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.
Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 25, 2012
ON SEVERAL OCCASION I HAVE NOTICE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT ME EVEN PRESSING THE BRAKES. IT ALSO LIGHTS UP AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES IT GOES OFF. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER MALIBU OWNER AND THEY COMPLAIN OF THIS SAME BRAKE FAILURE. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND NOT SAFE. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 24, 2012
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN PUT BACK IN PARK. I CAN NOT EASILY OR QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITH THIS FAILURE. GM SAYS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ARE ONLY A CONVENIENCE AND OLDER CARS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS. HOWEVER, ON OLDER CARS THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED. ON THE MALIBU PULLING UP ON THE LOCK KNOB IS THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. COST TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR $300. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON. *TR
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 21, 2012
STARTED THE CAR TO COME OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, HEARD HUMMING/RATTLING NOISE. STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE THEN WOULD DO RAPID HALF-TURNS BY ITSELF, JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. SEEMED OK FOR FIRST FEW MINUTES THEN STARTED AGAIN. GOT ON THE ROAD, DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPG ON HIGHWAY AND IT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. COULD NOT KEEP IT STRAIGHT WITHIN THE LANE. ALMOST HIT A CAR IN THE LANE ON MY RIGHT! PULLED UP TO AN AUTO SHOP NEAR BY. THEY TEST DROVE AND EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE BUT EXPLAINED THAT WITH THESE CARS, THE TECHNOLOGY IN THEM IS TOO ADVANCED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A CHEVY DEALER. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THE MATTER IS QUITE HAZARDOUS AND IT WOULD BE A HUGE RISK DRIVING IT NOW. SINGLE MOM DRIVING 45 MINUTES FROM HOME WITH 2 MINOR CHILDREN. HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO GET BACK HOME, 45 MINUTES AWAY. $$$!! HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 11 MONTHS ONLY. PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE, HAD DOOR LOCKS ISSUES AS I'VE READY ON OTHER THREADS AND ALSO CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH FAULTY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AS WELL. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I'VE HAD IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND VERY LAST CHEVROLET!! *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2012
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THE STEERING SEEMED TO LOCK UP AND THEN WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. I GOT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF, AFTER A FEW MINUTES I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING SEEMED OK.THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 7 OR 8 TIMES SINCE 10/1/12. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER ON 10/13 AND THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DO IT WHILE THEY DROVE IT. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK ON 10/22 TO GET IT CHECKED AGAIN. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED POWER STEERING. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 16, 2012
THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD DO THAT WITHOUT WORKING DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 15, 2012
GM IS RECALLING 40000 CARS FOR A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK. I ORIGINALLY HEARD THAT THIS WAS FOR CARS IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION OF THE COUNTRY. MY DAUGHTER LIVES IN PHOENIX, DRIVES A 2005 PONTIAC G6, AND HAD A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM A PLASTIC FITTING ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PRESSURE RETURN LINE. THE FUEL WAS RUNNING ACROSS THE TOP OF THE TANK ACROSS THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD AND ONTO THE MUFFLER IN SMALL AMOUNTS. FORTUNATELY WE REPLACED THE PUMP/INDICATOR SENDING UNIT BEFORE A FIRE TOOK PLACE. I LIVE IN TUCSON AND DRIVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LT. A FEW WEEKS AGO I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS AT THE REAR OF THE CAR AFTER IT WAS PARKED. NO EVIDENCE OF A LEAK LIKE MY DAUGHTER"S CAR, BUT A STRONG SMELL. I JACKED THE CAR AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH FOR A LEAK, BUT FOUND NONE. THE SMELL OF FUEL WAS STRONGER IN THE AREA OF THE WIRING HARNESS AND FUEL LINES GOING TO THE TOP OF THE TANK. DO YOU KNOW OF A RECALL FOR MY MODEL OF CAR? IT SEEMS LIKE A TREND WITH THIS PARTICULAR DESIGN OF FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2012
FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE RESULTING IN ENGINE CODE AND INABILITY TO PROPERLY MONITOR FUEL LEVEL. POTENTIAL FOR OUT OF FUEL STALLS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 9, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO HELP OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. THE LOCK PULL KNOB IS LOCATED IN A POOR POSITION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 9, 2012
THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, WERE OBSERVED ON DURING NORMAL OPERATION, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING APPLIED. THIS GIVES A FALSE INDICATION OF INTENDED OPERATION. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 26, 2012
BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BREAK PEDAL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AND MY BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN IT HAS RAINED AND THE CAR IS WET. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ELECTRICAL... MY TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT IS SHUT. WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY I NOTICE THE BEDDING BECOMES VERY WET ON ONE SIDE. THE RADIO IS ALSO EFFECTED ALONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. CERTAIN BUTTONS STOP WORKING FOR PERIODS OF TIME. THE SCREEN WILL ALSO GO BLACK AND THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK AT ALL THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND A JERKING MOTION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHILE PARKED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THREE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 11/01/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE SIDE. UPDATED 11/01/12
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 24, 2012
TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT ALL TIMES. ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $300.00 AND THE DOOR LOCK STILL FAILS. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOORS IS TO DO IT MANUALLY AND CLIMB OVER THE SEATS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAS TO BE UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY AND MANUALLY LOCKED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Sep 20, 2012
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, SHE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HER VEHICLE HAD COVERAGE FOR A STEERING MOTOR REPLACEMENT, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER CHEVY MODELS. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED HER VIN WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR CURRENT POLICY.
Steering, Sep 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Steering, Aug 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Aug 27, 2012
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND HARD TO TURN. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2012
THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPERATE. THE LOCKS MOVES SLIGHTLY BUT NOT ENOUGH TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOOR. *TR
Steering, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE IN A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN RESUMED WITH THE STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY. THE DEFECT PERSISTED WITH THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,435. UPDATED 10/26/12 *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 8, 2012
THE A/C UNIT IS BLOWING HOT AIR ..DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK. *TR
Air bags, Aug 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO STATED THAT TOXIC FUMES EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAGS ONCE DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER, AS WELL AS A CHILD PASSENGER, SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SHARDS AND FUMES OF THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE AND THE REPAIR OF THE AIR BAGS COULD COST APPROXIMATELY $5,000 AT THE CONTACT EXPENSIVE. THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE AFFECTED THE REAR DOORS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE DOORS USING THE INNER DOOR LOCK CONTROL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE OFTEN WHEN THERE WERE HIGHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,600. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE DOORS WOULD LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR DOOR ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOORS THE WINDOW HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN TO BE ABLE TO REACH INSIDE AND MANUALLY UNLOCK THEM. THE CONSUMER'S THREE GRANDCHILDREN WERE IN THE PARKED VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION OFF WHEN THE LOCKS FAILED. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 56,000 MILES. UPDATED 09/10/2012 *JS
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 27, 2012
WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE TO SLOW TO TURN TO THE RIGHT THE ESC SERVICING COMES ACROSS THE DASH. I CALL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE NEXT DAY (CAUSE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER HOURS) THEY TECH SAYS NEXT TIME THE LIGHT COMES ON BRING IT IN WITHOUT TURNING THE CAR OFF. FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL TIMES IT HAPPENS OF COURSE WAS AFTER HOURS. I TOOK IT IN FOR A OIL CHANGE, AND WHEN LEAVING THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I AUTOMATICALLY TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK. UPON DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IT SHOWS NOTHING IS WRONG AND THE TECH SAYS MY CAR DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING THAT WOULD SET OFF THIS CODE. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT ESC STANDS FOR ON THIS MODEL CAR????? *TR