2009 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,509 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 41 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 3 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
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
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftMar 6, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 09V073000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, defroster/defogger/hvac systemDec 2, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEM." THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIRCONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE BLOWER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE MODE SELECTOR WOULD REMAIN IN THE LAST KNOWN SETTING.
IF THE WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC CONTROL HEAD MODULE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Campaign 08V634000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
368 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 27, 2015
WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE CURRENTLY ILLUMINATING WITHOUT ME PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN I DO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL (BRAKE LIGHT REVERSAL). IN ADDITION MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) AND CRUISE CONTROL TURN OFF. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE AGENCY UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER 10548365. I HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED IN THE SUMMER OF 2014. IN ADDITION I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR REPLACED PRIOR TO THAT, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS REAPPEARED EVEN THOUGH THE SUGGESTED FIX WAS APPLIED. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS ORIGINALLY REPORTED IN RHINELANDER, WI.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT BRIEFLY DEACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ILLUMINATED AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH, THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY LIGHT, AND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 17, 2015
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BODY CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION SYSTEM RECALL REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN JUNE 2014, THE VEHICLE WASN'T RUNNING SMOOTHLY. IT SEEMED TO EXHIBIT A JERK MOTION AND FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THE ESC LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THEN GO OUT. THE DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS ON JUNE ON JUNE 27, 2014. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. GM INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE FUEL INJECTOR WIRE WAS REPLACED. RECALL # 14V252000 UPDATED 12/30/15.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 1, 2015
FIRST ISSUE HAPPENED WITH THE DRIVER LOW BEAM NOT WORKING THEN WORK AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER. THE PROBLEM KEEPS GOING ON FROM PASSENGER AND DRIVER LOW BEAMS. I'VE NOTICED THE CONNECTORS WERE MELTED AND CHANGED THEM AND THEY WOULD BOTH WORK FOR A FEW WEEKS THEN ONE WOULD GO OUT AGAIN. SECOND ISSUE IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOESN'T TURN ON WHEN PASSENGERS ARE IN THE VEHICLE. IT WORKS SOMETIMES BUT NOT EVERYTIME. THIRD ISSUE IS THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS. THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES AND AGAIN NOT EVERYTIME LIKE THEY SHOULD. THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE REPORTING THESE SAME ISSUES BUT NOTHING GETS DONE UNLESS IT'S OUT OF OUR POCKETS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2015
MY DOOR LOCKS ARE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE I'M DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED FOR THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND THE SERVICE STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO FAILED TO WORK. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERS: 103668 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHTS) AND 103664 (SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC AND SWITCHES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE PARKED, THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FRONT DRIVER DOORS AND THE PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAD TO BE LEFT OPEN TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOLENOID IN ALL DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING, THE DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS AND REAR TAIL GATE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. MA 10/23/15
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2015
THE DOOR ACTUATORS DON'T LOCK. THE CAR IS OPEN AT ALL TIMES. VERY UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2015
THE IGNITION SEEMS TO SHUTOFF GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I WAS DOING 65 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE CAR ALL OF SUDDEN SHUTS OFF FOR A SECOND. THE SECURITY LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH. THEN IT FIRES BACK UP AND CONTINUE DOWN THE HIGHWAY. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES ON TRIP HOME. READ ON LINE HOW TO FIX THE SECURITY LIGHT. DID THAT RAN FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THEN DID IT AGAIN ON ANOTHER TRIP. BELIEVE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE OTHER MALIBUS ARE HAVING WITH THE IGNITION. JUST HAVEN'T RECALLED FOR 2009 AS OF YET.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2015
EVERY NOW AND THEN THE DASH LIGHTS WILL EITHER GO DIM OR BRIGHTEN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE CONTROL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2015
WHEN PARKED OR WHEN DRIVING, DOORS RANDOMLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM CONSUMERS AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THEY ALL SAY THAT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST AND THAT COST IS TOO HIGH FOR MOST CONSUMERS ($300/LOCK). I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, MY GRANDCHILDREN OFTEN RIDE WITH ME, WHAT IF THEY OPEN THE DOOR ON THE FREEWAY?! LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR WHILE IT'S ON FIRE?! TO SAY THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN IS SIMPLY GROSS NEGLIGENCE! NEGLIGENCE CASE LAW HAS SHOWN THAT FAILURE TO ACT WITH PRIOR KNOWLEDGE IS COMPLICITY OF/TO MANSLAUGHTER, AND THIS TURNS AN ACCIDENTAL DEATH INTO MANSLAUGHTER. GM! WAKE UP, GET INTO GEAR HERE. DOES YOUR NEW CEO REALLY WANT TO DEAL WITH ANOTHER RECALL COVER UP??!!!!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 21, 2015
BOUGHT MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ IN APRIL 2015 IN MAY 2015 MY SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STARTED TO COME ON AND MY TAILLIGHTS ARE LIGHTING UP AS IF ON THE BREAKS WHEN I AM NOT.( THEY COME ON WHILE I AM STOPED AT A RED LIGHT HAVE NEVER COME ON WHILE MOVING) RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT MY CAR AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF SO THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE LIGHTS WERE ON(THE LIGHTS RESET WHEN I SHUT MY CAR OFF). THEY CAME ON LAST NIGHT WENT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP LAST NIGHT 7/20/2015 AND THEY TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE BREAK PEDAL SWITCH AND WE DID THAT BUT MY BREAK LIGHTS ARE STILL COMING ON WHEN THEY WANT,IT LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BEFORE I GOT MY CAR AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS FIXED OR NOT AND IF IT COULD BE FIXED AGAIN UNDER THE RECALL...... VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS.
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RE-LEARNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND LOW PRESSURE, CHECK SVC WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V634000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 09/25/15*LJ UPDATED 10/13/15*JB
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 26, 2015
ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOORS FROM DRIVER DOOR PANEL SWITCH WHEN THE DRIVER REAR DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL IT COMPLETELY FAILED ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER IN WHICH TIME THE OTHER DOORS BEGAN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE PROGRESSING CLOCKWISE AROUND THE VEHICLE. IF DOOR LOCK-UNLOCK IS CYCLED MORE THAN TWICE, 3 (NON-DRIVER) DOORS FAIL ABOUT 95% OF THE TIME. THIS FAILURE OCCURS BOTH WHEN THE DOOR IS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. REF: CFR 571.206 S4.3.1
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2015
WHEN I AM DRIVING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WOULD GO BLACK AND THEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES COME BACK ON THEN ABS, BRAKE LIGHTS, ANTI-THEFT, AIR PRESSURE, AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD FLASH! THEN COME OFF AND ON WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION AND I HAVE NO SIGNAL OR BRAKE LIGHTS AND GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO. IF I TURN THE CAR OFF WHILE THOSE LIGHTS ARE ON IT WON'T RESTART. SOMETIMES I CANNOT GET INTO THE CAR BECAUSE THE REMOTE DOESN'T WORK, I WOULD GO BACK OUT AFTER A FEW HOURS AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK. I JUST GOT THIS 2009 CHEVY MALIBU 5 MONTHS AGO FROM A DEALER AND BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT!! I AM UNEMPLOYED AND MY HUSBAND LOST HIS JOB I CAN'T AFFORD THE CAR PAYMENT AND INSURANCE AND HAVING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM!! I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE THOUSAND OF CHEVY MALIBU ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED!! UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ UPDATED 10/30/2017*CN
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2015
FROM DAY 1, THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HASN'T WORKED. AFTER WE GOT IT FIXED, THE LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ALSO STOPPED WORKING. GM HAS PROVIDED PARTIAL COVERAGE FOR OUR REPAIR COSTS, BUT NOTHING FOR OUR INCONVENIENCE. (MY HUSBAND HAD TO TAKE 4-5 HOURS OFF WORK EACH TIME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS).
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 21, 2015
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE REPAIRS DONE ON THIS CAR BECAUSE OF RECALLS AND POTENTIAL RECALL ITEMS. I STILL OWE $7,000 ON THIS VEHICLE! I FEEL LIKE THE MANUFACTURER OWES ME MONEY AS WELL AS THE DEALERSHIP WHO FIXED THE RECALLED ITEMS AND THE ITEMS THAT ARE NOT YET IN RECALL THAT NEED TO BE REPAIRED ARE GOING TO CAUSE A COMPLETE ACCIDENT IF THIS IS NOT HANDLED PROMPTLY. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND ORGANIZE VOLUNTEER WORK IN MY AREA AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS ENTITLED TO ME AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HAVE A FAULTY CAR WHEN I AM ALSO PAYING ON IT. I CAN OFFER MORE DETAILS WHEN YOU CONTACT ME.
Electrical system, Jun 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS, COIL SPRINGS AND THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR INTERIOR POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHEN THE KEY FOB AND POWER LOCK MODULE WERE ACTIVATED. THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Electrical system, May 20, 2015
DOOR ACTUATORS DO NOT WORK BY REMOTE OR WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK. THIS POSSESS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK IF IN AN ACCIDENT OR IF THE VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE. DEALER SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS AND HAVE ALSO REPLACED ACTUATORS ON MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF GM VEHICLES. I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE OTHER THREE WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUED NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED AGGRESSIVELY AND IN A TIMELY MANNER BEFORE FATALITIES HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 9, 2015
THE DOOR LOCKS ON THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT SECURE AND MUST BE SECURED MANUALLY WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLE, ALSO UNLOCKS AND LOCKS DURING DRIVING.. VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME DUE TO THESE DOOR LOCK ISSUES. NOT ABLE TO FEEL COMFORTABLE AS MUCH WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THESE ISSURES. PLEASE FIX.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK TO ALLOW EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,269.
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2015
I OWN A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO (2014) MY POWER LOCKS STARTED FAILING. PRIMARILY THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR, ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS HAVE FAILED ON OCCASION. THE LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK, INTERMITTENTLY. THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR WON'T WORK AT ALL ANYMORE AND YOU HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE SEATS TO MANUALLY PULL UP THE LOCK. I NOTICE THIS OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT OUTSIDE, AND LESS FREQUENTLY WHEN IT IS COOLER OUTSIDE. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD AND I AM AFRAID THAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THERE WILL BE ISSUES IN GETTING MYSELF OR PASSENGERS OUT OF THE VEHICLE SAFELY. I ONLY HAVE 44,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS I SEE MANY MANY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2015
PASSENGER DOORS (FRONT AND BACK) STOPPED LOCKING/UNLOCKING. ALTHOUGH THEY CLICK TO REFLECT THAT IT IS ATTEMPTING, IT DOES NOT COMPLETE. I HAVE READ ON COUNTLESS SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR MANY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU'S AND VOICING MY COMPLAINT AS WELL IN HOPES THAT GM IS FORCED TO DEAL WITH THEIR GROWING AND CONTINUED ISSUE. *TR