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, Feb 1, 2017
THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP. THERE IS A TRACTION WARNING SYMBOL. THE CAR CAN ONLY BE STEERED AT THAT TIME WITH GREAT EFFORT. SOMETIMES PROBLEM IS ALLEVIATED BY RESTARTING CAR.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 31, 2017
I MADE A COMPLAINT ON AROUND L/17/17 COMPLAINING ABOUT MY CAR HAVE SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION AND TRYING TO STALL OUT WITH BRAKE LIGHTS BEING ON> SINCE THAT TIME IT HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP MORE THAN BEING DRIVEN. IT IS THERE NOW, MAKING THIS THE 7TH TRIP TO DEALERSHIP AND ONCE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MALIBU AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BY GENERAL MOTORS-NOT ME. YOU ASK FOR A DATE WHEN THIS HAPPENED-THE SPACE ONLY ALLOWS FOR 1 DATE. IT HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER 1 & 1/2 YEARS.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 31, 2017
VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE LIGHTS LIT ON DASH. ALSO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND OR OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED WITH A NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND A ENGINE HARNESS IN THE PAST YEAR AT THE DEALER. CAR IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS NOT.
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
Steering, Jan 24, 2017
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, VERY HARD TO STEER. A YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH SKID MARKS BEHIND A CAR APPEARED ON THE DASH AND A MESSAGE THAT READ SERVICE ESC APPEARED FOLLOWED BY POWER STEERING. *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2017
IN MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU THE SECOND DAY OF BUYING THIS CAR THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TURNS ON ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC WARNING SHOWS UP BELOW! THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR IN PARK! THERE ARE MANY RECALLS ON THIS I HAVE SEEN ON THE GMC WEBSITE BUT IT STILL HASN'T SHOWN UP ON MY VEHICLE VIN SO IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE!
Steering, Jan 19, 2017
I WAS PULLING INTO MY CHILD'S SCHOOL TO PICK HIM UP AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN MY STEERING WENT OUT. I ALMOST HIT SOME KIDS CAUSE MY CAR STEERING WHEEL STOPPED TURNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. MY CAR NOW HAS AN ALARM "POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC". I READ THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS FOR 2009 MALIBU'S, BUT MY VIN NUMBER SAYS THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON THAT LIST. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT BEFORE I STICK ALL LF MY OWN MONEY INTO GETTING IT REPAIRED. IT IS NHTSA REFERENCE # 14V153000 AND GM'S RECALL # N140115 THAT I HAVE FOUND. *TR
Air bags, Jan 19, 2017
WHEN I TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS THEY BOTH WORK PROPERLY, BUT WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL AND MAKE THE TURN THEN SIGNAL DOES NOT TURN OFF !! THE PROBLEM,AS MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IS A DEFECTIVE (CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY) IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM !! THE REASON I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IS I MUST ALWAYS LOOK DOWN AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO SEE IF THE SIGNAL IS OFF OR ON, REQUIRING ME TO NOT HAVE MY EYES ON THE ROAD AHEAD. I HOPE YOU CAN VISUALIZE WHAT THIS ENTAILS AND THE SAFETY ISSUES I EXPERIENCE WHEN I DRIVE MY MALIBU WHICH I LOVE . THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING !! *TR
Steering, Jan 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 03/07/17*LJ *CN
Air bags, Seats, Jan 19, 2017
THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TURNS ON DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WEIGH 100 POUNDS (WHICH IS ABOVE THE THRESHOLD FOR WHAT SHOULD TRIGGER THE AIRBAG TO BE ON) AND ABOUT HALF THE TIME THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE SEAT PROPERLY WITH MY FEET ON THE GROUND AND THE CHAIR UPRIGHT. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET TO HAVE THEM REIMBURSE THE COST OF FIXING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS CAUSED RECALLS IN OTHER CHEVROLET CARS, BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. THE SENSOR MALFUNCTION DOESN'T SEEM TO BE CORRELATED WITH WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A STREET OR HIGHWAY, ETC. IT HAPPENS ABOUT HALF OF THE TIME AND CAN SOMETIMES GO ON AND OFF DURING THE SAME CAR TRIP EVEN IF I STAY IN THE SAME POSITION THE WHOLE TIME. THIS ISSUE HAS REPORTED FOR CHEVROLET MALIBUS ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS SO I KNOW IT ISN'T AN ISOLATED ISSUE WITH MY CAR. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF WE WERE IN A CRASH AND THE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF OR WENT OFF LATE WHEN THE PASSENGER'S BODY WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 18, 2017
WHEN STARTING MY CAR THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND I LOSE POWER STEERING. IF I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND JIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN TURN THE CAR BACK ON IT USUALLY WORKS FINE UNTIL I SHUT THE CAR OFF AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE ERROR CODE AND IT CAME UP "C0545". SO NOW MY WHOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHY WAS MY CAR NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL IF IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AS THE ONES THAT WERE RECALLED???? I HAVE ROUGHLY 133,000 MILES ON IT.
