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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 28, 2010
THE DOOR LOCK MOTORS HAVE GONE OUT ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR. THE BACK DOOR WENT OUT FIRST FOLLOWED BY THE FRONT DOOR. THE PROBLEM OCCURS ALL THE TIME, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. WE HAVE NOT REPAIRED THIS ISSUES SIMPLY BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD THE EXTRA EXPENSE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 1, 2010
I OWN A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW OFF THE LOT. THE DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH BACK DOORS AND THE PASSENGER DOOR STARTED MALFUNCTIONING A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND NOW EVEN THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK IS INOPERABLE. I HAVE CHANGED THE BATTERIES IN THE FOBS, TO NO AVAIL. I HAD ONSTAR ALSO DO THE AUTO UNLOCK, BUT THIS TOO IN UNSUCCESSFUL. I PURCHASED ALL EXTENDED WARRANTIES THE COMPANY HAD TO OFFER, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEY ONLY COVER UP TO 36,000 MILES. I AM CURRENTLY AT 36,000 MILES AND UNFORTUNATELY OUT OF LUCK. THE SERVICE CENTER WANTS $90 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE BEFORE THEY EVEN TELL ME WHAT THE COSTS MAY BE. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2010
ON AUGUST 30TH MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, I READ THE MANUAL AND DISCOVERED THIS CAR DOESN'T HAVE POWER STEERING FLUID, IT HAS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR. 5 DAYS LATER MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING CONTINUOUSLY WHILE PARKED AND WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE POWER STEERING MOTOR HAD GONE OUT AND IT HAPPENS QUIET OFTEN ON THESE CARS JUST AS THE COBALTS. THE COST WAS $465, I CONTACTED GMC AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP AT ALL, I TOLD THEM I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND THAT I THINK THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON THIS MODEL ALSO AND THEY SAID THEY DO NOT TRACK STUFF LIKE THAT. THE CAR HAD 65,600 MILES AT FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Oct 27, 2010
THE POWER STEERING MOTOR ON OUR 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAS GONE OUT WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO PULL RIGHT TO LEFT VIOLENTLY WHILE THE WHEEL IS TRYING TO CENTER ITSELF. THIS REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO FIGHT THE WHEEL AT TIMES TO KEEP IT CENTERED ON THE ROAD. THIS TYPE OF SYSTEM FAILURE IS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR ANY DRIVER. GIVEN GM'S HISTORY WITH OTHER VEHICLE RECALLS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THE CHEVY MALIBU SHOULD BE INCLUDED. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 16, 2010
I OWN A 2008 MALIBU LT2. SHORTLY AFTER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANT RAN OUT THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR BY THE UNLOCK BUTTON. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE REAR DRIVERS DOOR BEGAN DOING THE SAME THING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHARGED ME $80 DOLLARS TO TELL ME IT WOULD COST $400 TO REPLACE BOTH ACTUATORS ON THE LOCKS. I SEE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE DOOR LOCKS ON 2008 MALIBU'S. WHEN IT BECOMES A NORMAL OCCURRENCE THAT PARTS ON A CAR ARE GOING BAD IT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THEM. IN READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE MALIBU I SEE A LOT ON THE STEERING SHAKING AND JERKING. THIS IS REALLY SCARY AS I DRIVE OVER 400 MILES TO SEE MY SON AT COLLEGE. TO THINK THIS MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN I WOULD BE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA IS REALLY SCARY. CHEVY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND PUT OUT RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2010
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU POWER STEERING ISSUES. ISSUES BEGAN OCCURRING AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. PROBLEM WILL APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR AT ANY SPEED, INCLUDING WHILE STOPPED, WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE STOPPED, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL RAPIDLY OSCILLATE LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN APPROXIMATELY 20 DEGREES. THE BEST ANALOGY IS THAT IT IS "SHIVERING OR SHAKING" UNCONTROLLABLY. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SUDDENLY GO FROM A SMOOTH RANGE OF MOTION TO A RANGE OF MOTION WITH ONLY A FEW VERY DISTINCT AND SEGMENTED DIRECTIONS. TYPICALLY THE TWO CHOICES ARE LEFT OF CENTER OR RIGHT OF CENTER WITH NO SMOOTH MOTION IN-BETWEEN. THESE ISSUES CAN LAST ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 10 SECONDS TO 30 MINUTES. IF THE PROBLEM DOES NOT CORRECT ON ITS OWN, IT CAN BE CORRECTED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTING THE CAR. CAR NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES AND THE POWER STEERING ISSUES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY AND LASTING FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 13, 2010
BOTH REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ARE INOPERABLE. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY OR UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. BOTH DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN THE POWER DOOR LOCK BUTTON IS ACTUATED. BOTH DOORS WILL NOT LOCK WHEN THE CAR IS PLACED INTO DRIVE. THE REAR DOORS CAN BE OPENED WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING. BOTH DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, GM WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Oct 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SUDDENLY VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 39,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. UPDATED 02/23/11
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED BOTH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SENSOR, FUSE AND OTHER PARTS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
Wheels, Oct 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL WELL BROKE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIM AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND TO THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE AND WHETHER IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE 17 INCH RIM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41000.
Steering, Power train, Traction control system, Oct 3, 2010
THE VEHICLE JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF THE PURCHASE THEN ANOTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED AND ANOTHER PART WAS REPLACED. BUT NOW ONE MONTH LATER THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO JERK AND WIGGLE WHILE I AM DRIVING OR EVEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF. THEN 2 DAYS AGO THE POWERSTEERING ALERT KEEPS COMING ON. ALLOW SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE TRACTION LIGHT WILL COME ON AND SOMETIMES I AM JUST SEATING AT A RED LIGHT. *TR
Steering, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 23, 2010
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU 1LT HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS, LET ME EXPLAIN. FIRST THE PROBLEM WAS A SLIGHT CLICKING, POPPING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, THEN IT STARTING DOING IT EVERY TIME I SLIGHTLY TURN THE WHEEL YOU CAN FEEL IT THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN, NOTHING BAD BUT ITS ANNOYING, THEN SUDDENLY WITHIN A COUPLE MONTHS OF THAT MY POWER LOCKS SUDDENLY STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES PERIODICALLY WHETHER IT'S PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN, LOCKED ME OUT TWO TIMES, I WAS LATE FOR WORK BECAUSE I HAD TO CALL DOOR UNLOCKING SERVICE, ALSO THE MANUAL LOCKS ON THE DOOR USED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WON'T WORK AT ALL, YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY USE YOUR HAND, THEN TO BEAT IT ALL MY SEATBELT WONT LOCK I TRIED TO CLICK IT BUT IT WONT EVEN GO DOWN HARDLY AT ALL, THIS IS ONLY THE SEATBELT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A REAL BAD SAFETY ISSUE AND THE LAW IN KY (CLICK IT OR TICKET) SO FAR THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY IS GOING ON FOR NOW. I DO KNOW THIS FOR A FACT I WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVROLET. *TR
Steering, Sep 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN, RACK AND PINION AND CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Sep 4, 2010
THE CHEVY MALIBU LTZ SPRING EDITION 4 CYLINDER ENGINE 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION HAS A VERY SERIOUS DELAY OR LAG IN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION. AT TIMES, THE LAG IS SO SEVERE THAT WHEN THE RESPONSE TIME DOES FINALLY REGISTER FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND THEN ATTEMPT TO STOP, THE VEHICLE STILL INTENDS TO GO AHEAD AS PLANNED PRIOR TO THE BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS AT ANY TIME, HOT OR COLD ENGINE, DURING HOT WEATHER AND ON SHORT DRIVES OR LONG ONES. THE DEALER AND GM HAS FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS SOME SHORT OF PROBLEM; NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THROUGH SOFTWARE UPDATES HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL THUS FAR. *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2010
MY SON'S 2008 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SUDDENLY SHAKING AND JERKING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY WHILE IN PARK. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ALSO COME ON WITHOUT HIM PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF IT IS ON. WE HAVE HAD A SWITCH REPLACED THAT WAS FAULTY, BUT IT DID NOT FIX EITHER PROBLEM. NOW WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE STEERING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
I OWN A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. WHILE DRIVING OR AT A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL EITHER SHAKE OR SUDDENLY PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND THEY REPLACED A STEERING COLUMN THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP BELIEVES THAT IT IS THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ITSELF EVEN THOUGH NOTHING IS SAYING THAT IT IS DEFECTIVE. WITH THE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IN CHEVY COBALTS FOR 2004 TO 2009, I'M CONCERN THAT THE ISSUES WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MAY NOT BE JUST IN ONE MODEL CAR BUT THE COMPONENT ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND ALSO WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2010
STEERING WHEEL IS HAVING AN ISSUE WHERE IT WILL JERK TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BY ITSELF AND THEN PULSATE WHILE SITTING STILL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. WHEN WHEEL JERKS, IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO HOLD IT IN THE CORRECT LANE. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING LIMITED STEERING CAPABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,400.
Steering, Aug 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE, HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. BEFORE THE FAILURE, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. HE HAD TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT IN ORDER TO RESET THE POWER STEERING AND IT WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 11/11/10 *BF UPDATED 11/18/10
Power train, Aug 10, 2010, crash
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU, IT IS A 2.4L 4-CYLINDER AND 4-SPD AUTOMATIC. FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW MY SHIFTER HAS FELT KIND OF LOOSE WHEN I AM SHIFTING FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE, AND THE OTHER DAY I PULLED INTO MY FATHERS DRIVE WAY WITH THE CAR AND WENT TO PUT IT INTO PARK AND I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT ENGAGE PARK GEAR AND ROLLED FORWARD INTO MY FATHERS CAR. THE CAR WOULD NOT START IN PARK, ONLY NEUTRAL, AND I HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE SHIFT CABLE, AND IT COST ME $365 TO GET IT FIXED. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY I FOUND OUT THAT GM HAD ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL 09041 ON SEVERAL MODELS INCLUDING THE 2009 MALIBU THAT COVER THE EXACT SAME THING THAT I EXPERIENCED. I FEEL THE 2008 MALIBU SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AS WELL. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 1, 2010
I HAVE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ON MY CAR AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN TWICE TO HAVE THE LOCKS REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND NOW THE LOCKS ARE GIVING ME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. I WENT ON VACATION SO THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I WASHED THE CAR AND THEN STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND FELT LIKE THE POWER STEERING WOULD WORK OFF AND ON. IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM OFF AND ON. SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS THERE AND SOMETIMES ITS NOT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 27, 2010
BOUGHT A USED 2008 MALIBU WITH 36K, BY THE TIME I HIT 43K THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT WORK ELECTRONICALLY. BY THE TIME I HIT 45K THE DRIVER DOOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. CHEVY DEALERS THEN CHARGE OVER $1000 TO FIX THE LOCK MOTORS, EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2010
2008 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 4700 MILES, BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD BE HARD TO HANDLE AS IF SOMEONE HAD TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN WHEN IN IDLE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE BACK AND FORTH. TOOK IN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FIRST TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND ASK IF THEY WERE AWARE OF ANY ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL ANSWER WAS NO. NOT UNTIL I TOLD THEM TO GOOGLE THE PROBLEMS THAT WERE BEING REPORTED DID I FEEL WE RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR