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: exterior lighting
172 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Nov 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL AND THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2017
WHILE DRIVING WITH MY LIGHTS ON THE LEFT HEADLIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. I'VE PLACED ANOTHER BULB IN AND IT'S STILL DOING THE SAME. IT ONLY HAPPEN ON DIME THE BRIGHTS WORKS FINE.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2017
MY NAME IS [XXX]. I HAVE A 2009 CHEVY MALIBU(VIN #[XXX]), WHICH I PURCHASED IN 2012. I HAVE BEEN HAVING STEERING/TRACTION ISSUES, THAT ENABLES ME TO TURN WITHOUT MANPOWER'.AND GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. I WAS MADE AWARE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STEERING ISSUES ON 2009 CHEVY MALIBU'S AS WELL AS OTHER CHEVY CARS. I WAS GETTING READY TO TAKE IN TO FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD BY NTB WHEN BROUGHT IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR STEERING ISSUES. I CALLED CHEVY DEALERSHIP(JACK SCHMITT) AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. HOW CAN OVER A MILLION CHEVY CARS BE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND I'M BEING TOLD MINE IS NOT'MAKE NO SENSE TO ME. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND ....AS THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING AND CAN CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE ME TO CRASH, WHICH CAN BE FATAL TO ME AND OTHER PEOPLE. ALSO MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ALL DAY LONG...TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPAIRED IT AT NO COST TO ME...BECAUSE IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE THAT I AGAIN DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT..NOW THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATING AGAIN AND I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I HAD IT REPAIRED THE 1ST TIME ITS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE RECALL....NEVER KNEW RECALLS EXPIRED. I AM NOT AT FAULT FOR EITHER OF THESE ISSUES. I REFUSE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR KNOWN RECALL ISSUES,,, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 23, 2017
SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT KEEP GOING OUT SOON AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE PIGTAIL CONNECTOR THAT CONNECTS THE HEADLAMPS TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. BURNS OUT WITHIN ONE OR TWO WEEKS OF BEING REPLACED. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SAY IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED TO STOP THE PIGTAIL FROM BURNING OUT. WE CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY WILL NOT HELP. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE IN CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009 CHATROOMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM. IF THE LIGHTS BURN OUT AT NIGHT WE ARE IN TROUBLE. TO REPLACE THE PIGTAIL CONNECTOR THE FRONT BUMPER HAS TO BE REMOVED, COSTING OVER $200 PER INCIDENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED AT CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO NOT PERMANENTLY BE ABLE TO REPAIR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE?
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2017
THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. OTHER TIMES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT IS ON WITHOUT THE PEDAL BEING PRESSED. NOTE THIS OCCURS BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND MOVING.
Exterior lighting, Wheels, Engine, Aug 5, 2017
1) AWHILE BACK, AFTER STARTING AND WARMING ENGINE AND TAKING OFF, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ON CITY STREET, CAR TURN OFF COMPLETELY..WHEEL FROZE AFTER TURN. I TURNED KEY OFF AND RESTARTED CAR AND IT WOULD WORK OK. IT HAPPENED 3 0R 4 TIMES. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. 2) WHILE ON FREEWAY, TIRE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TWICE, I BOUGHT TIRES BUT DID NOT HAVE MONITORS CHECKED. A FEW DAYS LATER ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NOW, I NEEDED SMOG DONE, HAD TO REPLACE CATALIC CONVERTER (1400.00) AND MECHANIC HAS A PROBLEM WITH CAR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. ITS COSTING ME TOO MUCH. THERE IS RECALL ON SOMETHING HAVING TO DO WITH BRAKES.. COULD THIS COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM BE RELATED? I DID HAVE BRAKE PADS REPLACED LAST YEAR. THE RECALL HAS TO WITH BCM AND BAS (MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS OCCASSIONALLY FLUCTUATE AND TAKE A WHILE FOR LIGHTS TO COME ON BRIGHT WITH DASHBOARD BUTTON ALL WAY TO BRIGHT.). REMOTE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT CAR IN 2010...DOORS HAVE TO BE LOCKED MANUALLY..EXCEPT FOR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK. MY CONCERN RIGHT NOW IS HAVING IT SMOGGED AND TIRE MONITORS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL), THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER (COX CHEVROLET, 2900 CORTEZ RD W, BRADENTON, FL 34207, (941) 749-2699) WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT FELT AS IF THE RECALL REPAIR PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 10, 2017
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY MALIBU ARE NOT WORKING. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED AND TURN OFF WHEN THE PEDAL IS APPLIED. ALSO, MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. I HAVE HAD THIS FIXED FOUR TIMES ALREADY, TWO WHICH I PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET, AND THEN TWO FROM A SUBSEQUENT RECALL. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TODAY TO GET IT REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM THE FIFTH TIME. IS THERE SOMETHING SYSTEMICALLY WRONG BEYOND WHAT THE RECALL ADDRESSES?
