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, Jul 8, 2015
ON DEC. 11, 2014, THE CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS DRIVEN TO THE STORE. UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD START BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS UNMOVABLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (GM PART # 22837369) WAS REPLACED AT AN OWNER COST OF $665.01 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY THE OWNER, THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS EXACT PART AND MODEL OF CAR (PRODUCT SAFETY #14118 AND 14119, SAFETY COMPLAINT ODI#10712564). AFTER DISCUSSING WITH THE DEALER, THE CHEVY REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE, AND THE HEAD OFFICE IN DETROIT, THE MANUFACTURER SAYS OUR VEHICLE'S VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. PERIOD. END OF DISCUSSION. SEEING THAT OUR PS MODULE FAILURE IS IN THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AS THE RECALLED CARS; AND THAT OUR MODULE FAILED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE RECALL DATE (AUG. 28, 2014), WE FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF OUR REPAIR. THE RELATIVITY OF THE RECALL VEHICLES AND OUR VIN, PLUS THE FACT THAT OUR PS MODULE DID FAIL, SHOWS THAT OUR CAR WAS BUILT WITH A FAULTY PS MODULE AND THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SINCE GM HAS STATED TO US THAT THEY WILL NOT STEP UP, WE ARE ASKING THE NHTSA TO TAKE THE NECESSARY REGULATORY STEPS TO INSURE THAT OUR CAR, AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OTHER MALIBUS OF SIMILAR VINTAGE, WILL GET THIS POWER STEERING MODULE REPAIRED AT GENERAL MOTORS' COST.
Air bags, Jul 1, 2015
MY "SERVICE AIR BAG" SIGN LIGHTS UP ON MY DASHBOARD AT RANDOM. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A LOCAL CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER LAST SUMMER (2014). THEY CAME UP WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS THAT ADDED UP TO MORE THAN 1,700 DOLLARS. THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. I WROTE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION TO TRY TO GET ANY FURTHER FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR BAG PROBLEM WAIVED, BECAUSE I THOUGHT 1,700 DOLLARS WAS ENOUGH, AND THEY DID NOT AGREE TO MY REQUEST. IN THE MEANTIME, I'M HOPING THAT I DON'T HAVE A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH MY AIR BAG. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2015
THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS GOING OFF RESULTING IN MY CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO START. I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN MY CAR WILL START AND I KNOW EVENTUALLY IT WILL NOT START OR SOMETHING WORSE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE AND I AM PERSONALLY TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF MY CAR STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR EVEN WORSE, THE HIGHWAY AND IT DOES NOT START BACK UP? RIGHT THERE WOULD BE A SITUATION FOR A POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION AND AT WHOSE FAULT? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR HOW MANY TIMES I AM SEEING THE ISSUE. IT IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN SHOVEL $300+ DOLLARS OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT IS CLEARLY GM'S ISSUE. PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING IT A RECALL.
Power train, Equipment, Jun 30, 2015
2008 MALIBU LTZ.ON JAN 22 2015 THE CAR FAILED TO START HAD TO BE TOWED TO LANGS.DEALER.THE SHIFTER CABLE TO THE TRANSMISSION FRACTURED AND BROKE. HAD TO BE TOWED TO CAR DEALER, REPLACED THE CABLE AND CHARGED ME $278.90. THEN I LEARNED THE MALIBU WAS ON RECALL LIST FROM NHTSA.. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE 4 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS WERE RECALLED, MY CAR WAS 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION NOT ON RECALL LIST.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2015
THE CAR HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE SYATEM SETTING A CODE TO CHECK TRANSACTION AND ESC AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD STICK ON. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT ONCE EVERY 2 OR 3 MONTHS. NOW THAT THE GM RECALL HAS BEEN DONE IT IS SETTING THESE SAME CODES 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY. BUT INSTEAD OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS BEING ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK, MY CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, MY TAIL LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE CAR STILL SAYS SERVICE TRANSACTION AND ESC DAILY. THIS RECALL HAS MADE MY PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS I NEVER KNOW IF MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING OR IF MY ANTILOCKS OR STABILIZATION SYSTEMS WORK. GM NEEDS TO FIND A DIFFERENT SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 29, 2015
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP FOR UNNECESSARY REPAIR WORK AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SERVICE BRAKE ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. INSTEAD OF FIXING THE WIRING HARNESS AS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE SENSOR AND CHARGED HIM $245. 03. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE DISCOVERED THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT BEEN FIXED., EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIAN NOTED EVERYTHING WAS OPERABLE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A DAY AND A HALF AND REPLACED THE BCM AND DTC.*JB UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2015
INCIDENT DATE IS APPROXIMATE. IT STARTED ON A TRIP HOME FROM CHICAGO WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARMER KEPT COMING ON BY ITSELF. MY WIFE HAD TO SIT IN THE BACK SEAT MOST OF THE WAY HOME. WHAT WE DID NOT KNOW UNTIL JUNE 25TH 2015 WAS THAT IT WAS COMING ON DUE TO A CONDENSATION LINE LEAK AT THE PASSENGER SIDE COWL. ON JUNE 28, 2015 I DISCOVERED SOAKED CARPET IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR FLOOR BOARD. I PULLED THE CARPET AND FOUND 1" OF WATER. OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, ONLY DURING SUMMER MONTHS WITH AC RUNNING, THE SEAT WARMER WAS SHORTING OUT DUE TO WATER WAVES TRAVELING FORWARD AND BACK DURING ACCELERATION/BRAKING. THE LAST TWO YEARS ID FIND WET CARPET, BUT THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS A FLUKE, POSSIBLE SUNROOF LEAK, OR THAT I LEFT MY WATER THERMOS LID UNSCREWED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STAY WET ALL THE TIME DUE TO WEATHER, DRIVE TIMES ETC. OUT OF WARRANTY, I KNEW IT HAD TO BE AC CONDENSING LINE RELATED. I WENT TO THE DEALER (WEBER CHEVROLET IN CREVE COEUR MO), WHERE PURCHASED NEW, TO GET A DIAGRAM OF WHERE THE AC LINES RUN. THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST ME. I WENT TO AN AC AUTO REPAIR PERSON WHO FOUND A FACTORY PLUG IN THE AC DRAIN HOSE THAT EXITS THE COWL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE REMOVED THE PLUG AND WATER OF COURSE CAME OUT. I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT BUT THE WATER KEPT LEAKING INTO THE CARPET. I REMOVED THE FRONT CARPET AND FOUND THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK AFTER VISITING A POST ON A CHEVYMALIBU FORUM. IT IS LEAKING THROUGH A 3OR 4SPONGE RUBBER SEAL ABOUT THE SIZE OF A HOCKEY PUCK, THAT APPARENTLY SURROUNDS THE BLOWER HOUSING TUBE THAT ENCASES THE CONDENSATION LINE THAT EXTENDS THOUGH THE COWL. I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH A SERVICE SUPERVISOR AT WEBER. I JUST RECEIVED A FORUM REPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING TSB INFORMATION: MOISTURE IN CABIN: TSB 09-01-37-002A (A/C - FRONT/REAR PASSENGER CARPET WET). I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A VIABLE REPAIR PROCEDURE BECAUSE I CANNOT ACCESS THE TSB BULLETIN.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, WHICH CAUSED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS, THE DIMMER SWITCH, THE CONSOLE LIGHTS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS, AND THE TURN SIGNALS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BULB FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE HARNESS WAS REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION, BUT THE REPAIR FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOOSE PIN ON ONE OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE CONNECTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BULBS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK EXCESSIVELY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2015
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE CAR WILL LOCK OUT AND NOT START DUE TO FAULTY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. I HAVE FOUND JUMPING BATTERY OR DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING BACK WILL CLEAR LOCK-OUT AND ALLOW CAR TO START. ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ALL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WILL BEGIN FLASHING REQUIRING EMERGENCY STOPPING.
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2015
AUTOMATIC REMOTE BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION; REPLACED BATTERIES. FAILED. BROUGHT TO DEALER AND THEY TOOK APART THE DOOR $350.00 AND NO REPAIR. STATED THEY NEEDED TO TAKE APART THE DASHBOARD AND PULL UP RUGS TO FIND WHERE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS. ANOTHER $700.00 AND I DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED. PROBLEM HAS WORSENED AS IT WAS AT FIRST THE DRIVER'S SIDE ONLY; NOW AFFECTING ALL LOCKS. I HAVE TO LOCK IT MANUALLY AND IT'S DIFFICULT BEING DISABLED TO REACH BACK AND LOCK OR UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS. CANNOT AFFORD REPAIR. NOW THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ARE PROBLEMATIC. I HAVE TO MANUALLY SHUT OFF THE DIRECTIONALS AS THEY STICK. VERY DISAPPOINTED AS I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES MY CAR AND IT ONLY HAS 38,800 MILES ON IT AND JUST MADE MY LAST CAR PAYMENT.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE ACCURATE READING LEVEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Power train, Jun 2, 2015
VEHICAL WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, PLACED IN THE PARK POSTION, AND KEY REMOVED FROM IGNIATION, WITHOUT INCIDENT. AS DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICAL, THE VEHICAL PROCEEDED TO ROLL AWAY. DRIVER RE-ENTERED THE VEHICAL TO TRY AND START THE VEHICAL, BUT WOULD NOT START. CAR APPEARED TO BE IN THE PARK POSITION AS PER THE INDICATION OF THE GEAR SHIFTER. TO PREVENT THE VEHICAL FROM CONTINUE TO BE MOBIL, DRIVER HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGANCY BREAK.
Steering, May 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 27, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED MY CHECK ESC CHECK TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DRIVER NOTIFICATION PANEL. WHEN I GOT HOME I NOTICED THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON AND I WASNT EVEN IN THE VEHICLE PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. SO I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON WITHOUT ME HITTING THE BRAKES AND THEN WHEN I DID HIT THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON. THIS HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE FIFTH TIME NOW FOR THE SAME THING. HUGE SAFETY CONCERN WHEN YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 27, 2015
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY REPAIRS AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY THAT FIT INTO THE GAS TANK WAS CRACKED AT THE COLLAR. *JB UPDATED 09/21/15.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICE HE RECEIVED, WAS THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED THAT COST HIM $ 1383.00. UPDATED 10/27/15.*JB UPDATED 12/07/15.*JB
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2015
THE TURN INDICATOR SWITCH DOES NOT HOLD THE SIGNAL WHEN TURNING LEFT, DOES WHEN TURNING RIGHT BUT DOES NOT SWITCH OFF. THIS BEGAN AFTER GETTING THE STEERING RECALL FIXED.
Air bags, May 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 7/10/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UPDATED 08/06/15*JB
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2015
I WAS ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY 6 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH MY KEYLESS ENTRY AND ALL BUT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD UNLOCK. EVEN WHEN USING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON ONE OF THE FRONT CAR DOES WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE SEAT TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO GET MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR THIS WOULD RANDOMLY HAPPEN TO THAT SPECIFIC DOOR. ON THURSDAY MAY 7TH, 2015, THIS SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT NOW BOTH CAR LOCKS IN THE REAR WERE NOT OPENING WITH THE REMOTE ENTRY OR THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE FRONT DOORS. THIS TO ME IS A SAFETY CONCERN. ESPECIALLY WITH A YOUNG CHILD THAT IS IN THE BACK SEAT. I SEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ON ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO THEIR BRAND NEW CARS AND USED CARS OVER THE YEARS. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED SO I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH IT IN THE PAST.
Steering, May 7, 2015
LOSS OF POWER STEERING--NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED--- RECALL #14V153000..GM CASE #[XXX]. GM SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT MADE AT THE CERTAIN TIME AT THE CERTAIN PLANT THEREFORE IT IS NOT COVERED AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FIX IT MYSELF. IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES AND THE FIX IS EXACTLY THE SAME. THERE ARE 100'S OF POSTS AN SOCIAL MEDIA OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. IT COST ME $785.87 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. GM SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, May 7, 2015
I WAS GOING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT WOULD NOT TURN USING ONE HAND, SO I USED 2 HANDS AND TURNED AS HARD AS I COULD. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND WAS WAY HARDER TO TURN THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE DRIVEN WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THIS INCLUDES LARGE TRACTORS, PICKUPS, TRUCKS AND CARS THAT HAD NO POWER STEERING AND WERE FAR EASIER TO TURN THAN MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ. AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. IT IS HAPPENING ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR NOW AND SOMETIMES HAPPENS WITH TURNING RIGHT AND MORE FREQUENTLY TURNING LEFT. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP AT $440 INSTALLED AND QUITE POSSIBLY RACK & PINION AT $660 INSTALLED. THE SHOP ADDED AN ADDITIVE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT IS MAKING IT BETTER, ALTHOUGH IT IS ONLY A BANDAID AND DOES NOT FIX THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. GM CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ON CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS ONLY. THE RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED USING 3 BULLETINS. MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THESE BULLETINS, ALTHOUGH, THE BULLETINS MAKE IT APPEAR AS THOUGH IT IS COVERED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON-LINE. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS DEFECT, AS I HAVE ALREADY HAD SOME "NEAR MISSES" DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2015
THE POWER DOOR LOCKS (THEIR ASSEMBLIES) ON ALL DOORS HAVE GONE BAD. THIS PREVENTS THE UNLOCKING OF ANY DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND BACK DOORS FROM INSIDE VERY DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE IN THE FRONT SEAT WHICH CAN TRAP INFANTS OR OTHERS INSIDE. FOR ALL DOORS TO GO BAD AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE AND NEWER CAR IS NOT NORMAL. DOORS INITIALLY STARTED GOING BAD 3 YEARS AGO. OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND DEALERS APPEAR TO ALSO KNOW THIS ISSUE IS COMMON AS THEY CHECK FOR IT WITHOUT REQUEST. GM SHOULD REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS AND FIX ANY OTHER NON- FUNCTIONING DOOR LOCKS AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DOORS DO NOT HAVE KEYED LOCKS AND ALL DOORS TRY TO AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN GEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Apr 24, 2015
THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED IN BULLETIN #14118 (KNOWN BY NHTSA AS 14V153) FOR MOST 2008 MALIBUS. UNFORTUNATELY, FOR WHATEVER REASON, NHTSA SAW FIT TO NOT INCLUDE ALL MALIBUS WITH THIS PART NUMBER. THIS PART FAILED ON MY CAR AND GM HAS CHARGED ME $480 FOR THE MODULE AND $275 FOR LABOR BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF OTHER 2008 MALIBUS WITH THIS EXACT SAME KNOWN FAULTY PART. WHY? AS AN ASIDE, WHY DOES THE RECALL NOTICE NOT INCLUDE THE APPLICABLE VIN NUMBERS? WHY MUST A SECOND STEP OF FINDING THIS WEBSITE BE NECESSARY TO FIND OUT IF A PERSON'S VEHICLE IS INCLUDED, OR EXCLUDED, FROM A RECALL? *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. AT TIMES, THE LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND NOT ALL THE LOCKS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 13, 2015
MY 08 MALIBU LTZ IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS. I HAVE TO LET OFF ACCELERATOR FOR IT TO SHIFT GEARS. *TR