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
1,509 reports, newest first.
Steering, Aug 19, 2017
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS STOPPED WORKING ON THREE OCCASIONS IN THE LAST MONTH. POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT APPEARS. IT HAS BEEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING STRAIGHT OR WHILE TURNING DURING THE FIRST MILE AFTER START ON A CITY STREET. THE VEHICLE WILL BECOME DIFFICULT TO STEER. I PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF ENGINE, AND RESTART. IT WILL THEN DRIVE WITHOUT PROBLEM. I NOTED A RECALL ON THE 2009 MALIBU #14V153000 BUT HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY CHEVROLET.
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.
Steering, Aug 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (AUTONATION CHEVROLET, WEST COLONIAL 3707 W. COLONIAL DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL 32808) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE WARRANTY EXPANSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,812.
Service brakes, Aug 16, 2017
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD COME TO FIND OUT BECAUSE SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY WHEN NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON ACTING AS IF I WAS BREAKING AND WHEN I BRAKE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN OFF SO IN OTHER WORDS IT'S REVERSED. AND ALSO WHEN I GOOGLED ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF I COULD FIND THE PROBLEM MULTIPLE PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS I GOOGLED WHY ARE MY BRAKE LIGHTS ON WHEN NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES AND ALSO ACCORDING TO SOME PEOPLE ONLINE THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE DEALER WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR THEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND VERY DANGEROUS AND RIGHT NOW I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR ESPECIALLY IN THE SITUATION THAT I AM IN.
Steering, Aug 11, 2017
SITTING AT A STOP SIGN AND MY SERVICE ESC LIGHT CAME ON. AS I TURNED ONTO THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY TIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ALSO ON. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, AND TURNED THE CAR OFF.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 10, 2017
MY BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL JUST STOP WORKING AND THE CAR OF COURSE SLOWS DOWN AT THIS POINT. YESTERDAY THE LOW TRACTION AND EIC LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND CRUISE CONTROL THE LOW TRACTION AND EIC PROBLEM JUST STARTED YESTERDAY. I HAVE READ PAGE AFTER PAGE OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME THING HAPPENING ON THIS MODEL YEAR MAKE OF CAR. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. MY CAR HAS 138,000 MILES ON IN IT AND OF COURSE THIS HAPPENS WHILE IT IS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY ROAD STREET ETC. IT COULD NOT HAPPEN IF THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION. THIS IS A SCARY THING TO BE DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE AND PRAY YOUR GOING TO MAKE IT TO WHERE YOU ARE GOING WITHOUT A CRASH.
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Engine, Aug 8, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR AUTOMATICALLY CHANGED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE TRACTION, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Visibility/wiper, Aug 8, 2017
DOORS LOCK AND YOU CANT GET OUT OF OR IN THE CAR EVEN IF YOUR HOLDING AN INFANT CHILD AND ITS 3 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND I CAN'T USE THE UNLOCK BUTTON TO GET IN AND THE [XXX] KEY WONT EVEN OPEN THE DOOR. ITS JUST STUCK AND WHO KNOWS FOR HOW LONG SOMETIMES IN LAST JUST 3-5 MINS OTHER OTHERS GOING ON 40 MINS. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES COUNTLESS TAIL LIGHTS. I HAD TO PUT REPLACE THE WINDHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY THAT ONE SUCKED I COULD NOT OPERATE THE CAR FOR A WEEK UNLESS IT WOULD RAIN AND THIS WAS HAPPENING THIS APRIL WHEN ITS ALWAYS RAINING THEY ACTUALLY QUIT WORKING ON FOURTH OF THE JULY GOING 70MPH DOWN INTERSTATE 79 IN POURING RAIN. I PURCHASED AS MANY RAIN DETERRENTS AS I COULD TRY OUT WHICH NONE LAST BUT A FEW MINS.. THEN BETWEEN GETTING PULLED OVER BY POLICE COUNTLESS TIMES FOR HEADLIGHT BEING OUT AND I FIX IT THEN THE SAME ONE OR EVEN THE OTHER SIDE THE NEXT WEEK WILL GO OUT JUST 1 MONTH LATER IT GOES BACK OUT AND THAT SAME COP STOP YOU AGAIN AND THEY DON'T BELIEVE YOU THAT IT WAS JUST REPLACED. THEN THE INTERIOUR LIGHTS ALL OF THEM FROM GAUGES AND HEADLAMPS TURN ON. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY TELLING ME TO SERVICE SVC TIRE SENSORS AND OTHER ABBREVIATED SENSORS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON. ALSO AND MAYBE THE MOST DANGEROUS IS THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS WHICH RANGE FROM ONLY WORKING OCCASIONALLY TO ACCELERATION ENGAGES IF YOU SCROLL THREW SCREEN OPTIONS AND USE CRUISE CONTROL SIMULTANEOUSLY . AND SOMETIMES MY TRUNK WILL JUST POP OPEN WHEN THE CAR STARTS. THE PLASTIC HUB CAPS CONSTANTLY FALL OFF AND THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT PLASTIC BACKING HAS BROKEN LOOSE THE STEERING COLUM IT SOUNDS LIKE U JOINTS THAT HAVE WORN OR A HYDRAULIC ISSUE PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2017
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ONE WHEN DRIVING AND BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED. BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF WHEN BRAKES ARE PRESSED. BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY PUT SOME GEL ON THE BCM CONNECTION AS PER A SAFETY BULLETIN FROM GM . IT FIXED PROBLEM FOR A WEEK . PROBLEM HAS RETURNED 4 TIMES NOW . I THINK NHTSA SHOULD TAKE MY CAR TO THE TEST TRACK AND PROVE THAT A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE MADE ON THIS VEHICLE. NHTSA DID ONCE PRIOR TAKE MY CHEVY TAHOE 1997 TO THE TEST TRACK AND PROVED THAT GM HAD INDEED HAD AN ELECTRONIC ISSUE. SO PLEASE COME GET MY CAR AND TEST THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH OR BCM . IT IS UNSAFE AND THOUSANDS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ITEM ON THE INTERNET . I INDICATE IN THE FORM THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED , IT HAS NEVER WORKED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME MATTER OF FACTI TOOK IT TO SERVICE FACILITY TODAY 7/24/17 AGAIN :[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 20, 2017
SERVICE TRACTION, SERVICE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OFF OCCURS WHILE SITTING AND DRIVING. CAR JERKS SKIPS AND SHAKES. HARD TO PICK UP SPEED OR GO TO THE NEXT GEAR, DOOR LOCK ON DRIVER SIDE STOP WORKING.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 18, 2017
THE CAR'S POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS IN MOTION, TURNING IN A PARKING GARAGE. AN ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED SAYING "POWER STEERING FAILURE - SERVICE ESC". THE FIRST TIME THIS CAME UP WAS ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO, AND I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SAME PROBLEM JUST CAME UP AGAIN AND I AM BEGINNING TO THINK THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF RECALL INFORMATION I'VE SEEN ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Jul 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT AN ABNORMALITY WHILE STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL. THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE AGAIN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHEELS STARTED TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING, SERVICE ESC, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (PINEGAR CHEVROLET BUICK GMC OF BRANSON, 163 ADAIR RD, BRANSON, MO, 65616). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DIAGNOSED ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY, JULY 17, 2017. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT FOR LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING A SALVAGE TITLE UNDER CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COVERED WAS IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,850. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 12, 2017
I BOUGHT A 2009 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ IN AUGUST 2015. LAST YEAR MY ESC LIGHT STARTED INTERMITTENTLY COMING ON. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ESC ON THE 2009 CHEVY MALIBU. I HAVE TAKEN TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT AT AND CALLED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND BOTH TOLD ME MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NOW THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY. ON 7/11/17 MY RPM'S FLUCTUATED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S RACING (LIKE A MOTOR CYCLE) WHEN I GO ABOVE 30-40 MPH. A MECHANIC I KNOW SAID MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING I HAVE READ THIS ISSUE FALLS THE RECALL.
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?
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2017
THE DOOR LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN BY THERE SELF.. WHICH RESORTS TO BATTERY GOING DEAD... THEY NEVER STOP.. EVEN WHEN CAR IS OFF THEY STILL FLICK UP AND DOWN..
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2017
BOTH REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPERATE WITH THE REMOTE. SAFETY HAZARD!
Power train, Jun 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN). WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE DISPLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED VARIOUS TIMES, IN VARIOUS GEARS, AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COPELAND CHEVROLET (955 PEARL ST, BROCKTON, MA 02301) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND FAILED TO ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Power train, Jun 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT FAILED TO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SPRINGFIELD MITSUBISHI (313 BALTIMORE PIKE SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064, (484) 574-8434). THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN, BUT THE ECM WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE STILL FAILED TO REVERSE AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND WAS AWAITING PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO REEDMAN TOLL CHEVROLET OF SPRINGFIELD (840 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064 (484) 472-6290) FOR THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. UPON REACHING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON, BUT THE AIR FAILED TO FLOW CORRECTLY. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD AS IT FOGGED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SULLIVAN-PARKHILL AUTOMOTIVE CHEVROLET & CADILLAC (440 W ANTHONY DR, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61821 (217) 352-4275) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MALFUNCTIONING DRIVER SIDE ACTUATOR THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V634000 (VISIBILITY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,250.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE IN WHICH THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK WITH THE FOB FOR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. THE OTHER THREE DOORS HAD BEEN ABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WITH THE FOB. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE ALSO RECEIVED AN INSPECTION FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,835. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ *CN
Structure, May 30, 2017
3 OF THE 4 DOOR ACTUATORS ARE FAILING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS I DRIVE WITH A 2-YEAR OLD AND CANNOT OPEN THE REAR DOORS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY WITHOUT EXTREME HARDSHIP IN REACHING THE MANUAL REAR DOOR PEGS NEAR BACK OF EACH DOOR. THIS IS A HUGE COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET AND ALL ARE REFERENCING THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF IT WHICH THE NTSB IS DOING NOTHING AND GM IS OFFERING TO REPLACE AT FULL COST SAYING UNTIL THE NTSB PUSHES A RECALL THAT THIS WILL REST ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE CONSUMER. HTTP://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/FORUMS/6-PROBLEMS-SERVICE-ISSUES-TROUBLESHOOTING-GENERATION-7/7950-DOOR-LOCK-ACTUATOR-RECALL.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2009/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/POWER_DOOR_LOCKS_MALFUNCTIONING.SHTML HTTP://WWW.GMINSIDENEWS.COM/FORUMS/F31/2008-MALIBU-DOOR-LOCK-ACTUATORS-107426/ HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/POWER-DOOR-LOCKS-NOT-WORKING-PROBLEMS.PHP
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 24, 2017
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AS I'M DRIVING, MY CAR WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN GO INTO ENG PWR REDUCED MODE AND IT WILL SAY THAT ALONG WITH SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC. TRAVELING ON THE HWY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 OR INTERSTATE WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS 80 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HAVING YOUR CAR POWER DOWN IS SO DANGEROUS!! MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS AND WHEN TAKEN INTO MECHANIC, IT SHOWS 8 DIFFERENT CODES. I HAVE BEEN ON THE CHEVY FORUM REGARDING THIS AND IT SEEMS THERE IS NO ANSWER TO THIS. I ALSO CALLED GM AND WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THEM FOR 45 MINUTES. NO RECALLS OR SPECIAL WARRANTY ON THE MALIBU'S FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT YET THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE DISCUSSING THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE ON THEIR WEBSITE. THE CHEVY DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME IT IS THE INTAKE & EXHAUST SOLENOID BUT WITH A PRICE TAG OF OVER $300 TO DO THIS, I'M SCARED THIS WILL NOT CORRECT MY PROBLEM. IN THE DATE FIELD BELOW I USED TODAY'S DATE BUT IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL MONTHS.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 18, 2017
WHILE IN MOTION GOING TO FL ON RT 95 MY SPEED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL I GOT TO FL. THAT MY BREAK LIGHTS WERE ON ALL THE TIME AND WHEN I WOULD HIT THE BREAKS THEY WOULD GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER IN FL AND THEY COULD NOT DUBLACATE THE PROBLEM. THEY DID REPLACE THE THIRD BREAK LIGHT AND AFTER RESEARCHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM I TOLD THEM TO CHANGE THE BREAK PEDDLE SWITCH. I DROVE BACK FROM FL TO PA. WITH NO PROBLEMS. I KNOW THERE WERE RECALLS ABOUT THE BCM AND DID RECEIVE OTHER LETTERS THAT IF A BREAK LIGHT PROBLEM LIKE ABOVE WOULD HAPPEN TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. SENT REINVERSMENT PAPERS TOCHEV. BUT THEY SENT ME S LETTER TELLING ME THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS.