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, May 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING SHAFT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2013
THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. ALL DOORS IN THE VEHICLE ARE SUPPOSED TO, AND ASSUMED TO BE, LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND WHEN THE LOCK IS HIT. HAVING A DOOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION AS IT IS ASSUMED THAT IT WILL PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE THROUGH VANDALISM/THIEVES OR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AS THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. LOOKING THROUGH THE EXISTING LIST OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND ALSO ON MODEL SPECIFIC FORUMS, THIS ISSUE IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A WIDESPREAD ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM, CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CARS IT AFFECTS NOT ONLY FOR THE MALIBU MODEL, BUT ALSO OTHER VEHICLES THAT THEY SELL. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 19, 2013
DOORS STOPPED LOCKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, AND UNLOCKING WHEN IN PARK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CARRY A TODDLER/CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEY ARE NOT LOCKED IN, AND COULD OPEN THE DOOR. WE ARE TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON IN MALIBU'S AND THE DEALER MAINTAINS AN INVENTORY OF ACTUATOR'S TO REPAIR ALL OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE BROUGHT IN. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 17, 2013
STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN THE CAR WAS AT REST AND THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 49K MILES. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THEN THE POWER DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO FAIL; BOTH PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS AND THE DRIVER'S LOCK MUST BE OPERATED MANUALLY NOW (WELL, THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK WORKS 1/2 OF THE TIME...NEVER KNOW IF IT IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED UNLESS YOU DO IT MANUALLY). NO OUTSIDE KEYHOLE EXISTS FOR THE PASSENGER DOOR SIDE TO BE UNLOCKED, WHICH IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ALONE AND CANNOT GET THE DOORS LOCKED BY PUSHING THE BUTTON. HAVE DRIVEN GM VEHICLES MY ENTIRE LIFE, BUT THIS IS THE LAST TIME THE COMPANY WILL EVER GET MY MONEY. SAD.... *TR
Steering, Apr 15, 2013
I BOUGHT THIS MALIBU 2 YEARS AGO I HAVE HAD STEERING PROBLEMS EVER SINCE THE WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH WHEN I'M AT A STOP SIGN. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS I HAVE ALMOST WRECKED MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES I CAN NOT LET ANYONE DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2013
KEYLESS DOOR FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK REAR DOORS. LOOKING THIS UP ON THE INTERNET HAS SHOWN THIS PROBLEMS IS A COMON COMPLAINT AND NOT COVERED AFTER 3 YEAR OR 36000 MILE WARRANTY THOUGH MILEAGE IS NOT A FACTOR FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE SAFETY FACTOR INVOLVED WOULD BE INABILITY TO OPEN REAR DOOR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WITH INJURIES. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2013
I PULLED THE CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. I PUT THE BRAKE BACK ON, STOPPED IT, AND THEN DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWED THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE. I RAN THE SHIFTER THROUGH ALL THE GEARS, BUT THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED THE SAME. IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS AGAIN WHEN I BRIEFLY LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, REMOVED THE KEY, CALLED MY DEALER AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THEM. THEY FIXED IT THE SAME DAY AND TOLD ME THE SHIFT CABLE HAD SEPARATED FROM WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Structure, Apr 12, 2013
SUN ROOF ON PASSENGER DOOR LEAKING WATER AFTER IT RAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT RIGHT SIDE DRAIN WAS STOPPED UP. ON APRIL 12 THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING AGAIN. I THINK IT IS A DEFECT AND NEED A RECALL. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH SUN ROOF BEFORE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A MALIBU HAVING THIS ISSUE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP TOLD ME HE HAS A MALIBU AND IS ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM. OF COURSE IT IS NOT COSTING HIM $100 EVERY SIX MONTHS BECAUSE HE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT. IF THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY 6 MONTHS, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE PRODUCT. I SPOKE WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT I DIDN'T GET ANY HELP. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ORDERED TO RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *TR
Steering, Apr 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING STILL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED BACK AND FORTH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,319. *TR
Power train, Apr 4, 2013
WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAR DID FINE BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL STEERING. I COULD HARDLY MOVE THE WHEEL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THEN, WAS AT A LIGHT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A MAIN BUSY TWO WAY ROAD WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC, AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN LEFT, THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL AGAIN AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET PAST THE ONCOMING CARS, QUICKLY SHUT IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THEN, ASSIGNMENT FOR MY WORK, WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 50 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I WAS VERY AFRAID. I TOOK SURFACE STREETS TO GET TO THE JOB THEN AND CAME HOME USING SURFACE STREETS. THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT IS NOT ALL THE TIME, INTERMITTENT, BUT FAIRLY FREQUENT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I WENT ONLINE TYPING 2008 MALIBU POWER STEERING PROBLEM AND SAW THE WEBSITE WHERE GM HAD A RECALL. I EMAILED GM HELPLILNE AND WAS ASKED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT IF THEY CANNOT ISOLATE THE PROBLEM, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT LISTED AS PART OF THE RECALL AND THE MILEAGE IS OVER 100,000. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT A "WEAR AND TEAR", BUT RATHER A DEFECTIVE KNOWN PROBLEM THAT PRACTICALLY COULD HAVE KILLED ME. THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THE REPAIR IS WELL OVER $700+ AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX IT. I THINK THAT THIS IS A GRAVE DANGER TO THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT FOR OTHER DRIVERS SUCH THAT THE POWER STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE IN PERFORMANCE. I USE MY CAR FOR MY JOB AS I AM ASKED TO GO TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND SO IT IS NOT JUST UNSAFE FOR PERSONAL DRIVING IT AFFECTS MY ABILITY TO FEEL SAFE WHILE ON THE JOB. *TR
Steering, Apr 3, 2013
WE WAS GETTING READY TO PARK AND THE STEERING COLUMN GOT REALLY STIFF AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR TO PARK. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART THE CAR AND IT LOOSING UP. I WAS IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BAY, FLORIDA. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
Steering, Apr 1, 2013
FIRST STEERING WHEEL PULSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN AND THEN WHEN I DROVE IT FELT ALMOST LIKE A MAGNETIC PULL BACK AND FOURTH ON THE INTERSTATE, AS IM SWERVING BETWEEN LANES BECAUSE ITS SO STRONG! TURN OFF CAR SOMETIME RESETS PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. EVENTUALLY IT ALL HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN. NEEDS TO BE RECALL ON POWER STEERING. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. THANKS GM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 28, 2013
THIS HAS OCCURED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. WHEN DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES AND YOU HAVE TO TAP THE BRAKES TO GET THEM TO GO OUT. THEN THEY MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT GO OFF AND TOTALLY CANCELS ANY CRUISE CONTROL OPETATION. THERE IS NO ACTUAL BRAKING AND THIS EVEN HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS LAST TIME, THEY WOULD NOT GO OFF AT ALL AND IT EVEN TRIGGERED A 'SERVICE TRACTION' WARNING ON THE DASH. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES I TOOK IT IN, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX/DIAGNOSE IT UNLESS IT WAS DOING THIS RIGHT THEN. WELL ANOTHER SHOP FOUND A SAFETY BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE AND COMPLETED THE RECOMMENDED FIX. THIS WORKED FOR QUITE A WHILE UNTIL NOW AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN. I WORRY ABOUT ANOTHER DRIVER TAKING FAULTY ACTION THINKING I AM BRAKING, WHEN I AM NOT. ALSO IT HAS BECOME A RECURRING SAFETY ISSUE AND I SEE OTHER OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Steering, Mar 27, 2013
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY OR ON THE MOVE VIOLENTLY, POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON IN INFORMATION SCREEN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD GET PEOPLE IN ACCIDENTS!! *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 26, 2013
I FIRST EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OCTOBER 2011 WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATED SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC, I TOOK MY CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE WHERE THEY PUT DIELECTRIC GREASE ON THE BCM CONNECTORS. THEY STATED IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A DEALER FOR THE BCM TO BE REPROGRAMMED. WHILE THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM OF MY SERVICE BRAKE LIGHTS COMING ON WITHOUT TOUCHING MY BREAK PEDAL AND THEN WHILE BREAKING NO BREAK LIGHTS COME ON, THE FIX ONLY WORKED TEMPORARILY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE LIKE OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF IT CLEARS THE MESSAGE UNTIL YOU ARE NO LONGER AT THE GARAGE AND IT COMES BACK ON. I TOO TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND DID NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE SERVICE WRITER SAW THE MESSAGES WHICH WERE, SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC. THE FIRST TIME I VISITED THE DEALER WAS ON JUNE 1, 2012, THEIR REPORT STATES CODE C0131 ABS TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PRESSURE CIRCUIT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED ON JUNE 25, 2012 IN WHICH THEY REPLACED AND CALIBRATED BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH, GREASED BCM CONNECTOR, CLEARED CODE, ROAD TEST, REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOR A SUM OF MONEY. THIS HAS NOT FIXED MY PROBLEM TO DATE. THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY PERSISTENT DURING DAMP AND WET WEATHER. IT IS AN UNEASY FEELING DRIVING BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
Steering, Mar 24, 2013
FIRST STEERING WHEEL PULSED VERY RAPIDLY AND THEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY. TURN OFF CAR SOMETIME RESETS PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. EVENTUALLY IT ALL HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN. NEEDS TO BE RECALL ON POWER STEERING. FAST BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, LIKE A CHILD OR FAMILY. THEN IT WILL BE TO LATE. THANKS GM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 23, 2013
YOU HAVE TO TAKE OFF FRONT END OF CAR TO CHANGE HEADLIGHT BULB(BUMPER, GRILL, BRACKETS). REPLACED 3 HEADLIGHT BULBS IN LITTLE MORE THAN 1 YEAR . PROBLEM WITH REPLACING BULB......YOU HAVE TO TAKE OFF FRONT END TO CHANGE BULB. LAST TIME I CHANGED BULB WAS 3 WEEKS AGO. BULB OUT AGAIN. I AM NOT A MECHANIC OR BODY PERSON SO I HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE TO CHANGE THE BULB. PAID SOMEONE TO TAKE OFF FRONT END AND CHANGE THE BULB. BECAUSE IT ONLY LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS OR LESS, I AM ASSUMING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL. I NEVER KNOW WHEN BULB WILL GO OUT. I CAN PAY TO FIX IT AGAIN, BUT, I CANNOT SEE AT NIGHT WITH ONE LIGHT AND OTHERS CANNOT SEE ME. IT IS A HAZARD AND I DON??T KNOW WHAT TO DO. CHEVY QUOTED ME $320.00 TO DO THIS. I PAID 1ST $220.00 2ND 180.00 3RD $180.00 . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BECAUSE OF LOCK PROBLEM DESCRIBED BELOW, THAT IS WHY I THINK IT MAY BE ELECTRICAL MY BROTHER AND I GOT A CAR (SAME CAR 3 MONTHS APART) HIS CAR DID THE SAME THING - ALL DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED - HE TOOK IN TO CHEVY. GAVE HIM SOME WEIRD EXCUSE AND SAID IT WOULD COST HIM SO MUCH MONEY TO FIX WHICH WAS A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT. HE TRADED HIS 2008 CHEVY MALIBU IN FINALLY BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS AND BOUGHT A TOYOTA CAMRY. THE COST QUOTED HIM WAS THE REASON I DID NOT TAKE MINE IN TO REPAIR. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR CHEVYS MALFUNCTION. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2013
AFTER PURCHASING MY 2008 MALIBU IN JUNE OF 2012, I HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN ACCELERATING, AND TURN OFF WHILE BRAKING. IF I PUSH THE BRAKE HARD ENOUGH THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY DOES COME ON. I TOOK THIS INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT EXAMINED, AND THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ON A WEEKLY, IF NOT DAILY BASIS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 13, 2013
THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT STARTED TO COME ON WHEN THE WEATHER WAS VERY HOT OR VERY COLD FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING IN 2009. IN THE WINTER OF 2013, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON CONSTANTLY. WHEN THIS WARNING WAS ON, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING. EVEN IF SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT, THE LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE SENSOR COULD NOT DETECT A PERSON AND THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. OUR DEALER VERIFIED THAT THE SENSOR WASN'T WORKING AND IF WE GOT INTO A CRASH, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK. WE FELT THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY CHEVROLET AT NO COST TO US, BUT CHEVROLET CLAIMED THAT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS, THEY COULD NOT REPLACE IT AT NO COST. WE HOPE THIS REPORT HELPS TO SHED LIGHT ON THE ISSUE, AND IF IT IS COMMON, LEADS TO A RECALL OR VOLUNTARY REPLACEMENT OF THE FAULTY SENSOR AT NO COST TO CONSUMERS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2013
CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ 3.6L, AS YOU DRIVE DOWN THE STREET AT ANY SPEED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE DISPLAY SAY CHECK TRACTION PRESS ESC I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED AT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THE TECH SAID THE ENGINE MISFIRED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO BAD GAS OR A PARTICLE IN THE GAS BUT IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT TEN TIMES WITH GAS FROM SEVERAL PLACES AND ALL GRADES REGULAR TO PREMIUM AND KNOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND AM KNOW TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM SCAN THE CAR AGAIN I HAVE HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH, IF THE DEALER DECIDES IT IS NO LONGER THERE PROBLEM I WILL REPORT THIS PROBLEM AND HASSLE I HAVE GONE THROUGH TO GM MANAGEMENT AND WILL RETURN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER OR OWNER OF DEALERSHIP FOR A REFUND. *TR
Steering, Mar 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED TWICE UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,854. UPDATED 04/17/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT. ON ONE OCCASION, SHE WAS UNABLE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. SHE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. UPDATED 04/18/13
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2013
WHEN VEHICLES STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE LIKE ITS GOING TO BREAK. DOES NOT ALLOW ACCURATE STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER REAR WINDOWS ELECTRIC SUSPENSION WIRE POPPED AND CAME UNRAVELED AND WINDOW DROPS. FUEL LEVEL RANGE SENSOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ACCURATE READING. ALSO, DISABLED FUEL GAUGE ARM IN DASH (FLUCTUATES). DIAGNOSIS RAN AND SEEMS TO BE NO ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMP. WHILE DRIVING THE ARM BAR THAT KEEPS SEAT LEVEL AND IN PLACE SNAPPED AND SEAT FELL AS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (70MPH ON FREEWAY).. VERY SCARY.. SINCE STEERING COLUMN ALREADY FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL APART. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 2, 2013
FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS NOW EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT IT WANTS TO "JUMP" IT ACTS LIKE IT IS HANGING UP SOMEWHERE. ON 3-2-2013 I GOT INTO THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING. I GOT BACK HOME AND SHUT IT OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND IT WORKED AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Feb 26, 2013
WHEN SITTING AT A STOP SIGN OR SITTING IN DRIVE WAY AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING TROUBLE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND MAKES THE DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT (MAKES IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE IS A FLAT TIRE, WHEN THERE IS NONE!). WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JULY 2011, I PUT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE IS AT 83000. *TR
Steering, Feb 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND SWITCHING LANES, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.