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.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TURNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REMEDIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THOSE TWO RECALL REPAIRS AND HAD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO BE REFERRED TO A DEALER TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Jan 8, 2016, crash
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM KEEPS FAILING. RECALL WAS REPLACE IN EARLY 2015 AND AGAIN WAS IN THE DEALER ON 12/30/15 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING FAILING. ON 1/08/15 THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM YET AGAIN FAILED AND THIS TIME THIS POWER STEERING FAILURE CAUSED THE CAR TO GO INTO THE DITCH AND THROUGH A BARB WIRE FEANCE. THIS HAS BEEN A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE SOME KIND OF FIX OR DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT THERE CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE THE DOCUMENTS FROM THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SOPOSED TO BE FIXED ON 12/30/15.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 8, 2016
BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON WHEN NOT APPLYING BRAKES AND BRAKES LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION INDICATORS REMAINED ON. ON THE WAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REPAIR FOR THE 3RD TIME, THE ENGINE LOSS POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 75MPH ON AN EXTREMELY BUSY INTERSTATE. ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. PULLED OVER, PUT THE CAR IN PARK & THEN IS SHUTOFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING. AFTER WAITING AWHILE, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE TECH SAID THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED FIND - HE HAD NO EVIDENCE THAT THEY WERE STAYING ON. HE SAID THE ESC & TRACTION WAS RELATED TO THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER & I NEEDED TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED - $550. HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AND DRIVING HOME-APPROX 30 MINS LATER-THE CAR STARTS DOING WEIRD IDLE THINGS. IN PARK THE RPM HAND FLUCUATED BETWEEN 1.5-2 AND THEN OUT OF NOWHERE 3.0-IN PARK, NOT APPLYING GAS OR BRAKES. I HAD TO APPLY BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR IN GEAR TO MAKE IT STOP. WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKES AT THE STOPLIGHT-NOT APPLYING GAS-CAR ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH ON IT'S OWN. CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK-THEY IMPLIED IT WAS MY FAULT FOR LEAVING THE LOT IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE ONLY THING THAT THE CAR DID BEFORE LEAVING DEALERSHIP WAS FOR APPROX 5 SECS IT WAS A TAD BE LOUDER THAN NORMAL WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE. THE OTHER PROBLEMS DID NOT PRESENT UNTIL AFTER I WAS SEVERAL MILES AWAY (INTERSTATE) AND MORE SO WHEN I WAS OFF THE INTERSTATE WHERE THERE WAS MORE SLOWING, STOPPING, ETC. I PARKED AFTER MY CONCERN INCREASED. TURNED THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER A PERIOD-THAT IS WHEN IT IDLED UP TO 3.0 RPMS IN PARK-PEOPLE WALKING BY LOOKED AT ME STRANGE AS IF I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR JUST PRESSING THE GAS-NOT. I AM JUST AS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR TONIGHT AS I WAS BEFORE IT WAS REPAIRED EARLIER TODAY.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 7, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: HELLO MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY CHEVY MALIBU 2008. MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE ON MY WAY HOME ON THE STREET AND THEN MY GEAR SHIFTED TO PARK WHILE AGAIN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. I HAVE BAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT I GOTTEN FIXED AND IT STILL ACTING UP BUT WHAT'S IS IMPORTANT IS THAT MY CAR IS NOT DRIVING AND I CANT START IT AT ALL. YES I GOT A NEW STARTER AND ITS STILL RESPONDING THE SAME. THESE PROBLEMS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED IT ALMOST 3 YEARS AGO. CAN YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME AND HELP ME. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 6, 2016
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.ENGINE POWER REDUCED 99 %.SOMETIMES ENGINE DIES WHILE DRIVING 40-55 MPH.ENGINE CODE P2135 IS DISPLAYED ON MY CODE READER. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES.CAR IS UN-RELIABLE.THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE YOU TO CRASH THE CAR.I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CITY STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Steering, Jan 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,882. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 5, 2016
WHEN DRIVING, 2 MESSAGES APPEARED ON DASH - "POWER STEERING" AND "SERVICE AIR BAG." WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR LATER, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, AND THE "ANTI-THEFT" LIGHT WAS ON, ALONG WITH THE OTHER 2 WARNING MESSAGES FROM ABOVE. AFTER OTHER LIGHTS TURNED OFF, THE "ANTI-THEFT" AND "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT" REMAINED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. ODOMETER: 101844
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND A RUBBER SEAL ON THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Steering, Dec 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Steering, Dec 18, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT A LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A POWER STEERING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND MOTOR CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2015
UPON ENTERING THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OF MY DAUGHTER'S CAR, I NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR, I NOTICED THE STRONG FUEL SMELL OUTSIDE THE CAR, TOO. WHEN WE STARTED LOOKING AROUND UNDER THE CAR, WE SAW FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE PARKING LOT. THE CAR HAS 68,000 MILES. THE INDEPENDENT GARAGE SHE TOOK IT TO SAID THE PLASTIC PART OF THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED THE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY AND FUEL PUMP. A $740 REPAIR FOR A YOUNG WOMAN IN HER FIRST JOB AFTER GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE. WE ALSO OWN A CHEVY COBALT, WHICH GM HAS ISSUED A RECALL IN WARM WEATHER STATES FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. I CALLED GM AND A VICE PRESIDENT TOLD ME THIS WOULDN'T BE A COVERED REPAIR. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF A CIGARETTE HAD BEEN THROWN DOWN BY HER CAR. SHE DID TAKE A PICTURE, WHICH I WILL GET TO UPLOAD.
Engine, Dec 10, 2015
ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY REDUCES POWER, ENGINE LAMP COME ON OR BLINKS, RUNS ROUGH. THIS REDUCE POWER CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE AND ACCELERATOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND OCCURS WHEN MOVING IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THEN IT ALL STOPS. MECHANICS CANNOT RECREATE IT. IT IS SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 ( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE START POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,734. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V251000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Dec 2, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS MY VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL. IT FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO LOCK. I HAD TO USE A LOT OF ENERGY AND MUSCLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I TOOK MY CAR TO SMICKLAS CHEVROLET IN OKLAHOMA CITY. THEY INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Power train, Nov 30, 2015
TIMING CHAIN ON V-6 MALIBU LTZ HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 62,000 MILES AND COST $1,700. TRAVELING WHEN ENGINE LIGHT CAM ON AND ONSTAR SAID POWERTRAIN ISSUE AND GET TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. OIL CHANGED AT DEALER AND GM VERIFIED RECORDS. ONLY USED 89 OCTANE GAS. GM SHOULD BUMP UP POWERTRAIN WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS AND 120,000 MILES. TIMING CHAIN DEFECT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S LOCKS FUNCTIONED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE IDLING AND DRIVING. THE CHECK AIR BAG, CHECK POWER MODULE, AND SERVICE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Air bags, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 21, 2015
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR IT DRIVES FINE. IN THE MORNING WHEN I TRY TO LEAVE AT 7 OR 8 IT REFUSES TO TURN ON UNTIL IT IS WARM I GUESS. THERE'S DEFINITELY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAT FOR 2 MONTHS AND WHEN IT DOES START IT SAYS POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ESC. SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE OVER 20. IT'S DEFINITELY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS RECALLED.
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Service brakes, Nov 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATE 01/15/16 MA
Steering, Oct 26, 2015
THE AFFECTED STEERING SHAFTS MAY HAVE A YOKE THAT INADEQUATELY SUPPORTS THE U-JOINT BEARING RESULTING IN A PREMATURE FAILURE. IT DOESN'T TURN HALF THE TIME AND MAKES A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND THE BLINKER NEVER TURN OFF.
Steering, Oct 23, 2015
KNOCKING IN STEERING WHEN TURNING WHEEL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, WHICH SHOULD NOT KNOCK CONSIDERING THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 27,450 FOR MILAGE. HOW CAN I VERIFY IF THIS WAS A RECALL THAT WAS ALREADY COMPLETED. PLEASE FORWARD WEB SITE.
Steering, Oct 22, 2015
THE POWER STEERING TENDS TO FREEZE FOR A SPLIT SECOND WHILE I AM DRIVING. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL OF THE TIME BUT DOES SEEM TO HAPPENS WHEN I DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN ROADS THAT REQUIRE MORE TURNING OR WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIMES. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT AND I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THE GAVE ME A SENIOR ADVISER WHO ASKED WHAT DO I EXPECT FROM CHEVROLET AND ALSO ASKED IF I WAS IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW CAR. I HUNG UP ON THEM AND RESPONDED TO THEIR EMAIL.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.