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.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 26, 2014
REAR RIGHT DOOR (REAR PASSENGER) LOCK FAILING TO OPEN. STARTED TO RANDOMLY OPEN AND NOW IT'S TOTALLY DEAD. IF THE DOOR FAILS TO OPEN GETTING MY KID OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY CAN BE IMPOSSIBLE EVEN FOR OTHER PASSENGERS SITTING ON THE BACK. THIS NEEDS AN URGENT INVESTIGATION. A LOT OF OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND SURPRISED TO SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS HERE AS WELL REGARDING THE LOCKS/ACTUATORS. GM IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE ABOUT ACTUATORS FAILING CONSISTENTLY TOO, IN SOME OCCASIONS THEY HAVE MADE THE REPLACEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE OR AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE. *TR
Seats, Mar 25, 2014
BACK OF DRIVERS SEAT BROKE AT HINGE AREA AS I WAS LEANING BACK AND UPWARD TO PLACE WALLET IN REAR POCKET. THE SEAT BACK 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 BOTTOM SEAT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (APPROX. 75 MPH) THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL TO TURN ON AND OFF. THEN SUDDENLY I HAD NO POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AT NIGHT AND SUDDENLY, WITH OUR ANY WARNING. IT IS CONCERNING TO ME THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED! I FOUND IT TO BE EXTREMELY CHALLENGING NOT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR SINCE I HAD BEEN TRAVELING COMFORTABLY AT 75MPH, THEN SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING. I CANNOT STRESS THE DANGER OF THIS OCCURRENCE AND THE POSSIBLE UNFORTUNATE OUTCOME HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED NOW....DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT HAS COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE! *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 24, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE ELEC. STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT DUE TO THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR GIVING OUT. WHEN THIS HAPPEN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE BACK & FORTH. THE SENSOR IN THE MOTOR AND IN THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN BOTH WENT OUT. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE REPAIR NOT TO MENTION THAT I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY INTERSTATE AND COULD HAD A SEVERE ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 21, 2014
TO THE NHTSA PERSON REVIEWING THIS: PLEASE ASSIST ON THIS ISSUE, WE DEPEND ON YOU ESCALATING THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM CONTAINED HERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC CONDITION WAITING TO HAPPEN. WE (OWNERS OF CHEVY MALIBUS OF YEARS 2008-09, AND 10') NEED AN INVESTIGATION TO BE INITIATED. SUMMARY OF PROBLEM: THE CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008,2009, AND 2010 HAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS (WHICH OPEN AND CLOSE THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS). FOR THE MALIBU YEAR 2009, AT APPROXIMATELY 35K MILE MARK ALL POWER LOCKS OF ALL FOUR DOORS RANDOMLY OPEN AND LOCK AT ANY VEHICLE FORWARD SPEED AT RANDOM TIMES. AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF LACK OF SAFETY CONCERNS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT UP FROM COUNTLESS CUSTOMERS THROUGH DIFFERENT WEBSITES AND ARE BEGINNING TO COME IN A MORE FORMAL MANNER SUCH AS THIS PUBLIC TOOL. SAFETY FLAW: SINCE THE OPENING AN CLOSING OF THE LOCKS ON DOORS IS OF RANDOM MANNER AND OF RAPID FREQUENCY (OPENS AND CLOSES VERY FAST) IT POSES ALL OCCUPANTS TO REMAIN INSIDE THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO ESCAPE IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, VEHICLE CRASH, OR ANY OTHER EMERGENCY. LIKEWISE, WHEN THE INTENT IS TO HAVE THE DOORS LOCKED IT POSES THE ISSUE THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WILL BECOME OPEN AT UNEXPECTED TIMES. SOLUTION: AVOID CASUALTIES, INCIDENTS, AND KEEP THE SAFETY OF OUR LOVED ONES IN MIND. WE NEED THE NHTSA TO LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 21, 2014
MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY BECAUSE OF MY IGNITION SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING; AT TIMES IT LOCKS UP DISALLOWING ME TO BE ABLE TO START MY CAR OR REMOVE MY KEYS. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAMSHAFT ACTUATORS AND HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED ON THE ENGINE; BUT THIS CAR IS STILL MALFUNCTIONING. ALSO, MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WILL NOT COME ON, ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AFTER THE BULB HAS BEEN REPLACED. ALL OF GM CARS MADE BETWEEN 2008-2012, NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR THESE ISSUES NOT JUST SOME BUT ALL! *TR
