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.
Air bags, Oct 20, 2015
AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT SHOWS ON AND OFF ADVISING THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS CHECKED.
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2015
MY GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING FOR NO REASON (NO WEAR AND TEAR-EVERY MECHANIC SAID THAT IS ALMOST UNHEARD OF), MY POWER WINDOWS AND LOCK STOPPED WORKING 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO PAY ALMOST $300 TO FIX EACH MOTOR FOR THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS, THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, MY AC ALSO HAVE ISSUES; THE SENSOR AND THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN CHANGED 6 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 4 YEARS. I AM SICK OF ALL OF THESE ISSUES AND HAVE NO ASSISTANCE WITH IT. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HERE, COINCIDENTALLY, MY WARRANTY WAS UP ON EVERY ISSUE I FACED. GM HAS REALLY TAKEN A LOT OF MONEY OUT OF MY POCKETS. I WAS INFORMED OF THE POWER STEERING ISSUE AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WOULD BE IN THE SHOP FOR 1 DAY, WHICH TURNED INTO 5 DAYS, AND I WAS DENIED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RENTAL FEES, WHICH WERE ALMOST $600. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES, BECAUSE MY CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND 3 CHILDREN. THE WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN AT TIMES, WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR NOT. THE AC IS THE SAME ISSUE, THE PARTS WILL GO OUT WHETHER I AM DRIVING IT OR NOT. THE GAS LEAK ISSUE IS AWFUL, BECAUSE THE CAR WREAKS OF GAS, AND MY CAR BURNS GAS WHETHER IT IS POWERED ON OR NOT. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE THE END OF 2010 AND WE HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE ISSUES WITH MY CAR ARE THERE 24/7, AND HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR NOT. ALTHOUGH, THE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN HAVING HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, EXCEPT THE GAS LEAK ISSUE WHICH IS RECENTLY, I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT PUT THE START AS TODAY'S PRESENT DATE, BECAUSE EACH ISSUE STARTED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND CONTINUE TO CAUSE ISSUES, EVEN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR WITH SOME ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 18, 2015
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND I ONLY HAVE 71000 MILE ON MY CAR, SHOULDN'T IT BE STILL UNDER WARRANTY? PLEAS ADVISE
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2015
VEHICLE IS STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE REAR. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY CONFIRMED THE FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LEAK. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUES BY GM TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON THE CHEVROLET MALIBU.
Steering, Oct 10, 2015
POWER STEERING LOSES POWER STEERING CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK IT TO CHEVY DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE STEERING MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 38K MILES ON IT. LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL CAN HAPPEN WHEN CAR IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON US-10, A HIGH TRAFFIC FREEWAY IN PHOENIX AZ, THE CAR REDUCED SPEED TO ABOUT 30 MPH. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE THIS RATE! SO MY SON WAS SUDDENLY STUCK IN ONE OF THE PASSING LANES ON A VERY BUSY FOUR LANE FREEWAY. IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRYING TO MANEUVER OFF THE FREEWAY. SEVERAL CODES APPEARED ON THE DASH; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERVICE TRACTION, AND SOMETHING ABOUT AIR BAGS. HE MANAGED HIS WAY OFF THE FREEWAY AND 'LIMPED' THE CAR HOME.
Steering, Oct 7, 2015
RECALL WAS DONE IN NOV. 2014 AT RYAN CHEVROLET IN MINOT, ND. ON OCT. 3, 2015 THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. TOOK CAR IN TO GATEWAY CHEVROLET IN FARGO, ND. REPAIRS WERE MADE AND WAS TOLD BY THEM THAT EITHER THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE INCORRECTLY OR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE.
Steering, Oct 5, 2015
GM ISSUED A NOTICE DATED SEPTEMBER 2015 STATING THAT PROBLEMS WITH THE EPS MAY CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING POWER. NOTICE ALSO STATES THAT I AM NOT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER UNLESS THE EVENT ACTUALLY HAPPEN AND HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE. I FEEL THAT THIS OCCURENCE COULD PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK ESPECIALLY IN TIGHT TRAFFIC.
Steering, Oct 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT NEEDED AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND THE RACKING PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMING FROM THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A FUEL ODOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL TANK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 4, 2015
DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT 12:00 NOON ON 07/23/15 FOR SAFETY RECALLS (13036) AND (14152) MICKEY SAID THE CAR WAS READY MY SON AND I PICKED IT UP, HE DROVE HOME, LOADED UP, AND MADE IT TO WACO, TX. MY SON CALLED ME AND SAID HE COULD NOT PUT IT IN PARK OR GET THE KEY OUT. I BORROWED MY NEIGHBORS TRAILER DROVE TO WACO IT WAS DARK SO I JUST LOADED UP THE CAR STRAPPED IT DOWN AND DROVE HOME MICKEY HAD CALLED AND SAID THAT THE TECHNICIAN THOUGHT HE: AT FIRST HE STARTED TO SAY MISPLACED BUT THEN CHANGED IT TO, LEFT A CLIP OUT AND TO BRING THE CAR BACK BUT NOT TO WORRY IT WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD IN THE MORNING TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND THE CLIP TOOL THAT THE TECHNICIAN LEFT ON TOP OF THE TRANS-AXLE WEDGED TIGHTLY BETWEEN THE SHIFT CAM AND TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY I CAN TOLERATE INEPTNESS BUT I CAN'T TOLERATE BEING LIED TO IF THE CLIP WAS A PROBLEM THAT IS THE PART THAT AFFECTS THE RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE, UNSAFE! IF MICKEY WAS COVERING UP FOR THE TECHNICIAN'S MISTAKE OF LEAVING THE TOOL HE USED UNDER THE HOOD, AT MY SON'S EXPENSE THAT WON'T BE TOLERATED I WILL TAKE THE CAR TO CAPITAL CHEVROLET TUESDAY MORNING TO CHECK FOR ANY DAMAGE. ALSO THE UNDER PANEL WAS NOT SECURED CORRECTLY AND A NUT LEFT OUT. I WON'T BE ANSWERING THE PHONE PLEASE MAKE ALL CORRESPONDENCE BY E-MAIL. ON 07/28/15 AT 9:00 I TOOK THE CAR OVER TO CAPITOL CHEVROLET 6200 IH 35 AUSTIN, TX 78745 TO INSPECT AND CHECK FOR DAMAGE AFTER THE TOOL LEFT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS REMOVED FROM THE TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY THE TECHNICIAN TERRY HAMILTON SAID THERE WAS NO APPARENT DAMAGE BUT THAT THE CABLE SHOULD OF BEEN CONNECTED BY A CLIP NOT A WORM GEAR CLAMP DUE TO THE CHANCE OF OVER TIGHTEN THAT COULD DAMAGE THE CABLE ASSEMBLY IF THE CLIP WAS TRULY FORGOTTEN DID THE GEAR CLAMP INSTALL ITSELF? I SENT AN E-MAIL TO CHANCE COVERT (GENERAL MANAGER) INFORMING HIM OF MY EXPERIENCE
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2015
ELECTRICAL AND MODULE PROBLEMS SAFETY HAZARDS WITH TRACTION CONTROL. TC ON WHEN IT SHOULD NOT BE. FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. CAR POWERS OFF DURING DRIVING. GM REFUSED REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGING 120 TO LOOK AT. HAD TO DISCONNECT FUSES AND HAD TO PULL ACTUATORS PRESSURE. SENSORS FUEL AND ELECTRICAL. DOOR LATCHES GOING UP AND DOWN EVEN WHEN CAR IS OFF. CANNOT DRIVE HIGHWAY. GM REFUSED VEHICLE FROM REPAIR OR COMPENSATION.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 22, 2015
TLA* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ALL OF THE DOORS LOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED BACK TO THE PARK POSITION THE REAR DOORS DID NOT UNLOCK. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ UPDATED 05/16/18*JB
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2015
MANY BULLETIN'S POSTED #09-07-30-012. MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAD ABOUT 85K MILES ON IT. I HAD ONLY OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND BOUGHT IT USED AS A COLLEGE STUDENT AND HAD AN OUTSTANDING LOAN ON IT. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING AND STARTED TO NOTICE WHEN ACCELERATING GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT IT WAS TAKING MORE TIME FOR MY CAR TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY CAR WAS IT TAKING EVEN LONGER TO SHIFT FROM 3RD TO 5TH GEAR THEN IT WOULD ABRUPTLY SHIFT INTO GEAR DELAYED. I FIGURED MAYBE IT NEED TRANSMISSION FLUID SINCE IT ONLY HAD 85K ON IT, AND THEN WHEN I WOULD REVERSE IT WAS VERY LOOSE FEELING. BROUGHT IN TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. QUOTED ME 2200 FOR A USED TRANSMISSION. LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM JUST OUT OF COLLEGE SO DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY UP FRONT YET AND I HAD A LOAN ON THE CAR STILL. CHEVY SAID I WASN'T UNDER 100K MILE WARRANTY BC CAR WAS MORE THAN 5 YEARS OLD. I LIVE ON MY OWN AND NEED A SAFE VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK EVERYDAY AND DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR A USED TRANSMISSION UP FRONT SO HAD NO CHOICE TO GO LEASE A CAR AND TRADE THIS NOW WORTHLESS CAR WITH THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE IN THAT I HAD A LOAN ON. SO CAR WAS WORTH A LOT LESS NOW THAN MY LOAN SO I WENT INTO A NEW DEAL WITH NEGATIVE EQUITY RESULTING ME TAKING ON HUGE CAR PAYMENT TO GET OUT OF THIS MESS. CHEVY OR GM NEED TO RECALL THIS DEFECT AND TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS AFFECTED AND COMPENSATE THOSE WHO WERE AFFECTED AND TOOK A HUGE LOSS IN $ DUE THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD BE COMPENSATING ME SOMETHING FOR HOW MUCH MONEY I JUST LOST UNLESS THEY WANT TO BE KNOWN AS A COMPANY WHO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AND SELLS CARS THAT TRANSMISSIONS GO WAY BEFORE 100K MILES....I WILL NEVER BUY OR RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN IF THEY DO NOT RECTIFY WITH GOOD PAYING CUSTOMERS.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND WAS HESITANT TO ACCELERATE AFTER A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Power train, Sep 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, MADE AND ABNORMAL SOUND, AND STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WAVE PLATE IN THE TRANSMISSION FRACTURED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 26, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY CHEVY MALIBU AND STARTED TO FELL MY CAR START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THEN MY SERVICE ESC WAS POPULATING ON THE DASH AND TRACTION CONTROL HAD BEEN LOST IN THE CAR. I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY BREAKING AS IF THE ABS BREAK SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING IN THE CAR.I GOT THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ENDED UP HITTING A GUARD RAIL. I THEN FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS MULTIPLE RECALLS ISSUED ON MY VEHICLE AND I CALLED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT RECALL WHICH APPEARED TO BE THE ISSUE. I WAS INSTRUCTED THAT I COULD DROP MY CAR OFF AT BEST CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND WOULD ASSIST ME. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF, EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THEY CALLED ME TO LET ME KNOW THE RECALL WASN'T THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGHT EVERYTHING I EXPERIENCED WAS LISTED IN THE RECALL.
Air bags, Aug 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,687. UPDATED 11/06/15*LJ UPDATED 11/10/15. *JB
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2015
OWNERS OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH 2008 - 2010 POWER DOOR LOCKS THAT MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE DOORS CAN LOCK AND UNLOCK AT RANDOM TIMES, AND MINE DO NOT LOCK AND UNLOCK UNLESS DONE MANUALLY, SINCE THERE IS ONLY A KEY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS DOOR YOU HAVE TO CRAWL OVER THE FRONT SEATS TO MANUALLY UN LOCK THE REAR DOORS. PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION AND ORDER THE MANUFACTURER TO RECALL THE VEHICLES AFFECTED SINCE ITS SAFETY RELATED. THANK YOU *TR
Service brakes, Aug 18, 2015
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL NOT APPLIED. ALSO AFFECTS CRUISE CONTROL. I ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT ON BUSY HIGHWAY. APPARENTLY MY BRAKE LIGHTS HAD BEEN ON AND WHEN I NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN, I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY LIGHTS WENT OUT. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO BE REAR-ENDED. I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW AS BEING IN RECALL FOR ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 13, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Power train, Aug 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE DETAILS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,767.
Steering, Jul 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEELING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Visibility/wiper, Jul 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE WIPER TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE WIPER TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED TO WORK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CLOSE THE DOOR WITH FORCE TO GET THE DOOR TO SECURE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO ENSURE THE DOOR WAS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,768.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2015
DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT AND DOOR WOULD FREELY OPEN. AFTER PULLING THE DOOR SHUT MULTIPLE TIMES IT FINALLY LATCHED AND I COULD DRIVE. WHEN TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. I HAD TO ROLL MY POWER WINDOW DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. AFTER I GOT OUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE IT. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS THE DOOR WOULD STILL NOT LATCH SHUT AND I HAD TO PHYSICALLY HOLD THE DOOR SHUT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WHERE IT NEVER WOULD LATCH. RESEARCH ONLINE INDICATES THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS THAT THE DOOR LATCH/LOCK ASSEMBLIES FAIL WHICH DOESN'T SEEM SAFE IF YOU CAN'T EXIT THE CAR OR IF IT WERE TO COME UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING.