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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2012
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, SPEED DOESN'T CHANGE OUTCOME, DOOR LOCKS WILL CONTINUE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES AND CAR ALARM WILL GO OFF AND WILL SET ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING TO THE ME, THE DRIVER AND TO THE DRIVERS AROUND MY CAR. THUS POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE UNTIL YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THEN THEY GO OFF. THIS IS DEFINITELY BACKWARD! THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK, SOMETIMES. HOWEVER, YOU WILL HAVE TO GUESS WHICH ONES WILL UNLOCK. USUALLY, THE ONES THAT UNLOCK ARE THE FRONT-RIGHT PASSENGER AND BACK-LEFT PASSENGER. THE REASON THE UNLOCK IS BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOCK! NO ONE CAN "DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THE DRIVER DOOR AND RIGHT-BACK DOOR SOMETIMES ARE UNABLE TO BE OPENED. THIS REQUIRING ME TO FIND A DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED OR THAT DID UNLOCK AND CLIMB THROUGH TO THE DRIVERS SEAT. ALL OF THIS WHILE MAKING SURE MY AUTISTIC SON AND DAUGHTER REMAIN SAFE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, AS I PARK IN A PARKING GARAGE SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. UNFORTUNATELY, NEITHER KEY LESS REMOTES WORK EITHER! MOST RECENTLY THE SHIFTER CABLE HAS BROKEN. THE CARE WOULDN'T BUDGE. CHEVY WAS NOTIFIED, WE WERE TOLD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST CHEVY DEALER. JUST TO BE CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE, WE TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM, AND THEY DECIDED NOT TO COVER IT UNDER THE POWER TRAIN LIKE WE WERE TOLD WOULD HAPPEN. THEN TWO WEEKS AGO, THE SHIFTER CABLE BROKE AGAIN! THIS SEEMS VERY ODD. THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS OR LIKE ITS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED FROM THE BEGINNING WITH NO HELP. SO, THIS IS MY LAST REACH OUT FOR HELP. AS I HEAR ABOUT ALL THE CARJACKINGS, CARS GETTING STOLEN AND ROBBED, I JUST THINK MY CAR IS AN OPEN INVITATION! PLEASE HELP. CHEVY WOULDN'T HELP US EVEN UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO SECURE BOTH FRONT DOORS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE LOCKING MECHANISMS FAILED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED. THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS WERE BROKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE EXTERIOR BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO COVER HALF OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/12
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 19, 2012
REMOTE LOCK WOULD NOT WORK ON DRIVER'S DOOR. *JS
Equipment, Jun 19, 2012
AC SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE. VARIOUS SETTINGS WILL NOT ACTIVATE SYSTEM. DEALER SAYS THAT NO DTC COULD BE FOUND (NO TROUBLE CODES). VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN FALL OF 2008. *JS
Steering, Jun 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY LOOSE AND EXTREMELY SENSITIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR YEARS. OVER TIME, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A JERK OR CATCH DEVELOPED IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER AND OFFERED A 50 PERCENT DISCOUNT FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 478 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 7/23/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE REPLACEMENT STEERING COLUMN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO SHAKE. UPDATED 07/30/12
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Seats, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY COLLAPSED TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF THE ARM REST. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAITED A BRIEF MOMENT AND THEN RESUMED DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL BUT HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DOING SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE HAPPENED, THE BRAKES FAILED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN AND THE FAIL STILL RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPECIFIC REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD ASSIST IN HER PURCHASING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, May 27, 2012
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2LT WITH 111,000 KM ON IT. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A FEW THINGS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS FROM BRAND NEW. OVERALL MY CAR HAS BEEN OK WITH GETTING ME FROM PLACE A TO PLACE B. THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD THAT ARE PRETTY SERIOUS FLAWS ARE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, THE ALIGNMENT, THE AUTOMATIC POWER TRANSMISSION, AND THE DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET BY HOWEVER RECENTLY I HAD TO GET THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED UNDER A SPECIAL WARRANTY POLICY. I HAD TO "KICK AND SCREAM" HOWEVER IN THE END THE PART WAS INSTALLED. THAT WOULD HAVE COST ME ABOUT 900 DOLLARS IF IT WAS NOT COVERED. NOW I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" INDICATOR. THIS CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY AND WHEN I CALLED TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS AFTER LOOKING ON-LINE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CARE AS MINE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. NOW I AM GETTING NERVOUS SINCE I JUST PAID 13,000 TO BUY OUT MY LEASE. I HAVE CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL WORK WITH ME AND THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS FIXED. BEFORE I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP I WANT TO HAVE ALL MY DOCUMENTATION THAT INDICATES THAT THIS IS A SPECIAL POLICY ISSUE AND NOT SOMETHING THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR OUT OF MY OWN WALLET. I HAVE PUT ABOUT 38,000 INTO THE PURCHASE OF THIS CAR AND DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM TO DUMP TONS OF MONEY TO GETTING THIS FIXED ESPECIALLY WHEN OTHER GM CUSTOMERS HAVE PAID OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET TO REALIZE A FEW WEEKS LATER THAT THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDS FIXING. I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO HAVE THIS COVERED BY GM. I HAVE BEEN A PROUD GM OWNER ALL MY DRIVING LIFE AND WANT TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I DREAD NEEDING TO FIX THE CAR AND SELLING IT. THAT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME AT THIS TIME. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 7, 2012
WHEN WE GOT THE CAR WE LOVED IT. AFTER 4500 MILES THE BATTERY DIED HAD TO WAIT 3 DAYS FOR THE DEALER TO GET US A NEW ONE. GREAT CAR RAN FINE THEN AFTER 15,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A VALVE SENSOR. DEALER FIXED IT AS IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEN AT 65,000 MILES THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE VALVE SENSOR AGAIN. THEY BROUGHT IT IN THE GARAGE AND SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. SO AROUND 79,000 MILES ALL THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. NOW WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT TONIGHT THE CAR STARTED "CHUGGING" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CHEVY REPS. SAID ALL THEY CAN DO IS GIVE ME A 500.00 REBATE FOR A NEWER CAR. *TR
Steering, Apr 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE FREELY WITHOUT DEMAND. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 11, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OR NOT DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIGOROUSLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I'M NOT TOUCHING THEM.WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THEN HAVE TO APPLY A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO GET THEM TO COME ON. I CONSTANTLY KEEP GETTING THE LIGHT SERVICE ESC THEN IT SAYS IT IS OFF. I TURN OFF CAR AND IT RESETS BUT AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES IT COMES BACK ON. I ALSO KEEP GETTING A SEATBELT LIGHT AS TO BUCKLE UP AND I'M ALREADY WEARING SEATBELT. THE STEERING GETS HUNG WHILE DRIVING PULLING TO EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OR NOT DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIGOROUSLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I'M NOT TOUCHING THEM.WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THEN HAVE TO APPLY A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO GET THEM TO COME ON. I CONSTANTLY KEEP GETTING THE LIGHT SERVICE ESC THEN IT SAYS IT IS OFF. I TURN OFF CAR AND IT RESETS BUT AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES IT COMES BACK ON. I ALSO KEEP GETTING A SEATBELT LIGHT AS TO BUCKLE UP AND I'M ALREADY WEARING SEATBELT. THE STEERING GETS HUNG WHILE DRIVING PULLING TO EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OR NOT DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIGOROUSLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I'M NOT TOUCHING THEM.WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THEN HAVE TO APPLY A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO GET THEM TO COME ON. I CONSTANTLY KEEP GETTING THE LIGHT SERVICE ESC THEN IT SAYS IT IS OFF. I TURN OFF CAR AND IT RESETS BUT AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES IT COMES BACK ON. I ALSO KEEP GETTING A SEATBELT LIGHT AS TO BUCKLE UP AND I'M ALREADY WEARING SEATBELT. THE STEERING GETS HUNG WHILE DRIVING PULLING TO EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Apr 3, 2012
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A LOUD CLUNK NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL SHARPLY EITHER DIRECTION, THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION AND WHEN COMPLETELY STOPPED. I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS WHERE IT STATES IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND NEEDS REPLACE. I STILL HAVE 1 YR LEFT ON WAR. BUT TOOK IT TO A DEALER TODAY AND THEY SAID ITS NOT COVERED!! IF GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS WHY HAVE THEY NOT ISSUED A RECALL TO FIT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM??!! *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 20, 2012
I JUST PULLED ON AND STARTED TO DRIVE ON A WINDING DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN ROAD -NOT YET ACCELERATING 40MPH- WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT LET ME TURN, ALMOST FROZEN, AND I AM INTO A RIGHT CURVE! I WAS FIGHTING THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL FOR WHAT SEEMED MINUTES BUT WAS ACTUALLY SECONDS AS I SLOWLY PUT ON MY BRAKES WHILE I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL (MIND YOU I AM IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A MT. CURVE, A CONCRETE WALL TO MY LEFT, A ROCK OUTCROPPING ON MY RIGHT, NO SHOULDER, GUARDRAIL BEGINS WHERE THE ROCKS END. WHEN I FINALLY REGAINED CONTROL, I STILL HAD A HARD TIME STEERING; STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE...INTERMITTENT SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL/SOMETIMES FELT LIKE I HAD LOST A BOLT ON MY RIGHT RIM (FOR THOSE WHO DID AT ONE TIME YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT)/I HAD A SHIMMY ON THE RIGHT LIKE SOMETHING WAS NOT CONNECTED/ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR CONTROL AT ALL (HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL-TOOK SOME MUSCLE), JUST NOT RIGHT. MY CAR USED TO HAVE SUCH CONTROL- TURN ON A DIME BARELY TOUCHING THE WHEEL. THIS STEERING ISSUE HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND MENTIONED TO MY MECHANIC AT AN OIL CHANGE BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING, EVEN HOOKED UP TO THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT, WALLET LIGHTER. I ACTUALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING OUT OF MY MIND THEN READ OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME KINDS OF PROBLEMS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? FOR THE MOUNTAIN THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE EVERY DAY TO AND FROM WORK, THIS COULD PROVE VERY DANGEROUS-LIFE THREATENING... I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY OWN CAR I HAVE ONLY HAD NEARLY A YEAR NOW NOR HAVE THE FUNDS TO SPEND ON COSTLY REPAIRS. I AM READY TO TAKE THE BUGGER BACK AND DEMAND MY MONEY BACK AND GET A MORE DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. I AM DONE SPENDING MONEY- WHY THIS IS HAPPENING? WHY NO ANSWERS OR FIXES? WORSE YET, "EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY" WHEN IT KEEPS HAPPENING! *KB
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 20, 2012
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 4 DOOR SEDAN. I PURCHASED THE CAR AND APPROX. ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPERATE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM AND THEY FIXED IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. APPROX. ONE YEAR AFTER THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK INCIDENT, BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCKS FAILED. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE I WAS 200 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY. APPROX. 3 MONTHS LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK FAILED AS WELL. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS, AND HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR. I HAVE TWO SMALL NEPHEWS IN CAR SEATS AND MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THEY ARE IN THE VEHICLE DURING AN INCIDENT THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CHILDREN FREE FROM THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE OF THE DOOR LOCKS. THEY CANNOT REACH THE LOCK ITSELF SO THEY WOULD BE TRAPPED. FOR MYSELF TO FIX THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD COST MORE THAN THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON THE VEHICLE AND IN THE ECONOMY THAT IS VERY HIGH. I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE WITH NO CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN TRAVELING WITH MY NEPHEWS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. CONSIDERING THIS I BELIEVE IT IS A PROBLEM THAT GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *KB
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2012
THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER WILL NOT COME UP ALL THE WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MOST OF THE TIME I EITHER HAVE TO GO AROUND THE CAR TO THE OTHERSIDE TO UNLOCK IT OR CRAWL OVER THE FRONT SEAT TO UNLOCK IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL OTHERS WHOM OWN THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE THAT THEY TOO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I PURCHASED MY CAR USED AND HAVE RECENTLY BEEN TOLD WHEN I CALLED ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR LOCK HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACE. IF SO MAY OF THEM HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE MY CONCERN IS WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON SUCH A DEVICE. TO ME THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD YOU BE IN A WRECK AND THE DOORS ARE LOCK AND EMERGENCY PERSONAL TRIED TO GET IN FROM THE BACK TO HELP SOMEONE AND THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. *TR
Steering, Mar 14, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2008 MALIBU BEGAN TO SHAKE OR VIBRATE WHILE BUILDING SPEED. A POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PULLING OVER, I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON WHICH SEEMED TO RESET THE WARNING LIGHT. I KNEW ABOUT PULLING OVER TO RESET THE CAR DUE TO AN ?AIRBAG WARNING? LIGHT THAT HAS RANDOMLY COME ON EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR. UPON RESUMING DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. IT TOOK PULLING OVER AND RESETTING IT FOUR TIMES TO GET TWENTY MILES DOWN THE ROAD. IT CAME ON AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON HEADING HOME, THE STEERING WHEEL IN MY CAR MOVED WHILE SITTING STILL WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE WAS TURNING THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH AND UP AND DOWN, BUT I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE SITTING STILL, SO I SHUT THE CAR OFF TO RESET IT. IT TOOK THREE TRIES OF STARTING AND STARTING THE ENGINE TO RESET THE WARNING LIGHT. I DROVE HOME ON A CURVY COUNTY ROAD. THE SAME POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FIVE TIME IN LESS THAN TWENTY MILES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS - NO CERTAIN SPEED SEEMED TO PROMPT IT.SOMETIMES I WAS GOING 20 MPH AND SOMETIMES I WAS GOING 55 OR 65 MPH WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILED. I HAD TO STOP IN THE ROADWAY TO RESET THE CAR. EACH TIME, THE STEERING BECAME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND MANEUVERING THE CORNERS WAS NOT SAFELY POSSIBLE AND SINCE THERE WAS NO SHOULDER, I HAD TO STOP IN THE ROADWAY TO TRY TO RESET THE STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE SITTING IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE SENDING UNIT FRACTURED AND FELL INTO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE BEGAN PERFORMING ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENDING UNIT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,700.
Steering, Feb 5, 2012
PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL SHUTTERS AND NOISE COMES FROM STEERING COLUMN. THE "POWER STEERING" DISPLAY MESSAGE COMES UP. THE OWNERS MANUAL REFERS TO SEEING THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY CAN SEEM TO FIX IT FOR ME. IT CAN BE CLEARED, BUT IS VERY ANNOYING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR CAR EVERYDAY. THIS ISSUE STARTED ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2011. THERE'S NO SPEED RANGE THAT THE ISSUE OCCURS IN. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED. WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL SHUTTERS RANDOMLY, AND STEERING BECOMES DANGEROUS. SEEMS THAT YOU CAN ONLY TURN THE WHEEL IN EXACT 5 DEGREE INCREMENTS, WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE SEVERAL COLLISIONS WITH OTHER VEHICLES. IT SEEMS THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN OTHER MALIBU MODELS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN A RECALL OR SERVICE PUBLICATIONS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS, BUT IS DELIQUENT IN TAKING ANY ACTION TO FIX PERMANENTLY. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Structure, Feb 1, 2012
DRIVER DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH REMOTE ALL THE TIME OR LOCK WITH REMOTE ALL THE TIME. ALSO THE COMPUTER THAT GIVES YOU OIL LIFE ,AVERAGE SPEED,AND OTHER READINGS IS GIVING THE WRONG READINGS. I TOOK THIS CAR TO A DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE VERIFIED.THE DOOR LOCK IS AN INTERMITTANT PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2012
VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WILL TURN ON WITH OUT ANY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE ALSO HAS ADJUSTABLE PEDALS, YOU CAN MOVE PEDALS FORWARD OR BACK AND GET LIGHT TO GO OUT. GENERAL MOTORS HAS REPLACE BRAKE SWITCH ONCE. LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER VEHICLE IS DOING EXACT THING AGAIN. THERE IS A BRAKE POSITION SENSOR IN THIS SYSTEM AND IT APPEARS TO BE LOSING ITS CALIBRATION WHEN PEDALS ARE MOVED CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO COME ON. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION FOR ANYBODY FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE OR RIDING IN IT. *TR