Air bags, Seats, Mar 19, 2014
THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER POSITION SENSING SYSTEM WHICH CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM TO BECOME DISABLED, NOTWITHSTANDING A PASSENGER BEING SEATED IN THE AFFECTED PASSENGER SEAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 18, 2014
ESC LIGHT STAYS ON HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. CAUSES TRACTION CONTROL NOT TO WORK PROPERLY ALSO BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO WORK OR WILL STAY ON AND OR STAY OFF. HAVE REPORTED TO CHEVY DEALER IN TRAVER CITY MICHIGAN THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG.. BUT SOMETHING IS WRONG ... OR NOT RIGHT I NEVER KNOW IF MY TAIL LIGHTS OR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE GOING TO WORK AND TRACTION CONTROL... *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 75 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Seats, Mar 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND BACK SUPPORT CUSHION WERE FALLING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES WHERE THE SEAT WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 16, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN. NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE HANDLES WORKED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, ABUSE OR INDICATION OF IMMINENT FAILURE. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE; MY DAUGHTER NEEDED TO CRAWL ACROSS THE CONSOLE. WOULD BE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT (PERHAPS IMPOSSIBLE) IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. I SEARCHED THE CHEVROLET OWNER FORUMS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM GOING BACK YEARS. DEALER SERVICE PERSONNEL KNEW OF THE PROBLEM; OFFERED TO WAIVE USUAL $108 DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR REPAIR. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AGREED TO PAY $37 TOWARDS NECESSARY CORRECTION IF I PAID THE FIRST $200. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2014
FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS INGAGING AND MY CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2009 MALIBU. A FRIEND WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME ONCE AND MENTIONED LATER THAT I WAS RIDING MY BRAKES ALL THE WAY HOME. I WAS NOT. I NOTICE A FEW DAYS LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT IT WAS DUSK AND I COULD SEE FROM MY REAR WINDOW THE REFLECTION OF MY BREAK LIGHT, IT WAS ON AND MY BRAKE WAS NOT INGAGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES, TO MY KNOWLEDGE. IF I TAP MY BRAKES THE LIGHTS WILL GO OFF, HOWEVER WILL COME BACK ON WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT A REAR END COLLISION. IF I ACTUALLY DO HAVE TO STOP QUICKLY AND THE PERSON BEHIND ME HITTING ME BECAUSE MY BREAK LIGHTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I'VE TAKEN IT IN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUES. IT'S INTERMITTENT. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Feb 28, 2014
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKED ON AND ESC SERVICE CAME ACROSS THE SCREEN, AND THE WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN. IT WILL KICK ON AND OFF AND BEFORE IT KICKS ON THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS BACK AND FORTH. THEN WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND CAME UP ON A EXIT AND WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WENT OUT BUT THEN CAMEBACK ON. CAR KEEPS DOING IT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IT WILL GO ON AND OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 25, 2014
LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THIS IS THE 3RD REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR TO FAIL ON THIS CAR. ORIGINAL OWNER, REPLACED 2 LOCKS UNDER WARRANTY, NOW A 3RD ACTUATOR FAILURE. THIS DOOR IS THE PRIMARY DOOR USED FOR ENTRY/EGRESS BY CHILDREN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN DUE EITHER THE INABILITY TO SAFELY REMOVE A CHILD IN AN EMERGENCY, OR LEAVE THE DOOR UNLOCKED WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE NATION WIDE OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS. PLEASE INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Feb 24, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. HARD DIFFICULTY DRIVING. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER WHO SAYS THERE ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. I LOOKED ONLINE TO FIND HUNDREDS IF COMPLAINTS. I CONTACTED GM TO MAKE COMPLAINT AND SEE WHY NOT RECALLED. THEY TOLD ME GM DOESN'T RECALL VEHICLES THE HIGHWAY DEPT DOES. PRETTY AWFUL THEY ARE WILLING TO JEOPARDIZE MY LIFE BUT NOT FIX MY CAR. VERY UNHAPPY WITH GM THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL NOW !! *TR
