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
1,015 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2017
GAS LEAKING, MODULE FUEL PUMP & SENDER ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED, ARTICLE IN TIMES PAPER SAID IT WAS RECALLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IN 2012, I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS THE GAS ODOR WAS VERY STRONG AND I KEPT HAVING TO FILL MY CAR UP WITH GAS. DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE AND WANTED IT FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GOT HURT OR KILLED SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. IT WAS LEAKING GAS WHEN IT WAS STATIONARY, IN MOTION BUT I SMELLED IT THE MOST WHEN IT WAS IN THE GARAGE LOCKED UP.
Steering, Aug 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING SENSOR CHIMED AND ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP. THE CONTACT NEVER COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2017
NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. AN INLET LINE ON THE FUEL PUMP WAS CRACKED ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE TANK AND ON THE EXHAUST.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING IMMEDIATELY SWUNG THE VEHICLE LEFT AND RIGHT UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (WALDORF CHEVROLET/CADILLAC IN WALDORF, MD) AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN UNKNOWN ISSUE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2017
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND COMES TO S ROLLING STOP. THE STEERING LOCKS UP WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER IT OFF THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2017
THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND IT SAYS TO BE SERVICED. SOMETIMES IT COMES ON AND IT CAN STAY OFF FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAN COME ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND THEN TURN OFF, SOMETIMES IT DOES STAY ON. MY VEHICLE IS GIVING A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I NOTICE IT BEING A STRONGER SMELL AFTER I STATION IT AFTER A DRIVE. I HAVE NOT SEEN A NOTICEABLE LEAK YET. I WILL HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK THAT FOR ME.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2017
THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING ON ALL BUT THE REAR, RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN WHEN IT INVOLVES YOUNG CHILDREN RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT, OR ELDERLY WHO FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY COMPLAINTS IT TAKES TO TRIGGER A RECALL, BUT THERE APPEARS TO BE SEVERAL HUNDRED ALREADY ON FILE. PLEASE REALIZE THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2017
THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, BUT MAJORITY OF TIME IT DOES NOT WORK. DEALER SAYS THERE IS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL FOR IT AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHOUT IT BEING FIXED. SO HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST $500 FOR THEM TO PULL OUT BACK SEAT ETC IN ORDER TO REPLACE. THOUGHT THIS WAS COVERED IN A 2014 RECALL.
Exterior lighting, Jul 14, 2017
THE CYCLOPS BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT ACTIVATE WITH THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS MAY BE A DANGEROUS CONDITION GIVEN ALL THE DISTRACTED DRIVERS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND CAR STATIONARY. NO RECALL CAN BE FOUND.
Air bags, Wheels, Jun 26, 2017
AIR BAR WARNING LIGHT AND TIRE SENSOR WARNING LITE BOTH CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY.
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2017
SPEED GAUGE ,FUEL GAUGE, AND ENGINE REV GARAGE WENT DEAD IN MID TRIP ON HIGHWAY CANNOT GAUGE FUEL SPEED OR ENG REV AND TEMP, PROPERLY..
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 14, 2017
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING MODULE. AFTER WORK COMPLEDED HIGH STOP LIGHT WORKS RANDOMLY WITH REGULAR BRAKE LIGHTS, FRONT SPEAKERS STOPPED WORKING, DASH LIGHTS WORK RANDOMLY, SERIUS RADIO STOPPED WORKING, WHEN TURNING ON AC DOES NOT START WORKING IMMEDIATELY, MUST ROMP ON GAS TO CREATE A VACUMN DROP AND AFTER ABOUT 3 MILES IT WILL START WORKING. HAVE HAD FOUR SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS IN 155,000 MILES. CAN BE MOVING OR STATIONARY FOR THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM TO HAPPEN.. SUPPOSEDLY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER SINCE I WAS OVER 150,000 MILES I AM SOL.
Steering, Jun 2, 2017
GETTING OFF HIGHWAY ONTO EXIT RAMP TURNING LEFT AND POWER STEERING ASSIST SHUT OFF , DASH WARNING LIGHTS LIT AND BELLS CHIMMED. STEERING WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AND ALMOST HIT GAURD RAILS. STOPPED CAR , EVENTUALLY RESTARTED CAR AND CAR BACK TO NORMAL . NOW EVERYTIME CAR IS STEERED IN THE LEFT DIRECTION WARNING LIGHT AND BELLS START .
Exterior lighting, May 15, 2017
MY RIGHT HI-BEAM HEADLIGHT HAS FAILED TWICE SINCE FEB 2017. I READ A RECALL OF CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS IN THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH..IS MINE INCLUDED?
Air bags, Apr 28, 2017
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
Power train, Apr 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO A GEAR, THE SHIFTER FAILED TO LOCK INTO THE DESIRED GEAR POSITION. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT, DUE TO THE RECALL REPAIR BEING COMPLETED, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ANOTHER REPAIR. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 81,728.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Apr 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYING FROM THE DRIVER SEAT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SENSOR FAILED, BUT IT WAS NOT A CONCERN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, ONE MONTH LATER, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LEAK AGAIN, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE HEAD GASKET BEING PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IMPROPERLY. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING WAS DONE IMPROPERLY AND NOT UP TO SAFETY STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,723.
Steering, Apr 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING ABILITY AND THE STEERING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, AND THEN DROVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 16, 2017
IT SAYING SERVICE POWER STEERING. THEN I CAN'T TURN THE CAR. I TURN IT OF AND BACK ON THEN IT WORKS. I'VE HAD PROPLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT.
Steering, Apr 16, 2017
LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2017
THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY RIPPED FROM THE CAR AT HI SPEED( INTERSTATE); WHILE AIRBORNE STRUCK A WINSHIELD OF A CAR BEHIND ME CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE ' THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AND ALL WINDOWS ROLLED UP SO NO PRESSURE CHANGES WAS NOT THE FACTOR .
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2017
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT DOING RIGHT. IT IS ACTING LIKE IT IS NOT GIVING GAS TO MOVE FORWARD, SKIPPING FROM 1ST GEAR UP TO 4TH GEAR LIKE ITS IN OVERDRIVE. ALMOST CAUSED A CAR ACCIDENT TODAY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK UP AND IT WOULDN'T BACK UP IN REVERSE. IN ORDER TO MOVE I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS AND RUN UP THE RPM JUST TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. VERY UNSAFE. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THE CAR 2 MONTHS YET AND THIS IS HAPPENING. WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR FEB 27TH 2017 THIS ISSUE WAS NOT HAPPENING. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE. I AM A SINGLE MOM AND 6 WEEKS AWAY FROM HAVING MY SECOND CHILD, I NEED A SAFE VEHICLE FOR MY CHILDREN.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 3, 2017
WHEN I START THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL. ON THE DASH IT SAYS POWER STEERING THEN ESC OFF POPS UP. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR A FEW TIMES IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE AND THE MESSAGE IS GONE. WHEN IM DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND TURNING GETS A LITTLE STIFF. I DRIVE BOTH CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS IM AFRAID IT WILL LOCK UP ON ME WHEN IN MOTION.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS, THE LATCHES FAILED TO CONNECT. AS A RESULT, THE DOORS REMAINED OPEN AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING, AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.