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, Nov 14, 2014
I HAD JUST LEFT THE EXPRESSWAY AND WAS WAITING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. WHEN IT CLEARED I STARTED UP AND LOST POWER STEERING. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TWO DAYS BEFORE ON 11-12-2014. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS THIS LAST FEBRUARY. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY SAID THAT MY VIN. NUMBER DID NOT SHOW UP ON THE RECALL FOR LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING BUT YET I SEE THAT 2008 TO 2009 MALIBUS ARE UNDER THIS RECALL. THIS INFORMATION IS CLEARLY ON YOUR WEB SITE. I AM AWARE THAT MY VEHICLE COULD VERY WELL HAVE HAD A FAULTY POWER STEERING UNIT INSTALLED. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A HAZARD. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS LISTED FOR THE RECALL. *TR
Power train, Nov 13, 2014
WAVE PLATE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOSS OF 5TH GEAR AND LOSS OF SPEED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS RESULTED IN A NEAR COLLISION AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND AND GET THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOPPING POINT OFF THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE LOST REVERSE RESULTING IN A SECOND NEAR T-BONE COLLISION DUE TO HAVING TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 12/2013 AT THE DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY A SECOND WAVE PLATE FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF TRANSMISSION OCCURRED IN 11/2014. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2014
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE WITH THE FOB. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS TO BE OPENED OR CLOSED MANUALLY. *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2014
I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I COULD BARELY TURN THE WHEEL. THE CAR DID NOT STALL, THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORKING. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. ALL I COULD THINK OF WAS - WHAT IF IT HAPPENED ON THE THRUWAY! I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY SON'S 2004 CHEVY MALIBU WOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING BUT THE 2009 DIDN'T???? THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO EACH OF US. PLEASE HELP SO THAT I CAN GET MY $438 REFUNDED.?? AND SO THAT SOMEONE DOESN'T GET HURT OR WORSE! THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 11, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE IT TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. I JUST HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. IT THEN RESET IT AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THE "SERVICE ESC" LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN "POWER STEERING" LIGHT CAME ON. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. WHERE AGAIN I HAD TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND STOP TRAFFIC AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON. I BELIEVE THIS COULD POSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN YOUR VEHICLE TO STOPS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT STEER ANOTHER VEHICLE CAN EASILY HIT YOU AND CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SINCE IT SEEMS TO AFFECT A NUMBER OF 2009 MALIBU'S THAT I SEE ALL OVER FORUMS AND BLOGS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE BEFORE BUT THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Steering, Nov 6, 2014
MY 14-YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL (TALK ABOUT A SCARY MOMENT FOR A YOUNG DRIVER AND NOT TO MENTION ME). THERE WERE CHIMES AND A MESSAGE THAT DISPLAYED A STEERING FAILURE. WE STOPPED THE CAR, SHUT IT OFF THEN BACK ON AND THE STEERING WAS BACK TO 'NORMAL'. I REVIEWED THE RECALLS ON THIS MAKE & MODEL AND I SEE THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF GM VEHICLES THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE. WE TOOK OUR CAR TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED IT THROUGH AND HE SAID THE VEHICLE DID SHOW A CODE FOR THE FAILURE BUT OUR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN TELLS ME IT WILL BE APPROX. $600.00 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. I MENTIONED & SHOWED HIM THE BULLETINS THAT HAVE BEEN POSTED REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT HE SAID SORRY, YOUR CAR IS NOT LISTED AND IT WILL BE $600 TO FIX. I LEFT VERY DISAPPOINTED TO SAY THE LEAST. THEN EARLIER TODAY, MY WIFE CALLED AND SAID THIS ISSUE HAPPENED TO HER FOR THE 1ST TIME SO NOW I'M ANGRY. GM KNOWS THEY HAVE AN ISSUE AS YOU CAN SEE WITH ALL THE SERVICE BULLETINS POSTED ON THIS BUT THEY DON'T SEEN TO CARE. I REALLY HOPE GM UNDERSTANDS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE ABLE TO STEER YOUR VEHICLE PROPERLY. GM, BE A REPUTABLE COMPANY AND TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. IF YOU CARE ABOUT THE CONSUMER, DO THE RIGHT THING AND ENSURE YOUR VEHICLES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2014
TURNING OUT OF A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,800. UPDATED 1/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD STICK IN GEAR DECELERATE WITHOUT APPLY THE BRAKE. UPDATED 03/03/15
Steering, Power train, Exterior lighting, Oct 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECOME TIGHT AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,590. UPDATED 12/22/14*LJ UPDATED 9/28/2015 *JS
Steering, Oct 28, 2014
I HAD PULLED INTO THE GAS STATION, AND MY GAS CAP IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE ONLY AVAILABLE PUMP THAT WAS OPEN, IN ORDER FOR ME TO USE IT I HAD TO PULL UP AND REVERSE TO GET ON THE SIDE OF THE PUMP TO WHICH I CAN FILL GAS ON. AS I WAS TURNING MY WHEEL BACK INTO PLACE, THE STEERING WHEEL ITSELF GOT STUCK AND SEEMED REALLY HARD TO TURN. AS I TRIED TO MOVE MY CAR, I GOT AN ERROR ON MY DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER THAT MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. I PRESUMED TO PANIC, AS I HAVE NOT BEEN IN THIS SITUATION BEFORE. I THAN TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THIS PART FOR THE 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU'S, SO I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL AND THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE MY STEERING COLUMN AND PAY FOR IT COMPLETELY OUT OF POCKET. I WAS REALLY HOPING THAT GENERAL MOTORS WOULD BE ABLE TO COVER THIS UNDER SOME SORT OF WARRANTY FIX, BUT I AM JUST BEING TURNED AWAY LEFT AND RIGHT AND BEING TOLD ALL I CAN DO IS PAY OUT OF POCKET WHICH THIS PARTICULAR PART AND LABOR WOULD COST ME $1000. THEY ARE ONLY BASICALLY TELLING ME THE HIGHWAY OR NO WAY, AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS THAT WITH THESE CARS BEING RECALLED WITH THIS ISSUE, AND I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL WHEN I AM HAVING THAT EXACT ISSUE FOR THE RECALL. I AM JUST REALLY HOPING TO FIND SOMEONE THAT WILL BE WILLING TO HELP ME GET THIS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL WARRANTY SEEING AS IT IS THE ISSUE OF THE RECALL BEING PLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHILE I HAVE TO WAIT 24 TO 48 HOURS TO SEE IF I GET A RESPONSE FROM GENERAL MOTORS TO SEE IF THEY WILL HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE. ALL I AM ASKING IS THAT SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 22, 2014
THE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS( BOTH DOORS ) STOPPED FUNCTIONING WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THIS MADE IT SUCH THAT THE REAR DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED WITHOUT MANUALLY LIFTING THE LOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN A CHILD WAS IN A CAR SEAT THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR WAS TO GET BACK IN THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, TURN IT TO THE ACCESSORY, LOWER THE REAR WINDOW, GET OUT OF THE CAR AND REACH IN TO PULL UP THE LOCK BUTTON. FORTUNATELY WE NEVER HAD AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHERE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CRITICAL LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD THE ACTUATORS REPLACED ( AT SIGNIFICANT EXPENSE ). MY CONCERN IS MANY INDIVIDUALS, PROBABLY CAN NOT AFFORD THE COST AND WOULD FORGO THE REPAIR, THUS LEAVING THE PROBLEM AND ITS POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES THERE. *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Steering, Oct 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A CHIME SOUNDED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED INDEPENDENTLY FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000....UPDATED 11/17/14 *BF
Steering, Oct 1, 2014
EXITING AN OFF RAMP AT APRX. 15-20 MILES PER HOUR, MY POWER STEERING WENT. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE CAR OFF TO CALL MY HUSBAND. POWER STEERING BACK ON. DROVE TO MY DESTINATION. ON THE WAY HONE, IT WENT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES THROUGHOUT THE MONTH. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING. OTHER MALIBUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PURPOSE, BUT NOT MINE. *TR