Steering, Feb 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND VEER TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Steering, Feb 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING SENSOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE DEFECT HAD RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Feb 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. *TR
Seats, Feb 9, 2014, fire
DROVE FROM MY BOYFRIENDS HOUSE APPROX. 2 MILES AND PARKED IN A WALGREENS PARKING LOT AND WHEN I GOT OUT I TOLD HIM I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, HE LOOKED OVER AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE BACK PART OF THE SEAT WITH SMOKE COMING OUT HE GRABBED A BOTTLE OF WATER THAT I HAD IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND POURED IT ON THE BURNING PART OF THE SEAT. IT ALSO BURNED A HOLE IN MY COAT AND INTO THE SHIRT I WAS WEARING.. CONTACTED GM THAT DAY. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2014
OVER LAST SUMMER I HAD A HOSE GO. NOT A BIG DEAL. ONLY A $200 DOLLAR REPAIR. LAST WEEK IS WHEN THE REST OF THE POWER STEERING FAILED. MY POWER STEERING PUMP BLEW WHEN I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK. I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR BUT I COULD BARELY STEER, SO I HAD TO GET A TOW. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP, A NEW PUMP WAS INSTALLED. 15 MINUTES LATER THAT PUMP BLEW OUT. WHEN THIS FIRST PUMP BLEW IT SUCKED METAL INTO THE POWER STEERING GEAR WHICH THEN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST ME $900. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. I SEE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 3, 2014
WITHIN A WEEK OF OWNING CAR ERROR CODE P0011 CAMSHAFT ALIGNMENT?CAME UP. DEALER GOT LIGHT TO GO OFF. SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH POWER LOCKS ALSO, NOW MY COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN IS GONE.5 ERROR CODES C0545/C0561, NON FUNCTIONING ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. I AM LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T DIE IN THIS CAR OR WORSE KILL SOMEONE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE. ARE WE WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO DIE???? SERIOUSLY. MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND GM DISTRICT SPECIALIST IS DEALING WITH THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO. I THINK THIS WILL BE THE LAST CHEVROLET THAT I EVER PURCHASE. UNSAFE. I HOPE PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO COMPLAIN ON HERE BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE. 2008 WAS RECALLED FOR SAME ISSUES. MAYBE THEY USED SOME OF THEIR OLD PARTS IN MY CAR FROM 2008. *TR
Steering, Feb 1, 2014
STEERING WHEEL SHAKING, UNABLE TO TURN. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2014
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAS WENT OUT. THE FIRST TIME WAS THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. NOW AGAIN, THIS CAN NOT BE A SIMPLE HEADLIGHT JUST GOING OUT ON THE EXACT SAME SIDE. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ COME ON FOR NO REASON EVEN WHEN I REMOTE START MY VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN ENGAGED. WHEN I AM DRIVING MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON AND IF I TAP MY BRAKES THEY WILL GO OFF BUT 5 - 6 SECONDS LATER THEY WILL COME BACK ON AND STAY ON. WHEN I THEN NEED TO STOP AND APPLY MY BRAKES MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL GO OFF ONCE I ENGAGE THE PEDAL BUT WILL NOT COME BACK ON UNLESS I SLAM ON MY BRAKES. IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OR WHEN IT RAINS. ALSO, WHEN I AM IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE ON MY DASHBOARD SERVICE LIGHTS BEGIN TO COME ON. MY CAR WITH FLASH "SERVICE ESC" THEN FLASH "SERVICE TRACTION". I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND HAVE THE PAPERWORK THEY PROVIDE ME STATING THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I HAVE AN INFANT CHILD AND I TRAVEL A VERY CONGESTED INTERSTATE WITH HIM IN THE CAR EVERY DAY. I HAVE ON MANY OCCASIONS HEARD TIRES/BRAKES SCREECHING FROM THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO WARNING I AM STOPPING. I FEAR THAT I AM GOING TO BE REAR ENDED EVERY DAY. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT START DATE OF THE ISSUE BUT I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST 50,000 MILES AND MY DEALERSHIP KEEPS STATING THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. I FEAR FOR MY FAMILIES SAFETY. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 11, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL COME ON RANDOMLY. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE CRUISE CONTROL TO KICK OFF. THE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON FOR VARYING LENGTHS. *TR