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, Jan 26, 2017
I WENT TO THE PHARMACY TO PICK UP MY PRESCRIPTIONS HAVING NO ISSUES WITH MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU. WHEN I STARTED TO LEAVE THE PHARMACY, THE STEERING LOCKED FOR KNOW KNOWN REASON MAKING THE CAR UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 17, 2017
MY 2009 MALIBU, WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2009: ABOUT 1&1/2 YEARS AGO IT STARTED RUNNING IRREGULAR, SERVICE ESC-SERVICE TRACTION MESSAGES CAME ON CAR SKIDDING EMBLEM CAME ON. I HAVE HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT 3 TIMES-EACH TIME THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG-TOOK IT TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC-HE TOLD ME SAME THING. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS-FIRST PERSON I TALKED TO SAID TO CALL NHTSA THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL A RECALL. CALLED NHTSA TOLD ME TO CALL GM AGAIN AND START A CASE: I CALLED AND TALKED TO [XXX], WHO WAS VERY HELPFUL AND CONTACTED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP ABOUT FIXING MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THEM; THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LAM SWITCH THINKING THAT WOULD FIX IT-DID NOT. CALLED GM AGAIN AND WADS TOLD TO TAKE IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS FAR AS COST FOR FIXING IT WAS CONCERNED. MY CAR IS JUST SITTING IDLE BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT MORE THAN A FEW MILES-AFRAID IT WILL STALL OUT IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET HOPING TO GET SOME INFORMATION AS TO WHAT IS WRONG. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MALIBUS. NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG AND OWNERS ARE STUCK WITH PAYING TO HAVE NUMEROUS THINGS REPLACED THAT DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT IS TIMER SOMEONE TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FLAW AND ISSUE A RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 13, 2017
MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. ALONG WITH THIS HAPPENING, AN ESC INOPERATIVE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH A SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY. VEHICLE STEERING VERY HARD TO OPERATE. HAVE TO TURN CAR OFF AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES TO CLEAR MESSAGE AND FOR SOME REASON THE POWER STEERING RESUMES TO WORK. THIS NOW IS A CONSTANT OCCURRENCE, TO THE POINT THAT I AM UNABLE TO RELY ON THIS VEHICLE FOR SAFE TRAVELS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 7, 2016
BRAKE LIGHTS, RADIO, TRUNK OPENER ON DRIVERS DOOR , LEFT TURN SIGNAL, DOORS RANDOMLY LOCK , 3RD BRAKE LIGHT DIM, SOMETIMES DRIVER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE WITH DOOR UNLOCKED , SOMETIMES DRIVERS DOOR WON'T SHUT, 105K MILES ON THIS CAR. THIS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE I'VE OWNED AND IT'S THE WORST VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. THE DRIVERS DOOR IS STUCK SHUT CURRENTLY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Dec 5, 2016
MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DISENGAGED FROM THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS AND CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. (SPRING 2016) MY TRACTION CONTROL IS PERIODICALLY SAYING THAT IT HAS MALFUNCTIONED BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS. WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON, I FEEL A PULSE AS I'M BRAKING AND SOMETIMES IF IT COMES ON WHILE I'M DRIVING I'LL FEEL A SLIGHT JOLT THROUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I ALSO HEAR A CLICK NOISE LIKE THE PEDAL MAY DISENGAGE. (LATE SUMMER 2016) I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S RELATED BUT SINCE MOST THINGS SEEM ELECTRICAL, MY RADIO SOMETIMES WILL NOT TURN OFF AND SEEMS TO DO WHAT IT WANTS DURING TIMES WHEN OTHER THINGS ARE SEEMINGLY MALFUNCTIONING (I.E. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ISSUE). ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE TAKEN THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, OPENED THE DOOR BUT MY RADIO DOESN'T TURN OFF. (LATE SUMMER 2016) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE TAKEN THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, BUT THE CAR SEEMS TO STILL BE RUNNING, LIKE IDLING. I'VE THOUGHT IT WAS THE COOLING SYSTEM, BUT I'VE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN IN THE LAST 22 YEARS I'VE BEEN DRIVING NOR HEARD IT FROM ANYONE ELSE I ASK. (LATE SUMMER 2016) I HAVE ALSO BEEN DRIVING, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND THEN REALIZE THAT I'M SLOWING DOWN ONLY TO FIND THE CRUISE IS NO LONGER ENGAGED. THE FIRST FEW TIMES I THOUGHT IT WAS ME. NOW, I RARELY USE IT BECAUSE IT'S NOT CONSISTENTLY RELIABLE. (LATE SUMMER 2016) WHILE MY FUSE AND BULBS ARE FINE, BOTH OF MY TAILLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. (LATE NOVEMBER, 2016 WHEN SOMEONE BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 7, 2016
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL, AND HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. NO TRACTION, SERVICE ESC AND POWER LOSS MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE DASH DISPLAY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE ONBOARD COMPUTERS.
Electrical system, Nov 7, 2016
THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO.THIS IS A ON AND OFF PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM G.M. SHOULD ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM OR A LEAST TELL OWNERS HOW TO FIX.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2016
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS 2.4L GAS ALL DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKING OR UNLOCKING BY USING EITHER THE KEY FOB OR THE DOOR PANEL BUTTONS. THE FAILURE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK OCCURS ALMOST ALWAYS WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE AND THE CAR SITS IN THE SUN, THEN THE DOORS NEED TO BE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED MANUALLY.LOCKS ARE CONTROLLED BY THE (BCM) BODY CONTROL MODULE WHICH ALREADY HAS A RECALL #13036 FOR A FAULTY CONNECTOR THAT CAUSES BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTIONS. EXTREME SAFTY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP!!!
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2016
NOT SURE WHY MY CAR WASN'T ON THE GM SAFETY RECALL 13036. THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE LISTED ON THIS RECALL ARE THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM HAVING NOW. BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON WHILE DRIVING, CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC SERVICE LIGHTS COMING ON, BRAKE PEDAL NOT WORKING PROPERLY, ETC. I AM AFRAID SOMEONE WILL END UP HITTING ME. I DON'T HAVE THE $ TO FIX IT. AND IN THIS RECALL, WHICH I'M NOT ON,GM WOULD SERVICE/PERFORM AT NO CHARGE. MY CAR IS IN THE GUIDELINES (YR: 2004-2012 CHEV MALIBU) OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2016
ALL 4 DOOR LOCKING LATCHES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, RIGHT FRONT DOOR WAS LOCKED IN THE LOCK POSITION AND WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, EVEN AFTER MANUALLY UNLOCKING THE LOCK OR PULLING THE LOCK LEVER IN THE UNLOCK POSITION. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL INVESTIGATION PERFORMED ON THIS MATER. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE EMERGENCY LEAVING THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PART AT THE TIME OF THE OCCURRENCE.
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2016
THE REAR DOOR ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS DON'T FUNCTION ALL THE TIME TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. OPERATION IS INTERMITTENT. I'M VERY CONCERNED WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR. THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 12, 2016
DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING IN SUSPECT DUE TO SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AND WHEN I'M ON THE GAS IT WON'T PICK UP ANY SPEED AND I THINK THAT'S DUE TO THE CAM SHAFT. AND I KNOW IM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME CAR. IT'S REALLY BECOMING A PROBLEM
Electrical system, Traction control system, Service brakes, Aug 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AND ESC SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000. UPDATED 10/04/16*LJ *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2016
THE BREAK LIGHTS TURN ON WITHOUT THE PEDAL BEING PRESS DOWN WHILE THE CAR MOVING . ALSO WHILE THE CAR IN NOT MOVING AND THE ENGINE RUNNING. ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT TIRE MONITOR LIGHT COME ON ALL THE TIME WITHOUT THE TIRE NEEDING AIR.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 24, 2016
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE RPM TACH WOULD REV UNCONTROLLABLY. WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, THE LIGHT TURNS OFF AND THE ESC WARNING APPEARS ON THE DASH. FIXED IN 2014 AS PART OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL (14V252000). AS OF THE LAST TWO MONTHS, THE PROBLEM STARTED UP AGAIN. FIRST, I WENT AND DIAGNOSED IT AT A REPAIR SHOP AND IT TOLD ME THE BRAKE POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE CALIBRATED. AFTER THAT WAS FIXED, THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED AGAIN AND REPLACED THE SENSOR. AFTER THE SECOND TIME, THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER GOING TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND GETTING THE CONCERN FIXED, IT IS STILL NOT FIXED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED, AS IF SHE WERE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE BRAKE LIGHT DIMMED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A MANUFACTURER RECALL IN APRIL OF 2015 FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2016
DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE FAILED WITHIN 30,000 MILES OF MANUFACTURE. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ON 2008-2009 MODELS DOCUMENTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I AM UNABLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK MY DOORS ELECTRONICALLY DUE TO THIS CHRONICALLY FAULTY PART. IT IS UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY KIDS IN THE BACKSEAT BECAUSE I WOULD BE UNABLE TO GET THEM OUT OF THE LOCKED CAR IN AN EMERGENCY (I CURRENTLY HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR BECAUSE THE LOCK BUTTON IS AT THE REAR OF THE DOOR). FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, GM HAS REPLACED THIS PART WITH NEWER VERSIONS THAT RESOLVED THE ISSUES, BUT THEY NEVER CONTACTED THE PUBLIC TO OFFER TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PART. MANY GM CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING TO SPEND OVER $1,000 IN PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE GM WILL ARGUE THAT POWER LOCKS ARE A CONVENIENCE ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, I WOULD INVITE NHTSA TO LOOK AT MY CAR AND SEE HOW IT IS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS FROM THE FRONT SEAT AND THE PROCESS INVOLVED IN ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW TO UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DOOR. IN AN EMERGENCY, SECONDS COUNT AND I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY KIDS OUT. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE ACTUATORS AND REPLACE THEM WITH THE REDESIGNED PART NUMBER.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Engine, Jun 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND STALLED AS THE TRACTION CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS MISSING SOME FUSES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, AND STABILITY CONTROL OFF WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL, IT INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BULB WAS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V073000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 20, 2016
THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON AND I'M NOT ABLE TO START MY CAR. THE RADIO STILL WORKS AND ALL THE LIGHTS AND HEATER AND A/C. I TRY TO START THE CAR A FEW TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT TAKE SEVERAL TRYS TO GET THE CAR TO START. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING QUITE A BIT
Electrical system, May 20, 2016
2009 CHEVY MALIBU - WE'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUE WITH THE POWER WINDOW CONTROLLERS/BUTTONS TO OPERATE FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT HAVEN'T HAD A CHANGE TO GET THEM CHECKED. WE HAVE BEEN AVOIDING TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE WINDOWS BECAUSE THERE WERE TIMES THAT THEY WILL OPEN AND CLOSE BACK UP BUT YESTERDAY, I OPEN THE WINDOW FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO CLOSE IT AND DON'T HAVE ANY SUCESS.
Electrical system, Seats, May 16, 2016
A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO WE NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT SEEMED TO BE MOVING AT TIMES. IT HAS SINCE BROKEN LOOSE FROM PART OF THE FRAME. AS LONG AS THE SEAT IS IN THE DOWN POSITION IT SITS KINDA STEADY. ANY ATTEMPT TO MOVE IT UP OR DOWN CAUSES IT TO BECOME DISLODGED. IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF THE MOTION OF THE CAR. ABOUT THE SAME TIME FRAME, THE REAR DOOR LOCKS STARTED ACTING UP. DEPENDS ON THEIR ATTITUDE OF THE DAY, THEY EITHER WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK BY REMOTE OR SWITCH. ONLY WAY TO ACCESS THE REAR SEAT AREA IS TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND REACH IN FROM OUTSIDE TO UNLOCK SINCE THE LOCK BUTTON IS NOT LOCATED IN A HANDY SPOT. COULD SEE A LARGE PROBLEM IN AN ACCIDENT WITH CHILDREN IN THE BACKSEAT NEEDING TO EXIT QUICKLY. HAVE NOT REPORTED TO DEALER AS THE BLOGS HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND STORIES THAT ARE BEING IGNORED BY THE MANUFACTURER. SEAT MALFUNCTION IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF ANY OTHER BRACING FAILS AND CAR IS IN MOTION
Electrical system, May 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE IN WHICH THE KEY WAS TURNED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING AND HAD TO WAIT AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE VEHICLE TO RANDOMLY RESTART. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER AND THE KEY STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,830. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 5, 2016
CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH HEADLAMPS FAILING FREQUENTLY. ALTERNATOR FINE. CAUSE IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE WIRING AND WIRING HARNESS. MANUFACTURER DEFECT PREVENTS REPLACEMENT OF HEADLAMPS, WIRES OR WIRING HARNESSES WITHOUT REMOVING FRONT BUMPER, WHEEL AND WHEEL WELL, MAKING MAINTENANCE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE. HEADLAMPS FAILED IN OCTOBER 2014 AND AGAIN IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR. GENERAL MOTORS UNWILLING TO HELP WITH PROBLEM. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLES IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS OR AT NIGHT, INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SPOT OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS AND OTHER ROAD HAZARDS.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ESC FAILED AND THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DUE TO THE INJECTING HARNESS FAILURE, AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,154. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *TR