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, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INTERMITTENTLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LOCKS FOR ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN USING THE KEY FOB REMOTE. ALSO, WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Steering, Nov 6, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON SUNDAY 11-03-2013 AND WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND THE WORDS POWER STEERING APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. IT TOOK 2 MEN TO HELP STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, PAUL MASSE CHEVROLET, EAST PROVIDENCE RI. I TOLD THEM I HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHEVROLET DATED JUNE 2012 ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE LETTER STATED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM ,YOU SHOULD NOT BRING THE CAR IN FOR REPLACEMENT PART. THE DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR AND STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TORQUE SENSOR NOT THE ELECTRICAL INPUT SIGNAL MENTIONED IN THE LETTER, THEREFORE, THE REPAIR WOULD BE GREATER THAN $900.00. THEY TOLD ME IF THE MODULE GOES OUT THEN BRING IT BACK AND THAT WOULD BE COVERED. NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE STEERING WITH NO WARNING AND ANYONE COULD GET HIT OR HIT ME AS I AM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME BUSY STREET. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE MODULE MENTIONED BECAUSE THEY SAID CHEVROLET WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THEM. I HOPE YOU CAN LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE LOOKING AT COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE THERE ARE OVER 80 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VERY PROBLEM. I ALSO LEARNED CANADA RECALLED THESE MALIBU'S FOR THIS VERY SAME REASON. I SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT YOUR OFFICE AND SHE GAVE ME A CONFIRMATION # 10551103 HOWEVER I FELT SHE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND MY SITUATION AND I FELT THE NEED TO EXPLAIN IT IN WRITING. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ABRUPTLY LOOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Nov 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TORQUE AND STEERING SENSOR HAD TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, ONTO A BUSY STREET A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT READ POWER STEERING. IT TOOK TWO MEN TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
Steering, Nov 5, 2013
WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 28, 2012, I WAS SITTING STILL ON AN INCLINE AND THE WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN BACK AND FORTH ON ITS ON. THE CAR LOT ASSURED ME IT WAS MOTOR MOUNTS, AN EASY FIX, AND I BOUGHT THE CAR. WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO, THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE. TODAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON THE FREEWAY AND I AM A PETITE WOMAN(WEIGHING IN AT AROUND 110 LBS.) SO IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENDING COST FOR MY VEHICLE IS AROUND 15,000 AND IT HAS ONLY BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Nov 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,508.
Steering, Nov 4, 2013
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE CAR IS IDLING AND DRIVING. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING, PULLING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT.GM HAD RECALLED MANY 2008 MALIBU VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD EMIT. I CHECKED WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS COVERED. REPLACED DEFECTIVE PART, PROBLEM SOLVED. 2 WEEKS LATER RECEIVED A BILL FOR THE REPAIR, THE BILL STATED IT WASN'T COVERED SINCE MY VIN DIDN'T FALL IN THE BRACKETS OF VINS FOR REPAIR.GM DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EITHER. THE DEALER DIDN'T CONTACT ME CONCERNING THE NON COVERAGE, JUST SENT ME A BILL. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS IT WOULD PULL THE CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT SURE WHY GM WON'T COVER MY VEHICLE.THEIR ATTITUDE SEEMS THAT SINCE THE VIN DOESN'T FALL IN THE CATEGORY, IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2013
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION RECALL NOTICE AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT ERRATICALLY AND IT ALSO SLIPPED AT TIMES. THE SOLENOID AND TCM WERE REPLACED.
Steering, Oct 22, 2013
CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE IN PARK ALSO SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING. VERY HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING! POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY UNSAFE AND WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! PLEASE HELP! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IN THE UNITED STATES! TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND SAID THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING MOTOR BEING DEFAULTED. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Oct 9, 2013, crash
DRIVING ON STRAIGHT ROAD AND CAR SUDDENLY PULLED RIGHT ONTO THE SHOULDER. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR LOST ITS STEERING CAPACITY. TRIED TO CORRECT THE STEERING ONTO THE ROAD AND THEN CAR SPUN 180, THEN HIT DITCH. CAR ROLLED OVER 100 FT. IN AIR AND LANDED ON WHEELS. THE FRONT, NOR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EVEN WHEN CAR STRUCK THE SIDE ON THE GROUND. CANADA HAS RECALLED 67,000 VEHICLES DUE TO POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE IN THE US BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. (IT ALMOST KILLED US IF WE DIDN'T HAVE OUR SEATBELTS ON!) *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 5, 2013
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A RECURRING BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON RANDOMLY, AND WHEN YOU STEP DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL YOU GET NO BRAKE LIGHTS RANDOMLY. I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT COUNTLESS TIMES DUE TO VEHICLES BEHIND ME NOT KNOWING WHEN I'M ACTUALLY STOPPING DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS BEING ON FOR 20 MILES STRAIGHT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS FAULTY AND CORRODED. THE BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ENGAGE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS OTHER DRIVERS ARE NOT WARNED OF BRAKING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS ARE STAYING LIT WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO OFF. RETURNED CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 26, 2013
I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM IN NOV OF 2011, AND CHEVY FIXED MY CAR AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE IT HAD UNDER 12K MILES. THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND NOW BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I AM EXPECTED TO PAY FOR A DEFECT WHICH IS SO SEVERE THAT CANADA HAS RECALLED 67K VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2012/10/03/GM-RECALLING-67K-CHEVY-MALIBU-PONTIAC-G6-AND-SATURN-AURA-MODELS/ THE STEERING MODULE THAT WAS INSTALLED ON MY CAR IN NOV 2011 IS JUST AS DEFECTIVE AS THE ORIGINAL PART THAT FAILED ON MY MALIBU WHEN IT WAS MADE IN 2008. THERE IS NO RECALL OR RECOURSE FOR OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES IN THE USA, SO WE ARE FORCED TO EITHER TRADE IN OUR CAR OR PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE PARTS THAT CHEVY KNOWS IS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED DRIVING THESE CARS! *JS
Steering, Sep 10, 2013
LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER MALIBU OWNERS, MY 2008 STARTED SHIMMYING WHILE IDLING, AND ALSO STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT, STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY, AND THE PS MODULE. THEY CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED, AND THERE IS NONE. MY CAR HAS 37,000 MILES ON IT; I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE DEALING WITH A STEERING ISSUE AT THIS POINT, ESPECIALLY TO THE TUNE OF $1600.00! BY ALL RIGHTS, GM SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 10, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON WHILE CAR IS MOVING ,THEN THEY GO OFF WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED OFF AND ON AGAIN PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2013
MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU (PURCHASED NEW) WITH 41,000 MILES. RECENTLY, I NOTICED MY BACK DOOR CAR LOCKS DID NOT WORK. I CALLED THE DEALER AND AM TOLD WE NEED NEW ACTUATORS; NO RECALL AS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I DISAGREE - PRESSING A LOCK ON YOUR DOOR SHOULD LOCK YOUR DOOR. PLUS WHEN I MANUALLY LOCK THE DOORS, IF AN EMERGENCY AROSE I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS WITHOUT CRAWLING INTO THE BACK SEAT TO UNLOCK. THE DEALER QUOTED A COST OF $250 PER DOOR PLUS LABOR. MY POINT IS - THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I PHONED GM AND AM AGAIN TOLD IT IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN. AGAIN, I POLITELY DISAGREED. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR THE NTSA TO REVIEW THIS ISSUE WITH GM? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING MY CONCERN. *JB
Service brakes, Sep 3, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON WHEN YOU DON'T EVEN PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY TAIL LIGHTS. I THEN NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND WHEN I DID PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKES THERE WAS NOTHING. THIS POSES A GREAT PROBLEM IN THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED DUE TO THE DRIVERS BEHIND BE ME NOT KNOWING IF I WAS BRAKING OR NOT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. MY FAMILY OWNS 3 CHEVY'S, BUT I AM UNHAPPY WITH THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH THIS MALIBU. THIS MAY BE OUR LAST CHEVY PURCHASE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2013
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY 3/4 OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLE AND IN PARK. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. FAMILIES LIVES ARE AT STAKE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE POSTED VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE AND HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EOH5MQ4X4CG GM NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF ITS PEOPLE CONSIDERING THE PEOPLE TOOK CARE OF THEM A.K.A. "BAILOUT". *TR
Steering, Aug 7, 2013
STARTING IN JUNE OF 2013, OUR 2008 CHEVY MALIBU STARTING HAVING STEERING ISSUES. REGARDLESS OF WHAT SPEED YOU TRAVELED, WHETHER IT BE 20 OR 55MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING JERKING LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. IT WOULD STOP, AND THEN SPORADICALLY START BACK UP AGAIN. WE VISITED OUR LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS THE BALL JOINTS. AFTER SPENDING $400, WE FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, WE FOUND AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF 2008 CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS WHO HAD EXPERIENCED THIS SAME THING. HTTP://WWW.GMINSIDENEWS.COM/FORUMS/F31/STEERING-COLUMN-MODULE-08-MALIBU-71371/INDEX2.HTML HTTP://WWW.BATAUTO.COM/FORUMS/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=11400.0 AND SOME VIDEO: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZR62GJNH1GM HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EOH5MQ4X4CG AND THESE MODELS WERE RECALLED IN CANADA FOR A POWER STEERING ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2012/10/03/GM-RECALLING-67K-CHEVY-MALIBU-PONTIAC-G6-AND-SATURN-AURA-MODELS/ AFTER DOING THIS RESEARCH, WE RECENTLY JUST TOOK OUR MALIBU TO OUR NEAREST CHEVY DEALER, DIAMOND CHEVY IN AUBURN, MA. THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER ANY KIND OF WARRANTY. AFTER DOING DIAGNOSTICS, THEY TOLD US IT WAS INDEED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE, WHICH IS THE SAME THING THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING. WE WERE QUOTED AT $956 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR THIS. WE FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND DEFECT OF THE 2008 CHEVY MALIBU. US, AND IT APPEARS MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT WAS DEEMED SERIOUS ENOUGH IN CANADA TO RECALL. WHILE YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON SAFETY, WE FEEL THAT IT IS AN EXTREME INJUSTICE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $900 + OUT OF POCKET FOR A PROBLEM THAT A) EFFECTS OUR SAFETY SO EXTREMELY AND B) IS NOT CONSIDERED NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR". I BEG YOU TO PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL ON THIS MODEL MALIBU. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 1, 2013
WHEN WE PURCHASED THE MALIBU LTZ V6 FULLY LOADED , LEATHER SEATS ALL THE UPGRADED OPTIONS I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING A "EXCELLENT" CAR. I WAS DELUSIONAL ! WITHIN A COUPLE OF MONTHS I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY RADIO, AND COMPONENTS IN THE RADIO SAYING" AUX INPUT DEVICE" AND IT KEPT TURNING ON AND OFF ! I CALLED CHEVROLET IN GREEN COVE SPRINGS FLORIDA AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS "NOTHING" IT WASN'T NOTHING ! I WAS TOLD OF COURSE "AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED" THAT IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM! AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE THEN $3,000 TO FIX IT! NICE GM! BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS WIRED INTO THE RADIO SO WHEN THEY RADIO HAS A PROBLEM GUESS WHAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ? EVERYTHING GOES TO HELL ! ALSO MY MOTORS ON ALL MY DOORS HAVE FAILED AT LEAST ONCE AND NOW BECAUSE MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS GOING MY DOORS OPEN AND CLOSE WHEN THEY WANT TO ! I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES AND HOUR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AS IF I HAD NO POWER AGAIN THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG ! THIS IS MY FIRST CHEVROLET AND MY LAST ! I AM TRADING THIS GARBAGE IN FOR A FOREIGN CAR ! PROBABLY A FIAT ! THANK YOU ! GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BAILED THEM OUT AND THEY HAVE CHINA WHO BTW HATES US ! MAKING PARTS FOR OUR CARS ! OMG I JUST LOVE THIS COUNTRY ! *TR
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2013
FIRST SUMMER OF OWNERSHIP, HOT DAY, AIRCONDITIONER ON. CAR STARTED FLASHING ALL KINDS OF WARNINGS. PULLED OFF ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE PULLING INTO LOT AND THEN CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AT FIRST SERVICE, TOLD DEALERSHIP WHAT HAPPENED BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THAT SAME YEAR OR NEXT YEAR THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HYBRID BATTERY AND IT WAS REPLACED. THOUGHT MAYBE MY PROBLEM WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN BUT EVERY SUMMER HAD SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH CAR PULLING INTO STOP AND SHUTTING OFF. WAS ABLE TO START CAR AGAIN AFTER SITTING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. DIAGNOSTICS SHOW NOTHING WRONG AT DEALERSHIP. JULY 23 2013 ON A RAINY HIGHWAY (AIR CONDITIONER NOT ON BECAUSE NEEDS NEW COMPRESSOR), SAME SITUATION SUDDENLY HAPPENS. FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND EVENTUALLY ALL POWER AFTER GETTING OFF HIGHWAY(THANKGOD). POLICE HAD TO PUSH CAR OUT OF INTERSECTION AND TOW TRUCK DRIVER GAVE CAR A JUMP AND PARKED CAR IN SAFE PLACE AND GOT A CAB TO A VERY EXPENSIVE CONCERT A HALF HOUR LATE. AFTER CONCERT, CAR STARTED AND TOOK CAR TO SEARS FOR A NEW BATTERY AS TOW TRUCK DRIVER SUGGESTED. JULY 26 MADE DRIVE HALFWAY ACROSS STATE. NO INCIDENT. JULY 29 DRIVING HOME. BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AFTER MAKING REST STOP. KEPT DRIVING ON HIGHWAY(NICE DAY, NO RAIN) BUT CAR SHUTS OFF AGAIN, FORTUNATELY JUST AFTER GETTING OFF HIGHWAY. THIS IS GETTING DANGEROUS! ONSTAR SEES ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON DIAGNOSTICS. TOWED TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP. RENT CAR TO GET BACK HOME. ONCE AGAIN DIAGNOSTICS SHOW NO PROBLEM. NOW I HAVE TO TAKE MY RENTAL CAR 2 HOURS TO GET MY OWN CAR. GOING TO CALL GM. WISH ME LUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. HOPE I GET THE CAR BACK HOME! *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 30, 2013
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ENGINE KEPT REVVING AND MAKING A LOUD SOUND. THE ODOMETER WENT FROM 60 MPH TO 0 AND THE TACHOMETER VACILLATED FROM TWO TO FIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THEN THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING AGAIN AND THE SITUATION REPEATED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED AND WHEN IT SLOWED DOWN AGAIN, THE CONSUMER WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH REVEALED THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID INTERNALLY SHORTED OUT.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 29, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL ISN'T PRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN ORDER TO RELEARN THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE TRACTION CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. *TR