Exterior lighting, May 12, 2017
THE CHMSL - CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LIGHT (3RD LED BRAKE LIGHT) WORKS FOR A SHORT PERIOD UNTIL IT OVERHEATS OR NOT AT ALL FAILING TO ILLUMINATE. IT IS NOT AN WIRING ISSUE BUT THE LED UNIT ITSELF. NOTE - THIS ISSUE IS NOT ASSOCIATED TO THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) GM IS ADDRESSING. I HAVE NOTICE THIS IS AN ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY INDIVIDUAL CAR BUT SEVERAL OTHERS I HAVE SEEN ON THE ROAD OF SAME MAKE/MODULE-GENERATION AND CORRESPONDING MODEL/YEAR PLUS ALSO MENTIONED IN FORUMS. I FEEL THIS IS AN VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL GIVEN IT IS AN LED LIGHTING SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN PREVENTING REAR END COLLISIONS. ONCE THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES, GM WILL NOT COVER AND IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL TO COVER COSTS TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND IS REQUIRED TO WORK FOR SOME STATES SAFETY INSPECTIONS. LED LIGHTING UNITS LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT FAIL, SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE CAR MANUFACTURER FOR REPAIR/REPLACE COSTS AND NOT PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER. PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTED.
Exterior lighting, May 1, 2017
WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DIM LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LAST NOVEMBER AND NOW MY LEFT SIDE DIM LIGHT HAS GONE OUT. IS THIS COMMON IN THESE CARS? SOMEONE SAID THAT THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL FOR THIS. HOW DO I FIND OUT.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 23, 2017
LOUD WINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. SERVICE TRACTION/ESC OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHILE CAR IS ON. ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED OTHER VEHICLES FLASHING THEIR HEADLIGHTS AND BLOWING THEIR HORNS. THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE WEEKS LATER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRING TO THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMP WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,500.
Exterior lighting, Apr 12, 2017
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY 3RD BREAK LIGHT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 9, 2017
THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY LOCKS ITSELF AND THE POWER LOCK BUTTONS DO NOT WORK TO OPEN THE DOORS, YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY TURN THE CAR ON AND PUT IT IN GEAR THEN BACK IN PARK TO GET THE LOCKS TO DISENGAGE. THERE ARE TIMES THAT THE BRAKE/HEAD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK OR THEY TURN ON BY THEMSELVES WHEN THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING. EARLIER TODAY 04-09-17 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT FIRST, AFTER A FEW TRIES THE ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WHILE DRIVING IT IN TOWN IT COMPLETELY DIED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). TWO YEARS LATER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN APPLIED, BUT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE SERVICE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF AND OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/01/17*LJ *CN
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE WIRING AND THE LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2016
THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ENGAGED. ON A 1 HOUR COMMUTE, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAN START WORKING, STOP WORKING, AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V-252 BUT AS NOT INCLUDED IN GM RECALL 13036 EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL INCLUDED OTHER 2009 CHEVY MALIBUS. I TRIED CALLING THE NUMBER FOR GM LISTED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN BUT WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED.
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, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, IT RANDOMLY DEACTIVATED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED VERY DIMLY. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURES THAT PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING NORMALLY. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
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, 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.
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.
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DIS ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
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.