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.
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
Steering, Aug 4, 2016
ESC WARNING LIGHT BEGAN GOING OFF INTERMITTENTLY(USUALLY WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT) AT AROUND 60,000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INITIALLY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE "SENSOR". THE VEHICLE NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT AND THE STEERING WILL BECOME VERY DIFFICULT AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER IS NOW RECOMMENDING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INCLUDED IN ANY STEERING RELATED RECALLS, BUT THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT WITH MY VEHICLE.
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
Seats, Jul 31, 2016
BACK OF DRIVERS SEAT BROKE AT HINGE AREA OR MOUNTING BRACKET. THE SEAT IS NOW LOOSE AND UNSTABLE AS IT TILTS TO CENTER CONSOLE AND IS UNSTABLE BOTH IN ACCELLERATION AND DECELLERATION AND FEELS LIKE IT WILL SEPERATE FROM THE SEAT MOUNTING APPARATUS.
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.
Engine, Jul 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Air bags, Jul 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND LACERATION OF THE ARM AND LEFT SIDE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
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.
Engine, Jul 9, 2016
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY SIX OR SEVEN STARUPS AND STAYS ON FOR ABOUT SIX MORE CAR STARTS. PEP BOYS SERVICED THE ENGINE LIGHT CODE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR SOLENOID SENSOR. THEY TESTED RESISTANCE AND NOTHING WAS OUT OF PARAMETERS AND OIL VISCOSITY WAS CORRECT. THE ISSUE IS STILL ONGOING AND EMISSIONS FOR MY VEHICLE COME UP IN JANUARY. IF I FAIL EMISSIONS AND THE ISSUE IS STILL UNRESOLVED, WHO DO I CONTACT?
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.
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2016
THE BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES, AND WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THEY WOULD SHUT OFF. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN LATE 2014, BUT THEN THE ISSUE BEGAN AGAIN IN MAY, 2016. THE DEALERSHIP RAN THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR, WHICH I WAS CHARGED FOR, BUT THAT DIDN'T TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY DECIDED THAT THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, AGAIN, AT MY EXPENSE. THERE IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHICH IS A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE AT GM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL COME ON ANYTIME, WHETHER IT'S IDLING IN MY DRIVEWAY OR BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2016
POWER LOCKS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY ON MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU. I CAN SOMETIMES GET DRIVER'S DOOR TO UNLOCK WITH REMOTE, BUT RARELY THE PASSENGER OR BACK DOORS. THE SWITCHES INSIDE ARE OF NO HELP EITHER. WE HAVE TO MANUALLY PULL UP ON EACH LOCK AND THEN PUSH THEM DOWN WHEN WE EXIT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME AND MY PASSENGERS IN THE CASE WE HAVE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. THE LOCKS DO OCCASIONALLY LOCK WHEN PUT IN GEAR, BUT DO NOT ALWAYS WHEN IN PARK OR WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. WITH SMALL CHILDREN, THIS IS DANGEROUS. I HAVE CHANGED REMOTE BATTERIES, REPROGRAMMED REMOTES, AND HAVE CHANGED THE FUSE FOR THE LOCKS. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. WHEN TROUBLESHOOTING ONLINE, I SAW DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING THAT CHEVROLET NEEDS TO FIX. THEY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL IMMEDIATELY AND TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. CUSTOMERS BUY VEHICLES IN GOOD FAITH THAT THE MAKERS WILL TAKE CARE OF THESE KNOWN DEFECTS. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE ORDINARY REPAIRS, BUT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE MAKER IS AWARE OF AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NO CHANGES.
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.
Power train, Jun 4, 2016
I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE IT BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY FINE BUT AS I SHIFTED GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE MY ENGINE WOULD REV BUT I WOULDN'T GO ANYWHERE AND AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT WOULD ROLL BACK EVEN AFTER I PUT IT IN PARK IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT WANTED TO ROLL BACK. ALSO THE WINDOW LOCKS WOULDN'T OPEN IF THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION.....
Air bags, May 31, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER PER THE INSURANCE GUIDELINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Power train, May 31, 2016
TIMING CHAIN BROKE IN 2015 TOTALING THE MOTOR OF THE CAR- HAD TO HAVE MOTOR REPLACED COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. CAR STALLED WHEN PUTTING IT INTO PARK IN A PARKING SPOT AND WOULD START AFTER THAT- NO PREVIOUS ISSUES.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 27, 2016
BRAKE LIGHTS GO ON WHILE DRIVING. THEN TURN OFF WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN. ESC COME ON WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING. DEALER STATES THEY FIXED THE RECALL BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENING. NOW AFTER WARRANTY THEY SAY ITS THE ABS MODULE
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.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 19, 2016
RECALL FIX FAILURE - THE RECALL FIX WAS APPLIED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 'BRAKE LIGHTS MAY OR MAY NOT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATE' ISSUE, NHTSA ACTION 13005, HOWEVER IT IS ONLY TEMPORARY. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS OCCUR AT THE SAME FREQUENCY. NO NEW SYMPTOMS ARE PRESENT AND NO PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS ARE ABSENT. THESE INCLUDE; BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING WITH NO PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKE LIGHTS TURNING OFF WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL (INCLUDING HOLDING THE BRAKES AT A STOP), CRUISE CONTROL FAILING TO ACTIVATE, TRACTION CONTROL TURNING OFF, ESC TURNING OFF, AND VEHICLE GEARING DOWN (AS LOW AS 3RD GEAR AT 60 MPH BEFORE INTERVENTION) TO ASSIST BY ENGINE BRAKING. MOST SYMPTOMS OCCUR AT STANDSTILL AS WELL AS CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP'S STANCE IS THAT, ONCE A RECALL IS APPLIED, THE TICKET IS CLOSED AND IS THE VEHICLE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THE COST OF FURTHER FIXES.
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, 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
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2016
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE OF A LEAK IN ONE OF THE LINES THAT ARE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE PUMP. THE PUMP WAS FINE. BUT THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THE LEAK IN THE LINE WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE PUMP. IT WAS A FIRE HAZARD AND EMITTING CARBON MONOXIDE INSIDE THE CAB OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR.