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, Feb 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 116,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Feb 14, 2013
KEY FOB DOES NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK THE FRONT AND BACK DOORS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. IF SOMEONE IS IN THE BACK SEAT THE DRIVER CAN NOT GET THEM OUT AS THE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE FOB. WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE THE DRIVERS DOOR DOES NOT LOCK, SO IT IS ASSUMMED THAT YOU ARE SAFELY LOCKED IN THE CAR, BUT THE DOOR NEEDS TO BE LOCKED MANUALLY AFTER IN THE CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE. WHEN LOCKED MANUALLY WHEN IN CAR, WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AUTOMATICALLY AND HAS TO BE MANUALLY OPENED BY PULLING THE LOCK ON DOOR UP ON THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR. WHEN TRYING TO USE THE REMOTE TO LOCK THE DOORS, THE FRONT AND BACK DOORS DO NOT LOCK UNLESS DONE MANUALLY. WHEN THE FOB IS USED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AS I TRY TO GET INTO THE CAR THE FOB DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY WITH THE KEY UNLOCK THE DOOR. WHEN TRYING TO REMOTE START THE CAR THE REMOTE START DOES NOT WORK, AS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND BACK DOOR WILL NOT LOCK, SO REMOTE START DOES NOT WORK. I HAD AN INCIDENT WITH THE BACK DOOR WHEN I NEEDED TO GET AN INDIVIDUAL OUT OF THE BACK SEAT QUICKLY AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. I HAD TO RUN TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND GET THE INDIVIDUAL OUT BY PULLING THEM TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN I AM APPROACHING MY CAR IN AN AREA THAT I FEEL UNSAFE IN, SUCH AS A GARAGE, I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY CAR DOOR WITH THE FOB AND HAVE TO AGAIN USE THE KEY. AGAIN THEN WHEN I GET IN THE CAR I AM UNSAFE AS THE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK, FRONT OR BACK IF NOT LOCKED MANUALLY. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY NOT BEING ABLE TO GET SOMEONE OUT OF THE BACK SEAT OR ME OUT OF THE FRONT SHOULD I ENCOUNTER AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, OR IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT, OR IF FOR ANY REASON I HAVE A FIRE IN THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Feb 12, 2013
STEERING SHAKES VIOLENTLY,WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED,TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL. CONDITION IS INTERMITENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A STEERING CONTROL MODULE. SO FAR CHEVROLET HAS NOT OFFERED A FIX ,EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF 743 .00$ WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE? ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 70000 MILES AND DEALER REPLACED CAT CONV AT NO CHARGE . THE THIRD ISSUE IS DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AT 74000 MILES,AND WILL ONLY OPEN MANUALLY. THE STEERING IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND I FEAR WILL CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
Power train, Feb 7, 2013
2008 CHEVY MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION DEFECT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, DESPITE RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL.
Steering, Jan 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN. UPON RESTARTING, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ UPDATED 03/07/13
Steering, Jan 27, 2013
WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH BY ITSELF. THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE OFF THE CAR WOULD PULL TO ONE SIDE THE JERK BACK AND FORTH. IT KEPT DOING THIS MOST OF THE WAY HOME. MY WIFE WILL NO NOLONGER DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WHY WONT THE GOVERNMENT MAKE CHEVY FIX THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW FROM DOING RESEARCH ABOUT IT THAT IT IS HAPPENING WAY TOO OFTEN. I GUESS SOMEBODY HAS TO GET HURT BEFORE THEY WILL DO ANYTHING. *TR
Steering, Jan 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED, PREVENTING HER FROM COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE INPUT SENSOR. UPDATED 04/17/13
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 25, 2013
WHILST DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON, HOWEVER I WAS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES. I THEN PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. ONCE I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THEY CAME BACK ON AFTER A FEW SECONDS. AT THE SAME TIME, I RECEIVED AN ERROR THAT READ ALONG THE LINES OF: ESC SERVICE TRACTION. MY HUSBAND AND I FOUND A FORUM WHERE OTHER MALIBU OWNERS SEEMED TO BE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE, SO WE REMOVED THE PANEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR TO CHECK FOR ANY CORROSION, THEN REPLACED THE PANEL. THE PROBLEM STOPPED, HOWEVER THIS ISSUE IS RE-OCCURRING, AND HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES SINCE THEN. I ALWAYS RECEIVE THE SAME ESC SERVICE TRACTION ERROR EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS AND I AM NOT ABLE TO USE CRUISE CONTROL AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE BEING ENGAGED WITHOUT THE PEDAL BEING PRESSED. *TR
Air bags, Traction control system, Jan 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ADDITIONALLY, THE SERVICE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SENSORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Structure, Jan 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL AS THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 6, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE STEERINGWHEEL ON MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU STARTED TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH BY ITSELF . IT NEARLY MADE ME LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT NOW DOES THIS AT ANY SPEED AND AT ANY TIME OR DRIVING CONDITION. IT WILL ALSO DO IT WHEN THE CAR IS JUST SITTING STILL. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 2, 2013
2008 MALIBU SHOWS "ICE POSSIBLE" AND THEN TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN ENGINE POWER REDUCE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ENGINE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGH WAY, IN TRAFFIC, WHILE ACCELERATING AND HONESTLY GOING UP AND DOWN HILLS. TOOK TO SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, HOWEVER AFTER REPLACING THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE DONE HOWEVER THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE RECALL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUE AND HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY THE CAR IS DOING THAT. I HAVE LOOKED ON LINE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE A RESOLVE FOR THE ISSUE. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A DEFECT AND SOMETHING THAT IS RECALLED IMMEDIATELY AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Structure, Dec 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Steering, Dec 18, 2012
MY WIFE, CHILDREN, AND MYSELF WERE LEAVING FOR SCHOOL AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENT, WHEN PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED OR WAS VERY HARD TO TURN, THEN A WARNING CAME ACROSS THE DISPLAY OF POWER STEERING LOSS. NONE THE LESS, ATLEAST NO ONE WAS INJURED, WE BACKED UP INTO DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS A CHORE WITH NO POWER STEERING. WHEN WE GOT BACK FROM ALL OF OUR RUNNING I PUT THE CAR ON THE COMPUTER AND IT SHOWED NO ERROR CODES, IT DIDN'T EVEN SHOW THERE HAD BEEN A LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE SYSTEM. I START THE CAR AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE FOR NOW. I EXPECT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND CAN ONLY HOPE MY WIFE AND CHILDREN AREN'T IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISPLAYS CONSTANTLY. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL RANDOMLY DROP DOWN TO LOW/EMPTY EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A FULL TANK OF GAS. ALSO AT RANDOM, THE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM LIGHT AND AIRBAG SAFETY LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY DISPLAY ON THE CAR'S DASH BOARD. THERE ARE 49 OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON REPAIRPAL.COM HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/THE-FUEL-GAUGE-MAY-NOT-READ-CORRECTLY-ANDOR-CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT-WITH-CODE-P0455P0461-730. *TR
Engine, Dec 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE REFUELED THE VEHICLE AND ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000. UPDATED 1/15/13 *CN UPDATED 1/28/2013 *JS
Steering, Nov 27, 2012
STEERING WHEEL STARTS VIBRATING ON IT'S OWN UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE STOPPED AND MOVES ON ITS ON WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE MANY MANY MANY CASES OF THIS ON THE 2008 MALIBU AND CHEVY REFUSES TO RECALL. PAID OVER 1000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE POWER STEERING MOTOR. PLS LET ME KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE TO GET CHEVY TO RECALL. CAR VEERS INTO OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC ON IT'S OWN. CAR STEERS ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOSS OF POWER STEERING OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH DIFFICULTY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Power train, Nov 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JANUARY 2013 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 21, 2012
THE CHEVY MALIBU 2008 DOOR LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED MANUALLY. WHEN YOU BUY ANEW CAR AND PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR IT, YOU EXPECT THE DOORS TO WORK PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AS I DID FOR MY OTHER CARS. THIS IS WRONG AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHETHER IT'S UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. THIS IS JUST GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE. ALSO, MY FRONT HEADLIGHT LEAKS INSIDE WHEN IT RAINS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. I'VE DRIVEN ALMOST 50 YEARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OF MY CARS. THIS ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. ..UPDATED 12/11/12 *BF
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2012
IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE PURCHASED FOUR GAS CAPS AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. I HAVE HAD IT TESTED AT AUTO ZONE AND THEY STATED IT IS THE GAS CAP. GM STATED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THERE GAS CAPS. *TR
Visibility, Nov 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE SUNROOF AND INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,467 .
Exterior lighting, Nov 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 12, 2012
THREE OF MY CAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK UNLESS MANUALLY LOCKED. THE ELECTRONICS HAVE FAILED ON ALL THREE DOORS. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN EACH DOOR, AT THE COST OF OVER $750. THE COST IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM. THE MOTORS THAT FAILED IN EACH DOOR WILL BE REPLACED BY THE SAME FAULTY PART. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT COSTS $300 TO FIX ONE DOOR'S LOCKS ALONE. THE DRIVERS LOCK HAD GREATER PROBLEMS THAN THE OTHERS BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT LOCKS ME IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT SHIFTS THE LOCK A LITTLE AND THE DOOR GETS JAMMED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM. *TR