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, Mar 28, 2014
I FEEL THAT I EXPERIENCED THE SAME POWER STEERING FAILURE THAT AFFECTED OTHER MALIBUS (AND CHEVROLETS) AND THAT MY REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER CHEVROLET SPECIAL BULLETIN #10183. HOWEVER, SOMETHING ABOUT MY VEHICLE'S BUILD KEPT MY VIN FROM BEING INCLUDED IN THE RANGE FOR THIS EXTENDED COVERAGE. I FIRST EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS ON FEBRUARY 13, 2014. MY VEHICLE HAD 97,600 MILES ON IT. AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE CAR MADE A DINGING SOUND AND THE WORDS "POWER STEERING"' FLASHED ON MY RADIO INFORMATION SCREEN. I TRIED TO DRIVE A FEW FEET BUT FOUND I HAD NO POWER STEERING ASSIST. I HAD TO STOP AND START THE CAR A COUPLE TIMES BEFORE GETTING POWER STEERING BACK. ON FEBRUARY 16, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME LOSS OF POWER STEERING (AUDIBLE DING, DISPLAY READ "'POWER STEERING" AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING). AFTER RESTARTING, THE ASSIST RETURNED. ON FEBRUARY 19, POWER STEERING FAILED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MILES OF MY COMMUTE. RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AT A STOPLIGHT SOLVED THE PROBLEM TWICE. AFTER THE FINAL FAILURE THAT MORNING, I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY WITHOUT POWER STEERING. THAT NIGHT, I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP POWER STEERING FUNCTIONING AND DROVE THE 12 MILE TRIP HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING. IN ADDITION, WHEN STOPPED AND WHILE DRIVING, MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE BY ITSELF. THIS OCCURRED RANDOMLY BETWEEN FEBRUARY 13 AND 19. THE AMOUNT OF MOVEMENT VARIED FROM A RAPID SHAKE TO UP TO A 1 INCH SWING FROM CENTER. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALER WHICH DIAGNOSED "TRACED TO INTERNAL FAULT IN STEERING COLUMN. REPLACED STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT." *TR
Steering, Mar 26, 2014
WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR AND START IT THE WARNING SIGNAL FOR POWER STEERING COMES ON THE SCREEN AND THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. I SHUT OFF THE CAR WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RESTART THEN ITS FINE. THE DEALER SAYS ITS A TORQUE SENSOR ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT THIS CAR HAS ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING. THE DEALER ALSO SAID EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS IN OTHER MODELS MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE READ 5 OUT OF 15 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS STEERING PROBLEM ON YOUR WEB PAGE. HOW DO WE PRESSURE GM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MODULE AND TORQUE SENSOR.
Power train, Seats, Mar 25, 2014
DRIVERS SEAT DEFECTED. THE METAL BRACKET THAT SECURE THE SEAT BROKE, CASING THE SEAT NOT TO SLIDE FORWARD OR BACK, UP OR DOWN. ALSO THE SEAT PADDING AND COVER TO SEPARATE FROM THE SEAT MOLDEN. TOOK VEHICLE TO BUICK CAR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY SAID THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THEY HEARD OF THIS AND WANTED TO CHARGE E SIX HUNDRED FOR THE REPAIRS STATING THEY WOULD PICK UP THE OTHER SIX HUNDRED . AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY WAS REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSION THAT ALSO WENT OUT ON A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS LESS THEN FIVE YEARS OLD. . *TR
Steering, Mar 24, 2014
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LS; HAS ALOT OF KNOCKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT MAKE CRUNCHING NOISES WHEN YOU TURN AND HIT BUMPS IN THE STREET. THE CAR SQUEAKS ON STREETS WITH NO BUMPS AND GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS; YOU CAN HEAR THE CAR COMING DOWN THE STREET. I HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS THEN PAY TO HAVE THEM PUT ON. *TR
Steering, Mar 21, 2014
CLUNKING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING; ALSO WHEN TURNING. STEERING COLUMN WIGGLES AT THE WHEEL AND SHAKES WHEN MOVING TOWARDS HIGHER SPEEDS. CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT BRAKING AND GO OFF WHEN YOU BRAKE. THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDDLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON ALSO WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS LUMINATES. *TR
Steering, Mar 13, 2014, crash
I LOST POWER STEERING WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A SEMI CURVE WHILE RAINING LIGHTLY. THE CAR KEPT GOING TO THE LEFT AND I COULD NOT STEER. I PRESSED BRAKES AND CAR SPUN. I ALMOST HIT A SIGN ON THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THANK GOD NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME NOR MY SON. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED EITHER. THERE WAS A TRUCK COMING ON THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION BUT HE STOPPED. OTHERWISE, WE WOULD HAVE COLLIDED. I GOT ON THE DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO GET BACK ON ROAD AND DRIVE TO NEAREST GM/CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS AND FOUND OUT THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $703 INCLUDING LABOR. THERE WAS A RECALL IN CANADA FOR THE SAME PART (TRANSPORT CANADA RECALL # 2012331: MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 12221) BUT AS OF NOW I HAVE NOT FOUND THE RECALL IN USA. WHY?? *TR
Steering, Mar 13, 2014
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND STREETS. POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. FIRST TIME STEERING STARTED SHAKING IS WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN IT JUST STARTED SHAKING AND MADE MY CAR GO RIGHT ONTO THE NEXT LANE. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2014
I HAVE A POWER DOOR LOCK PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. ALL DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR SEEM TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY WHEN THEY GET THE CORRECT VOLTAGE. AT TIMES THEY LOCK AND OTHER TIMES JUST CERTAIN DOORS LOCK AND THE OTHERS REMAIN UNLOCKED I THEN PRESS THE LOCK BUTTON AGAIN AND THEN COME DOWN ABOUT HALF WAYS BUT DON'T COMPLETELY LOCK ALL THE WAY NOW AFTER THE THIRD TRY IT ACTS AS IF ITS NOT SENDING ENOUGH VOLTAGE AND WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE UNTIL CAR HAS BEEN RAN FOR A MINUTES THEN IT ACTS AS IF IT WAS RECHARGED. AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF ITS BACK TO DOING THE SAME THING TRIED EVEN WITH CAR STILL ON AND ALSO LOSES POWER AFTER A FEW TRY'S.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CAR ON CRUISE CONTROL GOING ABOUT 70MPH, A CAR CUT ME OFF AND I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID A CRASH. IN THE PROCESS OF BRAKING, MY KNEE HIT A LONG KEY ON MY KEYCHAIN AND CAUSED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO EASILY STEER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON MY HAZARDS AND GET TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2014
STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. FRONT DISPLAY SHOWS "POWER STEERING" WARNING SIGN. LATER A LOCAL MECHANICAL RECOGNIZED A RECALL NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET (BULLETIN N# 10183A MAY 23, 2012) WHICH DESCRIBED EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE I WAS HAVING. THE BULLETIN ALSO INDICATED THAT CHEVROLET WOULD FIX THE CAR AT NO CHARGE. HOWEVER CHEVROLET REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR AT NO CHARGE CLAIMING THAT MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ASSOCIATED TO THAT RECALL NOTICE IN THEIR SYSTEM. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Feb 8, 2014
PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT LOCK (OR UNLOCK ) WITH THE REMOTE OR MANUAL PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ON DRIVERS ARM REST. THE ONLY WAY TO LOCK (OR UNLOCK) REAR DOORS IS CRAWL OVER FRONT SEATS TO MANUALLY PULL UP LEVER ON BACK SIDE OF DOOR. OR.......USE THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND LOWER REAR WINDOWS TO REACH IN FROM OUTSIDE......WHICH ANYONE THAT LIVES IN A COLD CLIMATE KNOWS YOU DON'T LOWER AN ELECTRIC WINDOW IN COLD WEATHER.....HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER ANYTHING.....WHAT IF I HAVE MY GRANDSON STRAPPED IN A CAR SEAT IN THE BACK SEAT AND AN EMERGENCY ARISES ? HOW DO I "QUICKLY" GET HIM OUT??? THIS IS A VERY COMMON SITUATION WITH THE CHEV. MALIBUS. PLUS THERE ARE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE FRONT END AND STEERING COMPONENTS. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT 35MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE POWER STEERING WAS CUTTING IN AND OUT. BEING A MOTHER OF 3 SMALL CHILDREN I FEARED FOR OUR LIVES! MY CAR WITHIN THE LAST 24 HRS NOW HAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL! IT WAS A NIGHTMARE FOR ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR TO GET TO A MECHANIC. I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND MILLIONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM!!! WHY HASN'T GM DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM???? DO THEY NOT CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES? I WILL NEVER DRIVE A GM AGAIN FOR THIS REASON. I CAN'T TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWING THERE IS SUCH AN AWFUL PROBLEM THAT EXISTS WITH THESE VEHICLES THAT I CAN GET MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVED ONE VERY SERIOUSLY HURT!!! WAKE UP GM!!! NOTIFY THE AMERICANS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM!! MAKE IT A RECALL!!! SHAME ON YOU!!! *TR
Steering, Feb 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT AND THE STEERING DEFECT WAS CORRECTED. THROUGHOUT THE DAY SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED WHICH CORRECTED THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,866.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 5, 2014
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT ME PRESSING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING, THE TURN INDICATOR SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED BUT FAILED TO AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL RETURNED TO THE NORMAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21000.
Air bags, Feb 1, 2014
SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO DEALER. WAS TOLD BOTH FRONT IMPACT SENSORS HAD FAILED. VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2014, crash
HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING, JERKING, SHAKING WHILE DRIVING, LAST YEAR ICE CAUSE THE CAR TO SLIDE OFF ROAD AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT INJURY. I HAVE CALLED THE MAIN CHEVROLET BRANCH AND THE SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM ORDER THE PARTS. (THEIR IS A RECALL) THAT HAS BEEN MONTHS NO ONE HAS CALLED US. WE HAVE CHECKED UP ON THE PART AND THE DEALERS SHIP TELLS US THAT THEY WILL CALL US WHEN PART IS IN. ITS BEEN ALMOST A 6 MONTHS. I AM BASICALLY SICK OF PAYING FOR A UNSAFE CAR WE CANNOT DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT ABOUT 6 PM WHEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND CAUSED MY STEERING WHEEL TO TURN BY ITSELF. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED BY ITSELF I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO A STOP SIGN AND A CURB IN THE INCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR I WAS SO EXCITED, IT WAS MY FIRST CAR AND I THOUGHT IT WAS DECENT,I WAS WRONG. SINCE THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT I HAVE NOT DROVE MY CAR I AM SCARED TO, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I WAS JUST LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE POWER STEERING IS ALL ELECTRICAL, SO EVERYTHING HAS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Dec 24, 2013
WAS GOING AROUND A CORNER AFTER A RED LIGHT STEERING LOCKED UP AND GOT A MESSAGE POWER STEERING PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER MESSAGE CANT REMEMBER WHAT IT SAID. IT LOOKS LIKE IM NOT THE ONLY ONE. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CHEVROLET SHOULD FIX IT. . ..UPDATED 01-10-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE FOUND HER EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE POWER STEERING. UPDATED 01/13/14
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 16, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED SLIGHTLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL GO OUT. I REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL LEVER SENSOR. THIS CURED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH, NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. THE DEALER DID A PARTS WARRANTY ON THE SWITCH AND SUPPLIED AT NO CHARGE. I PICKED IT UP TODAY, BUT HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT YET. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2013
FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED OUT OF MY HANDS AND A MESSAGE CAME A CROSSED THE DASH READING POWER STEERING IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER BUT I MANAGED TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT THEN STARTED THE BACK UP AND IT WAS WORKING AGAIN.IT HAS HAPPEN 4 MORE TIMES SINCE THE FIRST TIME AND I WAS MOVING THOSE TIMES AND YOU CAN NOT STEER THE CAR IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE WHEN THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COVERED ON A RECALL BUT THEY HAD TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. NOW THE GM DEALER SAID IT IS NOT COVERED. BUT I HAVE FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF CHEVY OWNERS WITH THE SAME YEAR & MAKE & MODEL AS MINE IT IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE FOUND WERE GM HAS SENT OUT RECALL LETTERS WITH EXTENDED COVERAGE ON THE POWER STEERING FOR UP TO 100,000 MILES.THEY KNOW IT EXIST WHY ARE THEY PICKING AND CHOOSING WHICH ONES TO FIX AND NOT TO FIX. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOT ONLY PUT MY FAMILY IN IT.THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THERE PRODUCT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 9, 2013
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ 4 CYLINDER LOST COMPLETE POWER TO THE POWER STEERING TODAY WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. LUCKILY I'M YOUNG AND STRONG AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AND SAFELY EXIT IT. I SAW THAT THIS MODEL DOES NOT HAVE POWER STEERING FLUID SO NOW I NEED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND FIX THIS PROBLEM AS THIS WAS VERY SCARY. I SAW THAT MANY MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SO A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2013
AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON WHILE STILL IN PARK, THE WHEEL WOULD JERK FROM LEFT TO RIGHT BY ITSELF. ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. THE POWER STEERING WAS FAILING WITHOUT WARNING! IT WAS PARTICULARLY FRIGHTENING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND WOULD HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BEFORE THE CHIME SOUNDED AND THE WORDS POWER STEERING APPEARED ON MY DASH INFORMATION. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT CITING THE PROBLEM AS "CODE 0475 - POWER STEERING MOTOR SHORTED INTERNALLY, REPLACED POWER STEERING MOTOR AND SET UP NEW MODULE". THE TOTAL COST WAS $847.87. AFTER DOING FURTHER RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT MANY 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBUS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. IN TWO DIFFERENT RECALL LETTERS RELEASED BY GM IT WAS STATED "2008 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET MALIBU...EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING, MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST". THE LETTER FURTHER STATED "FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE". WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE AS PER MY DEALERSHIP RECEIPT. THE LETTER SAID "IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS ON YOUR 2008 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLE WITHIN 10 YEARS OF THE DATE YOUR VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE OR 100,000 MILES, THE CONDITION WILL BE REPAIRED FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE". I CONTACTED GM WITH MY INFORMATION ATTEMPTING TO BE REIMBURSED. AFTER MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS AND EVERYONE TELLING ME MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO I FINALLY GAVE UP. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY CHEVROLET SENT ME A LETTER STATING "PLEASE ACCEPT THIS LETTER WORTH UP TO $100 TOWARDS YOUR NEXT MAINTENANCE SERVICE OR REPAIR ON YOUR 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU". I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR FROM GM AND WILL SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEAR BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.