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.
Power train, Jan 11, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SWITCH INTO THE PARK POSITION AND THE PARKING INDICATOR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ISSUE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN) AND SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 12106, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 8, 2017
ESC TRACTION ESC POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR BOGS DOWN AND STEERING IS HARD TO CONTROL. TOOK MALIBU TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME ESC PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLUTION AND THOUSAND SPENT.
Steering, Jan 6, 2017
WHILE IN PARK AND ENGINE RUNNING, STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES AND SHAKES. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES AND SLIPS. GIVES A SENSE THAT STEERING CONTROL WILL BE LOST. ON OCCASION THE "EPS" AND "POWER STEERING" WARNINGS COME ON AND THE CAR LOSES POWER STEERING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jan 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREATER EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,964.
Seats, Dec 30, 2016
SEAT FRAME INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED. SEAT IS NOT SECURED TO THE RUNNING BOARDS. JOINTS WHERE THE TUBES ARE WELDED ARE COMPROMISED AND SEPARATED. APPEARS TO BE A FATIGUE FAILURE. IN JANUARY 2013, WITH MUCH ARGUMENT WITH GM ABOUT REPLACING THE SEAT FRAME, THEY FINALLY AGREED TO REPLACE IT FOR A DEPOSIT OF $300. THIS BEFORE GM HAD TO GO TO CONGRESS TO EXPLAIN THEIR LACK OF ACTION FOR IGNORING THE DESIGN DEFECT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT'S ABOUT 4 YEARS LATER AND I'M HAVING THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OF THE COMPROMISE OF THE WELDS ON THE REPLACED 2013 FRAME. THIS TIME GM REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS THEY SAY THEY ALREADY REPLACED IT ONCE! THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM! I HAVE PICTURES FROM THE ORIGINAL SEAT SHOWING THE FATIGUED TUBE BREAKAGE. I HAVE NOW HAD 2 SEAT FRAMES ON THE SAME CAR AND BOTH FAILED. IN ENGINEERING WE CALL THIS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT. GM NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POOR DESIGN. IT'S JUST A MATER OF TIME UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSE THE SEAT DOESN'T SECURE THE DRIVER. I'VE NOTICE THAT MY HIPS HURT FROM THE SEAT SLOWING MOVING OUT OF PROPER ALIGNMENT. *TR
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.
Steering, Dec 12, 2016
CAR MILEAGE IS AT 75,300 AND I AM HEARING A RUBBING/CLUNKING SOUND WHEN EVER I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND MY TURN SIGNAL LEVER STOPPED AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING AFTER I HAVE TURNED WHICH IS NOW ALSO MAKING A WEIRD NOISE. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE STEERING IN 2014 BUT I PURCHASED THE FROM A DEALER IN 2015. HOW DO I FIND OUT IF THE DEALER SERVICED THE RECALL???
Steering, Dec 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 02/03/17 UPDATED 02/08/17.*JB
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
Wheels, Dec 3, 2016
AFTER MAKING A TURN A VIBRATION STARTED WITHIN A FEW BLOCKS THE CENTER OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE OUT AND THE OUTER PART OF THE WHEEL WITH THE TIRE CAME OFF THE CAR AND ROLLED ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A HOUSE. THE REAR OF THE CAR CAME DOWN GRINDING ON THE ROAD. TRIED TO FIND A USED WHEEL AT LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY CANT KEEP THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE SELLING THEM THAT FAST. GOOD THING I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE GOING TO WORK.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY FLASHED AND THE STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR APPEARED TO BE DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED A DRASTIC LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14E044000 (STEERING) AND 14V153000 (STEERING). THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 231,086.