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
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014
TWICE IN PAST 5 DAYS WHILE TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEED, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY - VERY DANGEROUS. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED ENGINE AND IT WAS FINE AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2014
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE WITH THE FOB. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS TO BE OPENED OR CLOSED MANUALLY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 11, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE IT TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. I JUST HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. IT THEN RESET IT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THE "SERVICE ESC" LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN "POWER STEERING" LIGHT CAME ON. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. WHERE AGAIN I HAD TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND STOP TRAFFIC AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON. I BELIEVE THIS COULD POSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN YOUR VEHICLE TO STOPS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT STEER ANOTHER VEHICLE CAN EASILY HIT YOU AND CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SINCE IT SEEMS TO AFFECT A NUMBER OF 2009 MALIBU'S THAT I SEE ALL OVER FORUMS AND BLOGS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 22, 2014
THE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS( BOTH DOORS ) STOPPED FUNCTIONING WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THIS MADE IT SUCH THAT THE REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED WITHOUT MANUALLY LIFTING THE LOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN A CHILD WAS IN A CAR SEAT THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR WAS TO GET BACK IN THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, TURN IT TO THE ACCESSORY, LOWER THE REAR WINDOW, GET OUT OF THE CAR AND REACH IN TO PULL UP THE LOCK BUTTON. FORTUNATELY WE NEVER HAD AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHERE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CRITICAL LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD THE ACTUATORS REPLACED ( AT SIGNIFICANT EXPENSE ). MY CONCERN IS MANY INDIVIDUALS, PROBABLY CAN NOT AFFORD THE COST AND WOULD FORGO THE REPAIR, THUS LEAVING THE PROBLEM AND ITS POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES THERE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 24, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU, I ABRUPTLY GOT A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DASH BOARD WHICH CONTAINED THE PHRASE ENGINE POWER REDUCTION AT WHICH TIME MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH ALL THE BATTERY OPERATED ITEMS WERE WORKING THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT A LARGE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND THIS ERROR MESSAGE COME UP.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR ONE MONTH. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP WAS MADE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, VIBRATED VIOLENTLY, AND STALLED. THE DECELERATION FAILURE BEGAN ONE WEEK AGO AND THE ACCELERATION HESITATION BEGAN TWO MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 21, 2014, crash
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LESS THAN 20MPH, VEHICLE LOST TRACTION, CAUSING CAR TO SKID AND LEAVE ROADWAY, AND SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A CEMENT CULVERT. EARLIER THE SAME WEEK, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING APPLIED. VEHICLE REQUIRED TOWING AND REPAIRS. PASSENGER IN VEHICLE SUFFERED LOWER BACK INJURY. TWO WEEKS AFTER ACCIDENT, OWNER RECEIVED RECALL 13036 NOTIFICATION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2014
I HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE 2009 CHEVY MALIBU I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW NO MILES THINKING I WAS GOING TO BE STRESS FREE BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME THE MOST HEADACHES EVER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SHIFT GEAR AND THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPLACE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE I GOT IT THE HEADACHE ABOUT THAT IS THAT THE WHOLE BUMPER HAS TO BE REMOVED TO HAVE THEM REPLACE. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVY CAR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE EMERGENCY STEERING CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START PROPERLY, THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE VEHICLE RESET. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN WHAT COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVY MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2014
BOTH KEYLESS REMOTES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO MALFUNCTIONS WHEN TRYING TO LOCK OR UNLOCK VEHICLE. BOTH TRANSMITTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO DEALER? VEHICLE ONLY HAD 42,245 MILES AND PURCHASED NEW. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 3, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING. NOW THEY WON'T OPEN OR CLOSE IN THE REAR WITH THE KEY FOB. I HAVE TO DO IT MANUALLY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2014
BACK DRIVER SIDE TURNING LIGHT BULB KEEPS BURNING OUT. BEFORE IT GOES OUT IT WILL WORK SOMETIMES. SO I DON'T THINK IT IS THE BULB, BUT SOME OTHER ISSUE. AT THIS TIME MY CAR IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH 32,000 MILES AND THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME OF CHANGING THIS BULB. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 25, 2014
THE LOCKS WORKED FINE UP UNTIL A FEW WEEKS AGO NOW NONE OF THE POWER LOCK BUTTONS WORK, MY DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK RANDOMLY EVEN WHILE DRIVING ... THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE PAIN... I HAVE REACHED OUT TO SEVERAL CHEVROLET DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEARING ON MY CAR. EVERYONE I HAVE SPOKEN TO WHO DRIVES THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE ALL HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND I FEEL LIKE GM SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS!! ALSO THEY SHOULD FIND OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING IN THEIR VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 25, 2014
THE REAR RIGHT DOOR WON'T UNLOCK UNLESS DONE MANUALLY .THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF AN EMEGANCY. THE LEFT DOOR CANNOT BE LOCKED FROM THE BUTTON I HAVE TO REACH OVER DRIVERS SIDE TO LOCK THE REST OF THE DOORS. THE REMOTE WILL NOT LOCK DOORS OR REMOTE START BECAUSE THE POWER SWITCH WILL NOT LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2014
ALL FOUR (4) DOORS ON MY 2009 MALIBU WILL NOT ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK FROM THE REMOTE. ALSO THEY WILL NOT ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN GEAR OR OUT OF GEAR. I HAVE HAD THEM TO NOT UNLOCK ALL THE WAY AND COULD NOT GET THE DOORS OPEN AT ALL. YOU HAVE TO KEEP USING THE REMOTE OR KEY TO KEEP LOCKING OR UNLOCKING UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO OPEN. ALSO, I HAVE HAD THEM TO NOT UNLOCK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR, THIS IS THE WORST SITUATION TO BE IN. TALK ABOUT AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZZARD. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND THIS HAPPENS, G.M. NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2014
RECENTLY, I HAD MY 8 YEAR OLD GRANDSON STRAPPED IN THE BACK SEAT, RIGHT SIDE, WITH HIS SEAT BELT ON, IN MY CAR. WHEN I STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, ALL THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED NORMALLY EXCEPT THE ONE IN THE BACK WHERE MY GRANDSON WAS SITTING. HE TRIED OPENING THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED OPENING IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED THE BUTTON ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, AND THE DOOR STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED USING THE REMOTE CONTROL, AND IT STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET THE DOOR OPEN WAS BY CRAWLING ACROSS THE BACK SEAT AND OPENING THE LOCK BY HAND BY PULLING UP ON THE MANUAL DOOR LOCK. THERE IS A CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE DOOR PANEL BUT IT WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS VEHICLE HAS A DIGITAL READ OUT ON THE DASHBOARD TELLING YOU THE TIRE PRESSURE, AMOUNT OF MILEAGE LEFT ON THE OIL CHANGE, MILES PER GALLON, AND VARIOUS OTHER INFORMATION, BUT NOTHING INDICATING THAT ONE OF THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. IN A SERIOUS SITUATION OF LIFE OR DEATH, IT MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THE BACK DOOR OPEN IF THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AUTOMATICALLY, USING THE BUTTON ON THE DRIVERS DOOR, OR WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN SINCE THERE IS NO WARNING ON THE DIGITAL PANEL. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG THE LOCK HAD NOT BEEN OPERATING PROPERLY SINCE THERE IS SELDOM ANYONE IN THE BACK SEAT NEEDING TO EXIT VIA THAT DOOR. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THIS AUTOMOBILE AND THE NTSB NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON THIS CAR ARE UNSAFE AND UNABLE TO OPEN, EXCEPT MANUALLY, IN AN EMERGENCY, AND REQUIRE SOME SORT OF WARNING WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 21, 2014
THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW WHERE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK AND I TRY TO EXIT THE CAR EITHER THE DOOR WILL UNLOCK BUT WILL NOT LET ME OUT OR WHEN I AM ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR, THE DOOR HINGE WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE OR LOCK. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 20, 2014
THE DRIVE LINKAGE BUSHING KEEPS SEPARATING FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TO WORK AT ALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, EVEN AFTER PURCHASING AND INSTALLING BRAND NEW WINDSHIELD WIPER BUSHINGS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2014
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY, WIRING PROBLEMS AND LOCK PROBLEMS. I AM HOPING THAT THE WIRING REPAIR TOOK CARE OF THAT PROBLEM AND THE BATTERY PROBLEM, BUT THE LOCK PROBLEM PERSISTS, AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE! I HAD NO LUCK GETTING THE DEALER TO FIX THE LOCK PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE A REQUIRED RECALL TO FIX. RECENTLY I HEARD OF ANOTHER RECALL FOR MY CAR, CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID NO THERE WASN'T ANY, BUT THEN I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL SAYING THERE IS A RECALL. WHAT IS A CONSUMER SUPPOSED TO DO???? *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2014
INTERMITTENTLY THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR ONLY PARTIALLY UNLOCKS WHEN PLACED IN PARK RESULTING IN THE DOOR NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN FROM INTERIOR AND ONLY PARTIALLY PULLED OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. ONCE DOOR IS OPEN IT WILL NOT CLOSE/LATCH. FRONT AND REAR LOCKS ON PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT RESPOND TO KEY FOB AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR DOORS LOCK WHEN PLACED IN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN GEAR BUT DO NOT UNLOCK WHEN PLACED IN PARK. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR ARRIVAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 6, 2014
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE NUMBER13036. TO MY UNDERSTANDING THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN SENT OUT TO THE CURRENT DEALERS TO DEAL WITH THE RECALL. MY CAR BRAKES LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WHILE I'M DRIVING PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT SINCE THE LIGHTS WERE NOT SHOWING ANY DEFECT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT SINCE THE RECALL IS STILL IN THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. IF AND WHEN I TAKE MY VEHICLE IN IF THE LIGHTS ARE NOT COMING ON WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING OR IN PARK THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. WHAT AM I LEFT TO DO AT THIS POINT I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT BEFORE THIS IS ALL OVER SOMEONE IS GOING TO LOSE THEIR LIFE. *TR