Seats, Sep 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING 25 MPH IN A SCHOOL ZONE WHEN IT FELT LIKE ANOTHER CAR HAD CRASHED INTO ME , I LOOKED IN ALL MY MIRRORS AND THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AROUND , I THEN NOTICE MY DRIVER SEAT HAD ME SITTING LOPSIDED AND SOMETHING WAS STABBING ME IN THE HIP, SOMETHING UNDER MY SEAT HAD BUSTED, SO I WENT HOME LOOKED AT IT FURTHER AND THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF SEAT GEAR THAT HAD COME THRU THE FABRIC AND THAT'S WHAT WAS STABBING ME. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THAT I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY SAID IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE FRAME TO THE SEAT HAD BROKE AND GIVE ME A ESTIMATE $856.00 JUST TO FIX THE FRAME AND THAT DON'T INCLUDE THE SEAT THAT THE GEARS AND RIPPED HOLES THRU. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET COMPANY AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS ON THE SEAT SO THERE NOT COVERING ANY OF THE COST. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE IS A COUPLE HUNDRED OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER SEAT IN THE MALIBU MODELS FROM 2004-2010.THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE INTERSTATE DOING 70 MPH OR I COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT INJURING SEVERAL OTHERS. MY SEAT IS NOW UNSECURED AND UNSAFE RENDERING THE SEATBELT ALSO UNSAFE BECAUSE THE SEAT IS NOT PLACE PROPERLY. MY NAME IS[XXX] E-MAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX] MY PHONE # [XXX]S.S.N.[XXX] D.L. #[XXX]. VIN #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 24, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU, I ABRUPTLY GOT A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DASH BOARD WHICH CONTAINED THE PHRASE ENGINE POWER REDUCTION AT WHICH TIME MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH ALL THE BATTERY OPERATED ITEMS WERE WORKING THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT A LARGE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND THIS ERROR MESSAGE COME UP.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR ONE MONTH. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP WAS MADE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, VIBRATED VIOLENTLY, AND STALLED. THE DECELERATION FAILURE BEGAN ONE WEEK AGO AND THE ACCELERATION HESITATION BEGAN TWO MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Air bags, Structure, Sep 22, 2014, crash
MY DAUGHTER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, HARD ENOUGH FOR HER PASSENGER TO HIT HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD AND DO A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CAR, NO ONE WAS INJURED OTHER THAN HER HITTING HER HEAD PRETTY HARD. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Seats, Engine, Sep 21, 2014
SEATS - FRONT DRIVER POWER SEAT, THERE IS A BRACKET OR BRACE THAT GOES ACROSS THE FRONT AND SUPPORTS THE SEAT, IT IS WELDED, THE WELD IS BROKEN, AFTER DOING FORUM AND GOOGLE SEARCHES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR YEARS WITH THE BROKEN WELD, CAUSING THE SEAT TO BECOME UNSTABLE AND ALLOWED TO ROCK WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE - THE FRONT ENGINE OIL SEAL OR CRANKSHAFT PULLEY SEAL IS PRONE TO LEAKING, THERE IS SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR A 6 CYL MODEL, APPARENTLY THE 4CYL MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIX IS TO HAVE THE SEAL REPLACED WITH AN UPDATED STYLE CONSTRUCTED WITH A BETTER SPRING AND SEAL WIPER. THIS CAN CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL OIL LEAK, EVEN THOUGH THIS COULD NOT CAUSE (TO THE BEST I KNOW) A SERIOUS PROBLEM, IT DOES CAUSE OIL TO LEAK ALONG THE FRAME AND ONTO THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE AND POSSIBLY ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPING BEHIND THE ENGINE. IT ALSO CAUSE AN ENVIRONMENT ISSUE CAUSING MOTOR OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 21, 2014, crash
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LESS THAN 20MPH, VEHICLE LOST TRACTION, CAUSING CAR TO SKID AND LEAVE ROADWAY, AND SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A CEMENT CULVERT. EARLIER THE SAME WEEK, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING APPLIED. VEHICLE REQUIRED TOWING AND REPAIRS. PASSENGER IN VEHICLE SUFFERED LOWER BACK INJURY. TWO WEEKS AFTER ACCIDENT, OWNER RECEIVED RECALL 13036 NOTIFICATION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2014
I HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE 2009 CHEVY MALIBU I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW NO MILES THINKING I WAS GOING TO BE STRESS FREE BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME THE MOST HEADACHES EVER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SHIFT GEAR AND THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPLACE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE I GOT IT THE HEADACHE ABOUT THAT IS THAT THE WHOLE BUMPER HAS TO BE REMOVED TO HAVE THEM REPLACE. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVY CAR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE EMERGENCY STEERING CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START PROPERLY, THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE VEHICLE RESET. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN WHAT COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 11, 2014
STRONG FUEL SMELL FROM UNDER CAR WHEN PARKED. NO VISUAL SIGNS OF GAS LEAKAGE, BUT VAPORS ARE VERY STRONG AND RESULTED IN FEELING LIGHT HEADED. LEFT CAR PARKED OUTSIDE GARAGE FOR THE NIGHT AND WILL TAKE TO THE DEALER. *TR