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, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 22, 2022
The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2022
Automatic power steering randomly goes out while driving, posing serious safety risks. Steering wheel locks up and message reads “Power Steering Service ESC”
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 19, 2022
I was driving down hwy 79 and all of a sudden my car traxtion control light, service ESC,service traction, and,engine reduce power and check engine light came on.
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine, Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and manually steered the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering wheel and alignment had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred increasingly while reversing. The contact notified the independent mechanic of the failure and he advised her to drive the vehicle for about 15 miles and the steering wheel would loosen up. The contact drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the steering repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering and the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) had already been completed in 2014. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as recalls are repaired one time free of charge and additional related failures would be repaired at her expense. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2022
Intermittent issue with symptoms that reflect the conditions documented in GM Recall Bulletin 13063D. GM states that this repair has already been completed however the condition is being experienced in this vehicle. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 14V252
Air bags, Jan 12, 2022
Air bag sensor is reading airbag as a foreign object and not apart of the vehicle. Airbag has never been deployed, nor has it ever been changed. This should not be happening.
Steering, Nov 10, 2021
While driving I randomly lose power steering. Happens at various speed but usually slower speeds or stopped. Power steering warning light comes on in the dash panel. Sometimes can be reset by shutting off the car and restarting it. Still not 100% after resetting. Constant pulsing felt in the steering wheel and vehicle always wants to pull to the left.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 23, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the anti-theft lock warning light was blinking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2021
Faulty transmission
Steering, Jun 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the electric power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 25, 2021
THE MAIN CONCER I HAVE IS (1)WHILE DRIVING AND CAR IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, THE CAR ACCERLERATED ON IT'S OWN. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL MORE TIMES SINCE. (2)THE CAR BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN. I CANNOT DRIVE MORE THE 10 MILE PER HOUR, THE RPM GAGE GOES HIGH BUT THE CAR DOES NOT. (3)ALSO, THE CAR ABS LIGHT COMES ON WITH NORMAL DRIVING IN THE CITY, UNKNOWN CAUSE. (4)THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES, I'VE CHANGED HEAD LIGHTS TWICE, HORN FUSES BLOWN MULTIPLE TIMES, THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS GONE OFF 3X NOW, AND ON THE HEAT/AIR CONTROL PANEL MAKES A CLOCKNG NOISE, EVEN IF I WANT TO USE THE WIPERS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2021
I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXACT ISSUES DETAILED IN THE RECALL FOR THE LATER CHEVY MALIBU MODELS, ALTHOUGH BEING A 2008, MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. THE 'SERVICE ESC', 'ESC OFF', CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, AND TRACTION LIGHTS STAY ON. WITH THESE ON, I CANNOT ACCELERATE PAST 20MPH. IT HAS BEEN AN OFF AND ON PROBLEM FOR THE 2.5 YEARS I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE AND DESPITE TAKING IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO BE WORKED ON, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION EVERY TIME THESE WARNINGS HAVE COME ON.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2021
MY 2008 MALIBU LTZ DOES A HARD JURKING THEN THE RPM GAGE RISES WITHOUT SHIFTING. WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY IT HAS A BURNING SMELL. ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BUT DOESN'T SHOW ON THE DASHBOARD.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 21, 2021
ON 3/15/21 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER2008 MALIBU DOWN 787 INTERSTATE WHEN TAX STARTED GOING UP AN DOWN ENGINE RAISING FOR NO REASON ALSO THAT SAME MONTH WHEN YOU TURN SHARP TO GO INTO A TURN STEERING HAD MIND OF ITS OWN AN YOU CAN HERE A LOT OF RATTLING UP UNDER DASH ON DRIVERS SIDE.
Steering, Mar 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTATED AND REGAINED POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A&T CHEVROLET (801 BETHLEHEM PIKE, SELLERSVILLE, PA 18960, (610) 890-7312) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING GEAR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 22, 2021
POWER STEERING FAILURE HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. GET MESSAGE ON DASH OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOSS AND THAT MOMENT IT'S HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. I SEE YOU HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS BUT IVE NEVER RECEIVED THIS REPAIR. THE RECALL NUMBER I HAVE IS N140115.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2021
THIRD BREAK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. THE OTHER TWO BREAK LIGHTS HAVE NO ISSUE. I HAD THE THIRD BREAK LIGHT REPLACED AND AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF OTHE CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE.
Steering, Feb 15, 2021
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU 4 CYLINDER AND MY POWER STEERING IS SHAKY AND HARD TO TURN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT HAPPEN JANUARY 10TH 2021
Steering, Feb 13, 2021
DROVE VEHICLE AND PARKED, WHEN I CAME BACK AND STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING, DASH LIGHT READ POWER STEERING. MANAGED TO DRIVE VEHICLE HOME WITH 'NO POWER STEERING'. CHECKED THIS SITE FOR RECALLS/PROBLEMS FOUND ANOTHER OWNER WHO HAD SAME PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD TURNED THEIR CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THAT THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. AFTER READING HIS MESSAGE I WENT OUT AND STARTED MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. WILL TAKE IT TO MY MECHANIC ASAP.
Steering, Feb 2, 2021
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE JERKS LEFT AND RIGHT.. MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL.. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MORE THAN 35 MPH.. I THOUGH IT WAS A WHEEL ALINGMENT BUT IT WAS PERFORM BY 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND STILL DOES IT...
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2021
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE 3 WEEKS AGO AND FOR THE PAST WEEK IT WON'T START. POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT NO CRANK. I TOOK OUT BATTERY AND STARTER AND THEY'RE BOTH FINE. ALL RELAYS AND FUSES ARE FINE. I TOOK OUT ALL FUSES UNDER HOOD AND CAR STARTED FINE. MADE IT 5 MINUTES UP THE ROAD, MY CAR STARTED SHAKING BADLY,THE POWER STEERING APPEARED ON DASH, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, RPMS WORKED, AND CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF 1ST. THAT IS DANGEROUS AND MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR EPS BUT NO ONE WILL HELP ME AND THIS HAS BEEN A RE OCCURRING ISSUE WITH CHEVY MALIBUS IN GENERAL. I HAD TO TURN AROUND AND JUST COAST THE WHOLE WAY HOME THEN MY CAR LOCKED AND WOULDN'T LET ME TAKE IT OUT OF PARK WHEN I GOT HOME.
Steering, Jan 24, 2021
LOSS OF POWER STEERING, SEVERAL TIMES WHEN FIRST STARTED AND ALSO WHILE DRIVING. THESE HAPPENED IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING AS WELL AS ON A HIGHWAY
Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2021
TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND HAVE A PROBLEM RECALL FOR TAIL LIGHTS PROBLEMS
Steering, Jan 7, 2021
POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT. IF POWER STEERING NOT WORKING, SOMETIMES TURNING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT WILL ENABLE POWER STEERING.