. CHECKED THIS SITE FOR RECALLS/PROBLEMS FOUND ANOTHER OWNER WHO HAD SAME PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD TURNED THEIR CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THAT THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. AFTER READING HIS MESSAGE I WENT OUT AND STARTED MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. WILL TAKE IT TO MY MECHANIC ASAP.
Steering, Feb 2, 2021
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE JERKS LEFT AND RIGHT.. MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL.. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MORE THAN 35 MPH.. I THOUGH IT WAS A WHEEL ALINGMENT BUT IT WAS PERFORM BY 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND STILL DOES IT...
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2021
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE 3 WEEKS AGO AND FOR THE PAST WEEK IT WON'T START. POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT NO CRANK. I TOOK OUT BATTERY AND STARTER AND THEY'RE BOTH FINE. ALL RELAYS AND FUSES ARE FINE. I TOOK OUT ALL FUSES UNDER HOOD AND CAR STARTED FINE. MADE IT 5 MINUTES UP THE ROAD, MY CAR STARTED SHAKING BADLY,THE POWER STEERING APPEARED ON DASH, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, RPMS WORKED, AND CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF 1ST. THAT IS DANGEROUS AND MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR EPS BUT NO ONE WILL HELP ME AND THIS HAS BEEN A RE OCCURRING ISSUE WITH CHEVY MALIBUS IN GENERAL. I HAD TO TURN AROUND AND JUST COAST THE WHOLE WAY HOME THEN MY CAR LOCKED AND WOULDN'T LET ME TAKE IT OUT OF PARK WHEN I GOT HOME.
Steering, Jan 24, 2021
LOSS OF POWER STEERING, SEVERAL TIMES WHEN FIRST STARTED AND ALSO WHILE DRIVING. THESE HAPPENED IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING AS WELL AS ON A HIGHWAY
Steering, Jan 7, 2021
POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT. IF POWER STEERING NOT WORKING, SOMETIMES TURNING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT WILL ENABLE POWER STEERING.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WAS PERFECTLY FINE I ONLY HAD IT FOR 4 MONTHS IT'S ONLY HAD TWO OWNERS ME AND ONE OTHER PERSON AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT IT IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WORKING THE GAUGES ARE BOBBIN UP AND DOWN IT'S TELLING ME TO SERVICE ESC SOMETIMES EVEN THE CAR WON'T START RIGHT AWAY THE LIGHTS ON THE GEAR STICK WON'T TURN ON RIGHT AWAY THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON THE TRACTION CONTROL TURNS OFF IT'S TELLING ME POWER STEERING SERVICE TIRE MONITOR EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON THIS CAR BRANDS LIKE BRAND NEW AT FIRST AND THEN WITHIN A MONTH OF DRIVING IT IT IMMEDIATELY JUST STARTED CRASHING AND THAT'S WHEN I READ THAT THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF RECALLS ON THIS MODEL EVERYTHING'S ELECTRICAL THERE'S NO POWER STEERING FLUID NOTHING LIKE THAT SOMETIMES WHEN THE GEARS ARE CHANGING THEY STICK AND IT MAKES BUFFERING SOUNDS NOW IT'S STARTING TO SPUTTER AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON THIS IS DANGEROUS HAVING TO STOP AND RESTART THE CAR SOMETIMES JUST TO GET THE COMPUTER TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE SYSTEM IS FINE EVERY TIME I CALL GM AND I TELL THEM THAT THIS CAR WAS NEVER SERVICED WHEN THE RECALLS FIRST HAPPENED THEY AUTOMATICALLY REJECT ME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AS I SAID THIS CAR IS BASICALLY BRAND-NEW IT'S ONLY HAD TWO OWNERS ME AND ONE OTHER PERSON IT NEVER WAS BROUGHT IN WHEN THE FIRST RECALL WAS ACKNOWLEDGED SO THIS IS STILL HAS ALL THE ORIGINAL PARTS IN IT IS THERE NO ONE AROUND THAT CAN HELP ME?
Steering, Jan 2, 2021
LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN MOTION ON FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS