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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,509

Of the 2009 reports, 41 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 44 people were injured and 3 people died.

Primary concernSteering768 reports · 51% of complaints
Owner complaints1,509Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering768
  2. Electrical system368
  3. Electronic stability control (ESC)255
  4. Exterior lighting172
  5. Service brakes152
  6. Power train121
  7. Vehicle speed control73
  8. Air bags62

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  1. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 20, 2015

    POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL 2009 CHEVY MALIBU USED W 48,000 MILES, I HAD IT ONLY 2 MONTHS BEFORE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH THE LOCKS. ALL LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE USING THE INTERIOR SWITCH NOR THE KEY FOB. IF YOU MANUALLY OPEN THE LOCK BY PULLING IT UP AND THEN START THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR, THE LOCKS WILL ENGAGE AUTOMATICALLY AND LOCK THE DOOR PROPERLY. I CHECKED ONLINE AND EVERYONE SAYS THE PROBLEM WITH THE LOCKS IS THE BCM CONNECTION AND LACK OF DIELECTRIC GREASE.GM NEEDS TO ALSO FIX THE POWER LOCK ISSUE, IT IS VERY MUCH WELL KNOWN ON THE INTERNET. ANYWAY, CHECKING FORUMS IT SEEMS GM IS AWARE OF THE LOCKS FAILING CONSISTENTLY. WE ALL OWNERS OF CHEVY MALIBU'S HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH 2008, 2009, 2010 POWER LOCKS THAT MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE DOORS CAN LOCK AND UNLOCK AT RANDOM TIMES. I HAVE OWNED CHEVROLET AUTOS FOR 40 YEARS AND NEVER HAD ONE ACTUATOR GO OUT SO 4 AT ONCE IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY CHEVY. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE. I ALWAYS HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS JUST TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY KIDS OR ANYONE WHO IS GOING IN THE BACK. ITS VERY ANNOYING AND I JUST ABOUT HAD IT WITH THE MALIBU EVEN THOUGH THE CAR DRIVES NICE IT GETTING IRRITATED. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

  2. Steering, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

  3. Power train, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2015

    WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET GOING MAYBE 35 MPH MY 3YEAR OLD WHO WAS STRAPPED INTO HIS CAR SEAT IN THE BACKSEAT BEGAN TO CHOKE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT TO GO TO HIS AID BUT I COULDN'T UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR. I PANICKED AND HAD TO TRY TO CLIMB THROUGH THE SMALL SPACE FROM THE FRONT SEAT TO THE BACK BUT COULD NOT QUICKLY GET MY CHOKING CHILD OUT OF THE CAR. LATER THAT DAY I CHECKED THE DOOR LOCKS AFTER CALMING DOWN AND I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOORS.I NOTICED CLICKING NOISES BUT NEVER PAID ANY ATTENTION TO IT AS IT WAS NOT A CONCERN UNTIL I COULD NOT FREE MY CHOCKING CHILD FROM THE BACK SEAT.I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR USED LAST MONTH. AFTER REVIEW THE LOCKS ON THIS CAR IS A KNOW'N COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS A SAFETY CONCERN . MY HELPLESS CHILD WAS LOCKED IN. *TR

  4. Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 3, 2015

    ABRUPT POWER-STEERING FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS AND JERKS (SHUTTERS BACK AND FORTH) ON ITS OWN WHILE THE CAR IS AT REST AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN. TOOK TO CHEVY DEALER AND THEY ADVISED ME THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MY VIN AND PART# ARE NOT INCLUDED AS OF NOW. DEALER TOLD ME IT IS DUE TO FAULTY POSITIONING SENSOR PART # 23232310 SENSOR KI. *TR

  5. Electrical system, Mar 3, 2015

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 86,000.

  6. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 27, 2015

    SERVICE ESC LIGHT COMES ON &POWER STEERING GOES OUT. HAPPENS OVER AND OVER RANDOMLY. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A BATTERY ISSUE SINCE THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL, HOWEVER I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I SAW A TON OF OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *TR

  7. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 26, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 4 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ESC OFF WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

  8. Steering, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2015

    MY 2009 MALIBU LOST IT'S ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, AND I NOW HAVE TO STEER IT MANUALLY, WHICH IS HARD FOR ME. MY CAR WAS ON A RECALL LIST ON 4/2014 BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION AND WHEN I CALLED GM THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. MY COUSIN, WHO IS A MECHANIC, GOT THE RECALL INFO FROM THE SITE ALLDATA REPAIR S3000. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF MY CAR IS ON THE RECALL AND WHAT I NEED TO DO. TY *TR

  9. Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 20, 2015

    I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND MY ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. HAPPY THAT EVERYONE MADE IT HOME SAFELY, I THEN TRIED TO FIND PROBABLY CAUSES IN TO WHAT IS THE CAUSE AND WHAT I CAN DO. I SAW NOTHING BUT GM RECALLS FOR 2008 -2009 CHEVY MALIBU'S THAT ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. NO ONE CAN HELP BUT THE DEALERSHIP, SO I DROVE DOWN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON A SATURDAY, AND ASKED IF ANYONE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THE ISSUE, AND THE GENTLEMAN WAS SHORT AND RUDE, AS IF HE DID NOT WANT TO HELP ME. I PRACTICALLY HAD TO BEG FOR THEM TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. SO I PATIENTLY WAITED FOR 3 AND A HALF HOURS IN THE LOBBY. TO FIND OUT THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE IS GOING BAD. THAT IT WILL COST 480.00. THE GUY CHARGED ME 95.00 JUST FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND I DIDN'T GET A WARNING THAT THIS WILL BE A CHARGE, ON TOP OF IT HE WANTED TO CHARGE ME 800.00 TO FIX OTHER THINGS ON MY VEHICLE, WHEN MY MAIN CONCERN WAS THE POWER STEERING. I FELT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF, AND NO ONE EXPLAINED TO ME AS TO WHY THIS TOOK PLACE. I AM THINKING IT MUST BE APART OF THE RECALL. SO I SENT A LETTER TO CORPORATE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE. I SPOKE WITH AN AGENT AND A SENIOR ADVISER. I CANNOT WAIT YEARS LATER FOR THEM TO DECIDE THAT THEY MISSED A VEHICLE. SO THEY DID TRY TO GIVE ME OPTIONS TO SEE IF THEY CAN HELP WITH THE COST DUE TO THE INCONVENIENCE I'VE BEEN THROUGH WITH MY CHILDREN AND HOW I WAS TREATED AT THE TERRY CULLEN CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN GEORGIA. HOPEFULLY THEY CAN COVER HALF THE COST SO I CAN GET THIS FIX. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING DANGEROUSLY ON THE ROAD TO GET TO AND FROM WORK, AND I HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS NOR EXTRA MONEY TO GET THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW. I JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW I CAN HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND EVERYONE ELSE HAS A RECALL ON THEIRS. IS THIS A NORMAL WARE AND TARE ISSUE. *TR

  10. Steering, Electrical system, Feb 18, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

  11. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2015

    I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT YET. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY CAR. THE INFORMATION I PROVIDED ABOVE ON MARCH 13, 204 I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. BUT THE PROBLEMS ARE STILL HAPPENING..I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST SOME WATER LEAKING ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRING AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY AT THE TIME BUT DID TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE ALSO PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER AND ADVISED THAT THERE IS NO WATER LEAKAGE. I HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT THE OTHER DAY WHERE I LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. MY TACTION GOT DISABLED AS WELL. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT KENNY ROSS IN IRWIN TO TAKE IT BACK SO THEY CAN LOOK AT IT AGAIN, BUT I DON'T TRUST THEM. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT WITH LOW MILEAGE AND I GO NO WHERE AS I WORK FROM HOME, STILL HAS LOW MILEAGE..I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING PROBLEMS. THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIRS WERE NEVER DONE...CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO IN THIS ASE. *TR

  12. Steering, Electrical system, Jan 28, 2015

    THE SAME DAY I BROUGHT MY CAR TO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND A BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION RECALL, I HAD THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ISSUE. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, A CHIME SOUNDED, AND THE INFORMATION DISPLAY ON THE DASH SHOWED POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ESC. THE POWER STEERING WAS TURNED OFF, AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE SAME CHIME SOUNDS, SAME ERRORS COME UP, AND POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF. THIS NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL GM VEHICLES, INCLUDING SOME 2009 MALIBUS, FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ISSUE. IN THE RECALL, THE DESCRIPTION THEY GIVE MATCHES MY ISSUE PERFECTLY. HOWEVER, MY SPECIFIC 2009 MALIBU ISN'T PART OF THE RECALL FOR SOME REASON. *TR

  13. Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 27, 2015

    I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 45MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RECALLS. *TR

  14. Electrical system, Structure, Jan 27, 2015

    REAR DOOR LOCKS JUST QUIT WORKING, DOESN'T WORK WITH KEY FOB OR INSIDE SWITCH. *TR

  15. Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 16, 2015

    WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY SON GOING AT RATES OF 70MPH. MY POWER STEERING GAVE OUT AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL. TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG I FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING TORQUE SENSOR GAVE OUT. I CONTACTED GM AND MY LOCAL DEALER ABOUT INCIDENT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON SEVERAL OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR. OTHER GM CARS HAVE PUT RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING, NOT MINE. I CONTACTED DEALER BECAUSE THEY HAVE ME A PRICE OF $500-$1200. I CONTACTED GM THEY REFUSE TO HELP ME AT ALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING MY OWN CAR. I PURCHASED THE SENSOR ON MY OWN BECAUSE THE DEALER MARK UP WAS DOUBLE OF WHAT THE PART COST. GM REFUSES TO HELP AND I AM NOW RENTING A CAR WAITING FOR THIS TO BE FIXED TO SELL IT. I WAS WITH MY YOUNG CHILD ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT LOCKED UP. PLEASE HELP! *TR

  16. Electrical system, Jan 13, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

  17. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 8, 2015

    THE PASSENGER FRONT HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD IT REPLACED. WITHIN A WEEK OR SO, IT HAD BURNED BACK OUT. AT THAT TIME THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM AND THIS IS APPARENTLY VERY COMMON. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 7, 2015

    STARTED MY CAR IN JAN 2015 AND POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC ALARM COMES ON THIS MAKES SECOND OCCURRENCE WHEN I LOOKED UP MY CAR IT SAYS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WHEN I LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER IT SAYS IT WAS REPAIRED SO WHY IS IT STILL HAPPENING THERE R SEVERAL RECALLS FOR MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU SO I WANT TO KNOW IF I'VE OWNED IT SINCE 2010 WHY I'VE ONLY RECEIVED ONE RECALL NOTICE FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR

  19. Steering, Electrical system, Jan 2, 2015

    THERE IS A POWER STEERING PROBLEM AS IS GOES OFF ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS THERE IS A RECALL ON THE BREAK LAMP TURNS ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS AS THEY COULDN'T NOT FIND THE ISSUE RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM.

  20. Electrical system, Jan 1, 2015

    POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK . WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE USING THE INTERIOR SWITCH NOR THE KEY FOB. MALFUNCTION OF LOCKS OCCURRED AFTER A REPAIR OF THE RECALLED FAULTY BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) CONNECTION; WHICH RESULTS IN FLUCTUATIONS IN THE BRAKE APPLY SENSOR ( BAS). IT MENTIONS OTHER POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR. CRUISE CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL ,ECS MAY BE AFFECTED ALSO. IT DOES NOT MENTION THAT IT MAY CAUSE ELECTRIC LOCK ISSUE. *JS

  21. Electrical system, Dec 19, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR SIDE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

  22. Steering, Parking brake, Electrical system, Dec 16, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE IN ORDER TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STEERING COLUMN, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  23. Electrical system, Dec 15, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC DOOR UNLOCK FUNCTION FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE UNABLE TO UNLOCK MANUALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

  24. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 2, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

  25. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Nov 22, 2014

    FIRST ISSUE NOTICED WAS PASSENGER AIRBAG NOT ON WHILE PASSENGERS ARE IN FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR WORKS 50% OF THE TIME. SECOND ISSUE STARTED CLOSE TO THE SAME TIME AS THE AIRBAG. WHEN USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY OR THE ELECTRIC LOCK BUTTONS INSIDE THE CAR , IT FAILS TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. AFTER 30 MINUTES OR SO IT WILL THEN LOCK THE DOORS. THE LATEST ISSUE STARTED ON THE 19TH OF NOVEMBER 2014 WITH THE DRIVER SIDE LOWBEAM NOT WORKING AS LIKE IT'S BLOWN. THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR TWO DAYS SINCE AND NOW THE LOWBEAM IS WORKING BUT, IT'S DIM COMPARED TO THE PASSENGER LOWBEAM. I BELIEVE THERE'S A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FROM MANUFACTURER. THERE ARE MANY FORUMS ONLINE ABOUT THESE ISSUES ONLINE FROM OTHER OWNERS. THIS CAR HAS NOT HAD ANY AFTERMARKET INSTALLATIONS OF ITS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND THE BATTERY IS NEW. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO TAKE THE TIME WHEN MANUFACTURING THEIR VEHICLES INSTEAD OF CUTTING CORNERS. THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY SHOULD BE VALUED BETTER THAN WORRYING ABOUT SALES. YOU WOULD THINK AFTER GOING UNDER THEY WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO DO THINGS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. I HIGHLY DOUBT I WILL EVER PURCHASE A VEHICLE MANUFACTURED AFTER 2002 FROM CHEVROLET DUE TO ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT FAIL OR CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. PLEASE FIX THESE ISSUES OR LOSE A 15 YEAR CUSTOMER. *TR