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, Sep 13, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO SHAKE AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE. CANNOT CONTROL THE CAR. CALLED GM AND EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL. GM WAS TERRIBLE AND WOULD NOT LET ME SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 9, 2019
2008 CHEVY MALIBU ENGINE SHUT OFF IN MID DRIVE ON CITY HIGHWAY DURING HIGH TRAFFIC. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS DISPLAYED AND CONTINUE TO CODE P0365/6. HOWEVER THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATORS, THE ALTENATOR AND THE BATTERY HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. THE ISSUE HAS UPSET ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS IN LINE WITH 2 KNOWN CONCERNS AND REPORTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED BY CHEVY OR GM. 1) DISCUSSION OF BATTERY CABLES BEING THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM (UNANSWERED) 2) GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL FEB 2014 (WHICH SEEMS TO BE VERY IN LINE WITH THIS ISSUE). I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND OFCOURSE PAID FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO BE TOLD "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". IT IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT COULD BE THE SOURCE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND FORUMS AND REPORTS ON BOTH THE BATTERY CABLES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES. THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE WERE SUPPOSEDLY ONLY ISSUES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLES HOWEVER THE SYMPTOMS WITHIN THE RECORDED MALIBU COMMUNITY ARE TOTALLY IN LINE WITH THE SAME FROM THAT RECALL. WE NOW ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION STRUGGLING TO TURNOVER. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSAFE, FINANCIALLY BURDENING AND STRESSFUL ON THE FAMILIES WHO ARE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THESE CONCERNS WITH NO ANSWER OR RESPONSE IN SIGHT. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE.
Steering, Aug 21, 2019
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - POWER STEERING ASSIST LOCKS RANDOMLY AND MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR.
Steering, Air bags, Aug 11, 2019
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 20MPH ON CITY STREETS MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A BUSINESS AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON, AND IT WOULD DRIVE FOR A SHORT WHILE BEFORE POWER STEERING WOULD SHUT OFF AGAIN, USUALLY WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO TURNS ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING STILL. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING, POPPING NOISE AND FLASHING "CHECK AIRBAG" MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THE POWER STEERING ISSUE TO BE A BROAD GM VEHICLE PROBLEM. CHEVY MALIBUS FROM 2004 TO 2010 I BELIEVE WERE ALL COVERED FOR A RECALL. MY VIN HOWEVER IS NOT ON THIS LIST AND I AM SUFFERING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS ALL OF THESE OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS. MY VEHICLE HAS 128,XXX MILES.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 27, 2019
FIRST TIME CAR WAS IN PARK. THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES BUT DOESN'T TURN OFF. ALSO MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. NEXT WAS STATIONARY, I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. NEXT WAS STATIONARY AND THE CAR TURNED ON BUT THEN THE CLUSTER INSTRUMENT LIGHTS DIDN'T COME ON IT WAS COMPLETELY DARK. ALSO WHILE IN MOTION CAR RPM DIDN'T READ ANYMORE AND IT WAS SHIFTING HARD. ANOTHER THING IT SAYS SERVICE TIRE SENSOR AND SERVICE AIRBAG
Steering, May 31, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 204,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2019
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING. BRAKE LIGHTS GO ON WHEN DRIVING AND DO NOT GO ON WHEN BRAKING
Steering, Apr 12, 2019
I STARTED THE VEHICLE UP. VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK AND THE WHEEL STARTED SHAKING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT OK N IT'S OWN FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS. POWER STEERING THEN POPPED UP ON THE DASH. THE WHEEL STOPPED SHAKING. I BACKED OUT AND BEGAN DRIVING. I BEGAN ON HIGHWAY AND THE WHEEL STARTS SHAKING AGAIN. THE WHEEL WAS SHAKING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY.
Steering, Apr 3, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING ISSUE CAN'T MOVE VERY DANGEROUS
Steering, Mar 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. WHEN THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON, THE FAILURE WENT AWAY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERYDAY SINCE FEBRUARY 15, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL INPUT TORQUE SENSOR WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Steering, Mar 22, 2019
THIS VEHICLE VIN CODE HAS NOT SHOWN UP FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RECALL. 05-07 CHEVY MALIBUS 3.5L. MY 2008 MALIBU WAS MANUFACTURED JULY 2007. MY UNDERSTANDING IS GM VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THE MONTHS OF MARCH OR APRIL ARE NEXT CALANDER YEAR. SO MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU IS AN 05-07 BODY AND UNDERSTOOD AS BEST TRIM LEVEL OFFERED BEFORE THE NEXT BODY STYLE AND MODEL. THE 2008 MODEL YEARS BODY STYLE CHANGED.
Steering, Mar 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARTER CHEVROLET (175 HARTFORD TURNPIKE, VERNON, CT 06066, (860) 646-6464), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Steering, Mar 12, 2019
POWER STEERING GOES OUT THEN COMES BACK SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN IT OFF THEN BACK ON.
Steering, Mar 9, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL LOSES POWER DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ISSUE THAT SHOWS TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BUT IT IS STILL OCCURRING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE LIMITED ABILITY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL
Steering, Mar 3, 2019
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR WAS HARD TO STEER.
Steering, Feb 27, 2019
THERE WAS A RECALL ON POWER STEERING. I TOOK TO CHEVY DEALER. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. ALITTLE BETTER LATER IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN SO I CALLED CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID RECALL TIME WAS UP THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NOW MY POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OUT. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD FIX IT AND MAKE IT RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 23, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STEERED AT LOW SPEEDS PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE DASH LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILURE NOTICE APPEARED. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PRIOR RECALL WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH AND DID NOT COVER THE POPULATION OF DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. TIME FOR NHTSA AND GM TO EXPAND THE RECALL AND ELIMINATE THIS DANGER.
Steering, Feb 15, 2019
THE STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT HARD TO STEER. THE PROBLEM STARTED INTERMITTENTLY NOW IT JUST HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I DID NOT SEE MY VIN NUMBER ON THE LIST. FROM THE LOOKS OF IT, IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. ALSO WHEN I'M STOPPED THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES ON IT'S OWN.
Steering, Feb 13, 2019
I JUST PURCHASED MY VEHICLE LAST YEAR. MY STEERING WHEEL KEEPS LOCKING UP AND A MESSAGE COMES UP SAYING POWER STEERING IS OUT. SOMETIMES IT JUST CUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. KEEP HEARING ABOUT A RECALL WITH THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING IN THE 2008 CHEVY MALIBU. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Steering, Feb 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE "POWER STEERING FAULT" MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Feb 11, 2019
AT APPROX. 140K MILES, THE EPS MODULE FAILED AND CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY CHANGED TO MANUAL STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WARNING CHIME ALERTED ME TO THE EPS MODULE FAILURE. AFTER GETTING TO A SAFE AREA AND TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, THE EPS RESUMED WORKING FOR A BREIF PERIOD, ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN THE SAME WAY. THIS OCCURED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS UNTIL EVEN TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN DID NOTHING. THE EPS JUST WILL NOT ENGAGE NOW AT ALL. GM ISSUED A RECALL FOR OTHER 2008 MALIBU'S FOR THIS EXACTFAILURE BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED. I HAVE HEARD/READ ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE FROM MANY OTHER 2008 MALIBU OWNERS.
Steering, Feb 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN, MADE A SQUEAKY NOISE, AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO FUTURE CHEVROLET OF SACRAMENTO (4811 MADISON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95841, (916) 331-6777), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Feb 11, 2019
IN 2014 A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING WAS DONE BULLETIN 14117A, I HAD IT FIXED IN 2017 AND NOW THE POWER STEERING IS GOING OUT AGAIN CODE CO545! THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE PARKED RANDOMLY! CAUSING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER! OBVIOUSLY IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY CAR AGAIN I AM SURE IT IS HAPPENING TO OTHERS! THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!
Steering, Feb 5, 2019
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2008 MALIBU WHEN POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ESC LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. SHE LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. WHEN SHE TURNED OFF HER CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON EVERYTHING WORKED NORMAL. FIVE MINUTES LATER THIS SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN OFTEN NOW BUT THE LIGHTS ARE ALL OFF WHEN WE TAKE IT TO GET IT SCANNED. THIS PROBLEM WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS OF THIS VEHICLE BUT OURS WAS NOT INCLUDED FOR SOME REASON.
Steering, Jan 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.