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, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Nov 13, 2019
I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND IT CAUSES MY BRAKES TO ENGAGE BY THERE SELVES IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOW
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2019
I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT O PROBLEMS WITH MY LOW BEAMS I'VE CHANGED THEM 3 TIMES CHECKED OUT ALL FUSES AND WIRING SOMETIMES THEY WILL WORK MOSTLY NOT SEEN ALIT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE JUST SAYING THANK YOU
Steering, Nov 13, 2019
STEERING WILL LOCK UP SOMETIMES IT SAY POWER STEERING ON WARNING, SOMETIMES THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON I CAN CORRECT BY PUTTING IN PARK SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING, THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION - I AM WORRIED I MIGHT GET REAR ENDED IF I CAN'T GET OVER IN TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BUT MOST RECENTLY THREE TIMES LAST WEEK AND SO FAR TWICE THIS WEEK HAPPENS WHEN GOING INTO A TURN
Steering, Wheels, Nov 12, 2019
IF I DRIVE REAL FAST WHENEVER IT RAIN IT'LL SAY POWER STEERING SERVICE TRACTION OFF MY CAR WOULD SLID AS I PULL OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP . IT'S HARD FOR MY CAR TO TURN AND IT'S TRIGGERING MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT .ON THE HIGHWAY WHEELS AND TIRES SHAKE
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 6, 2019
MY CAR WAS SHOWING SERVICE ESC I LOOKED IT UP AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT SO I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP IN JUNE TO BE REPAIRED AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE CAR STARTED RUNNING FUNNY AND THE SERVICE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 30, 2019
(ESC) TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM NEEDS REPAIRS COMES ON CAUSING THE CAR TO REDUCE ENGINE POWER IMMEDIATELY. NO MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE DRIVING. I WAS LUCKY WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE ON A HWY AND HIT A SMALL BUMB IN IN ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO FIX THEY COMB THROUGH THE CAR THEY SAID AFTER RESETTING ESC THEY COULD NOT REPEAT ESC CODE AGAIN, BUT TOLD ME IF IT KEEPS HAPPENING JUST BRING BACK. LUCKILY THEY DIDN'T CHARGE ME THIS VISIT BUT WAS SECOND TIME TO TAKE TO THEM. FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS SOME OTHER SENSORS AND CHANGED THEM WHICH DIDN'T FIX PROBLEM. THEY SAID I HAD RODENT DAMAGE BUT NOT ENOUGH TO CUT INTO THE WIRES TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SEEMED CLUELESS AS TO WHY IT DOES THIS. I READ OTHER PEOPLE'S FORMS ON THERE CHEVY CARS AND IT'S NOT JUST MY MAILBU. I WAS TOLD PRETTY MUCH DON'T TRUST FOR A TWO TRIP I HAD PLANNED. THEY TAPED UP SOME OF MY WIRES AND HOPED IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE THE START TO A LARGER PROBLEM.
Steering, Oct 18, 2019
WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT MAKING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER. WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON, IT WOULD STOP FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT WOULD REPEAT THE SAME PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2019
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY LOW BEAMS SEVERAL TIMES. A COUPLE OF TIMES A MECHANIC REPLACED THE (MELTED AND SCORCHED) HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULB AND IT WORKS FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT EVENTUALLY ONE OF THE LIGHTS GOES OUT AGAIN. I HAVE WASTED MUCH TIME AND MONEY ON THIS ISSUE AND REALIZE I AM NOT ALONE!!!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 8, 2019
ESC ALWAYS TURNING OFF. BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATING RANDOMLY AND NOT WORKING RANDOMLY WHEN IN MOTION. CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGING IF ESC LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CONTROL
Exterior lighting, Sep 27, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS SHORTING OUT AFTER BEING FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 20, 2019
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES NOW WHERE MY POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL TURN ON MY DASHBOARD, THEN IT TURNS TO MANUAL STEERING WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH MY VEHICLE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE OFF TO THE SHOULDER. SEEMS TO BE MORE COMMON WHEN GOING 30 MPH OR UNDER BUT HAS HAPPENED WHEN GOING 75 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LAST TIME WAS TODAY WHEN I WENT TO GET NEW SET OF TIRES AND IT LOCKED UP ON THE TECHNICIAN. IT WILL HAPPEN AT RANDOM TIMES AND IF I RESTART MY CAR PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY FOR AWHILE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 16, 2019
FRONT LOW BEAM LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT REPLACED LOW BEAM BULBS 3 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS AND REPLACED HARNESSES ONCE AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CONTINUES TO GO OUT. BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND CONTINUES TO STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. 3RD BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME. IT LIGHTS UP BRIGHT SOMETIME, DIM SOMETIME, AND OTHER TIMES IT DON'T WORK AT ALL.
Steering, Sep 13, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO SHAKE AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE. CANNOT CONTROL THE CAR. CALLED GM AND EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL. GM WAS TERRIBLE AND WOULD NOT LET ME SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUNN CHEVROLET BUICK (LOCATED AT 3000 DUSTIN RD, OREGON, OH 43616, (419) 442-7814) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A TUNE UP WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V2520000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 9, 2019
2008 CHEVY MALIBU ENGINE SHUT OFF IN MID DRIVE ON CITY HIGHWAY DURING HIGH TRAFFIC. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS DISPLAYED AND CONTINUE TO CODE P0365/6. HOWEVER THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATORS, THE ALTENATOR AND THE BATTERY HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. THE ISSUE HAS UPSET ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS IN LINE WITH 2 KNOWN CONCERNS AND REPORTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED BY CHEVY OR GM. 1) DISCUSSION OF BATTERY CABLES BEING THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM (UNANSWERED) 2) GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL FEB 2014 (WHICH SEEMS TO BE VERY IN LINE WITH THIS ISSUE). I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND OFCOURSE PAID FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO BE TOLD "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". IT IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND NO ONE KNOWS WHAT COULD BE THE SOURCE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND FORUMS AND REPORTS ON BOTH THE BATTERY CABLES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES. THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE WERE SUPPOSEDLY ONLY ISSUES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLES HOWEVER THE SYMPTOMS WITHIN THE RECORDED MALIBU COMMUNITY ARE TOTALLY IN LINE WITH THE SAME FROM THAT RECALL. WE NOW ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION STRUGGLING TO TURNOVER. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSAFE, FINANCIALLY BURDENING AND STRESSFUL ON THE FAMILIES WHO ARE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THESE CONCERNS WITH NO ANSWER OR RESPONSE IN SIGHT. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE.
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2019
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OFF. REPLACING THE BULB DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2019
2008 CHEVY MALIBU PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT REPEATEDLY HAS BURNT OUT SOCKET, MELTING INSIDE. WIRING HARNESS AND BULB HAVE BEEN CHANGED OUT THREE TIMES AND ISSUE REOCCURS WITHIN DAYS. BULB HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED. WIRING SEEMS IN TACT. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH THIS SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE ON FORUMS. WE'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO USE THIS VEHICLE AND SAFELY. THANK YOU.
Steering, Aug 21, 2019
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - POWER STEERING ASSIST LOCKS RANDOMLY AND MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2019
THE VEHICLE STAYS ON AND RUNNING WHEN I CUT THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED AND THE DOORS AND CLOSED. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY RUNNING AND THERE ARE NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION.
Steering, Air bags, Aug 11, 2019
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 20MPH ON CITY STREETS MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A BUSINESS AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON, AND IT WOULD DRIVE FOR A SHORT WHILE BEFORE POWER STEERING WOULD SHUT OFF AGAIN, USUALLY WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO TURNS ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING STILL. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING, POPPING NOISE AND FLASHING "CHECK AIRBAG" MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THE POWER STEERING ISSUE TO BE A BROAD GM VEHICLE PROBLEM. CHEVY MALIBUS FROM 2004 TO 2010 I BELIEVE WERE ALL COVERED FOR A RECALL. MY VIN HOWEVER IS NOT ON THIS LIST AND I AM SUFFERING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS ALL OF THESE OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS. MY VEHICLE HAS 128,XXX MILES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2019
ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE SAT IN MY VEHICLE WITH OUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND THE BLOWER CAME ON THEN SHUT BACK OFF ON ITS OWN. I'VE SEEN MY TAIL LIGHTS FLIP ON AND OFF CAR LOCKED NO ONE IN IT FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING RIGHT AS WELL.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2019
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU PASSENGERS HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVERY TWO WEEKS I BEEN READING A LOT ABOUT IT ONLINE AND IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT REPEATEDLY! BAD WIRING, MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 27, 2019
FIRST TIME CAR WAS IN PARK. THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES BUT DOESN'T TURN OFF. ALSO MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. NEXT WAS STATIONARY, I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. NEXT WAS STATIONARY AND THE CAR TURNED ON BUT THEN THE CLUSTER INSTRUMENT LIGHTS DIDN'T COME ON IT WAS COMPLETELY DARK. ALSO WHILE IN MOTION CAR RPM DIDN'T READ ANYMORE AND IT WAS SHIFTING HARD. ANOTHER THING IT SAYS SERVICE TIRE SENSOR AND SERVICE AIRBAG
Service brakes, Jun 22, 2019
ALL THREE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE, REVERSE, OR PARK. WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE IT WILL SHUT OFF THEN GO ON AGAIN. WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE THE LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF THEN GO BACK ON A COUPLE MINUTES LATER.