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, Exterior lighting, Dec 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SERVICE TRACTION, SERVICE ESC AND ESC OFF WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT ONLY OFFERED TO COVER PART OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. ..UPDATED 01/16/2013 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF. UPON TAKING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON. UPDATED 1/28/2013 *JS
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 12, 2012
BOTH PASSENGER SIDE DOORS LOCKS ONLY STOPPED WORKING ELECTRICALLY AND ONLY WORK MANUALLY, I BEGAN TO NOTICE THIS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, THEY WERE ONLY WORKING ABOUT HALF THE TIME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND EVEN ITS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY WANT ME TO PAY ROUGHLY $500.00 DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIR. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF A TRAFFIC COLLISION I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY KIDS OUT OF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY SINCE YOU CANNOT UNLOCK THE REAR DOORS THROUGH THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE MANUALLY WITH A KEY. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ADDRESSED MY CONCERN TO NO AVAIL. I DON'T THINK IT IS RIGHT FOR A 3 YEAR OLD CAR TO BE HAVING SUCH PROBLEMS, I ALSO OWN A 1996 HONDA CIVIC WHOSE DOORS STILL WORK PROPERLY?? THANK YOU.. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNSATISFIED CUSTOMERS ON THIS FORUM....HTTP://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/FORU...EAD.PHP?T=7950. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Tires, Dec 4, 2012
ODOR FROM LEAKING COOLING SYSTEM. CAR PULLS TO LEFT. DRIVER DOES SEAT NOT ADJUST WITH THE CONTROL. FRONT TIRES ARE WORN DOWN CORDS SHOWING. BOUGHT CAR AT OURISMAN CHEV. CAR DEALER (34,523 MILES) WITH PLATINUM COVERAGE. CAR CURRENT (49,512 MILES). THEY INSISTED THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR NEW TIRES$295. TRANSMISSION FLUSH $249.00. FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE $179. COOLANT HOSE$10. THAT MY PLAN ONLY COVER SURGE TANK WHICH I HAVE TO PAY $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. I BROUGHT THE CAR 5/17/12. READING THROUGH COMPLAINTS 2009 MALIBU HAVE SIMILAR CAR PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS FOR ALL THESE PROBLEM FOR A CAR THAT OWN FOR THIS SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 4, 2012
"NO ESC" LIGHT APPEARED. 6 SERVICE ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. ISSUE STILL ACTIVE. *TR
Power train, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Steering, Nov 23, 2012
THE POWER STEERING GOES INOP. AT TIMES. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON IT RESETS THE SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED AND SAID STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND HAD THE REPAIR DONE. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL.) THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2013. THE RECALL SUMMARY STATED IT WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR AROUND NOVEMBER 12, 2012. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE; HOWEVER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. UPDATED 12/21/12*LJ
Engine, Nov 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH CONSTANT REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 14, 2012
THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS BROKEN ON ONE DOOR. *TR
Air bags, Oct 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,230.
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2012
BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE ROTOR. UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTOR, CALIPER, FLEXIBLE HOSE AND PADS. THE CAR WOULD MOVE FORWARD BUT FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AFTER A SHORT DISTANCE THE ROTOR HEATED UP AND WAS SMOKING. THIS SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN ON 9/24/2012. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 37900. DEALER CURRENTLY HAS THE CAR AND IS TRYING TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Wheels, Sep 15, 2012
ON OR ABOUT 9/5/12, I NOTICED THAT MY LEFT FRONT TIRE PRESSURE WAS SLIGHTLY LOW (28PSI). I PUT AIR IN AND THE PRESSURE WAS BACK TO 30 PSI PER MANUFACTURER'S SPECS. ON 9/6, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH AND THE PRESSURE WAS THEN AT 25 PSI. PRESSURE DID NOT FALL BELOW THIS LEVEL AND WHEN I GOT HOME, I PUT AIR IN TO GET IT BACK TO 30 PSI. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES TO THE GYM. APPROXIMATELY 1 1/4 HOURS LATER, I CAME OUT AND THE PRESSURE WAS AT 26 PSI. CAME HOME, PUT AIR IN AND THE NEXT MORNING, PRESSURE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED. TOOK THE CAR IN TO TIRES PLUS - LAKE MARY FL THE NEXT AM & THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE. DROVE 40 MILES WITH NO LOSS OF PRESSURE. CAME OUT TO MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 8 HOURS LATER & THERE WAS 12 PSI IN THE TIRE. CALLED AAA AND HAD THE SPARE PUT ON. TOOK THE CAR IN TO TIRES PLUS ON UNIVERSITY BLVD IN ORLANDO. THEY ALSO DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, PUT A NEW VALVE STEM ON AND I DROVE HOME WITH NO LOSS OF PRESSURE. WHEN I WENT TO THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, PRESSURE WAS AT 9 PSI. PUT AIR IN TO GET PRESSURE BACK TO 30 PSI & DROVE IT TO TIRES PLUS IN LAKE MARY AGAIN (9/9) & IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PINHOLE IN THE RIM. SINCE HAVING THE NEW RIM PUT ON ONE WEEK AGO, I HAVE NOT HAD A FURTHER PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I MET A GENTLEMAN EARLIER THIS WEEK WHO TOLD ME HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH TWO WHEELS ON A 2009 MALIBU. I AM GOING TO ASK HIM TO FILE A COMPLAINT, AS WELL. *TR
Air bags, Sep 10, 2012, crash
I WAS HIT VERY HARD ON DRIVER FRONT AND SIDE PANEL. OTHER DRIVER IN TRUCK FAILED TO YIELD (TEXTING AND TALKING ON BLUETOOTH) WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND RAN INTO OUR CAR I WAS MOVING ABOUT 10-15 MPH NO ONSTAR CALL AND NONE OF THE BAGS DEPLOYED. 3 PEOPLE HURT AND STILL SORE MUST SEE DOCTOR FOR >12 TREATMENTS TO REALIGN AND STOP SORENESS. MY X-RAYS OF MY BACK LOOK AWFUL. WE ALL HAVE VERTEBRAE DAMAGE IN OUR NECKS INJURED NECK, SHOULDERS, ARMS/WRIST, HEADACHES, BACK, RIBS, KNEES, NUMBNESS IN FEET. HURTS VERY MUCH. M.D. STATED I WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS HURT IF BAG(S) HAD DEPLOYED. CALLED GM OUT OF CONCERN. THEY CALLED ME FOR INFO. LAST CALL, FRIDAY GM REP (FAITH) READ STATEMENT " IT MAY TAKE UP TO 120 DAYS TO INVESTIGATE AND DURING THAT TIME I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR A CAR RENTAL, IF GM FINDS PROBLEM, THEY WILL PAY FOR THE RENTAL AND/OF OTHER AWARDS." I WAS IN BED SORE DURING THIS CALL AND I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING IMPAIRED THINKING SINCE THIS ACCIDENT. AFTER I HUNG UP I WAS VERY ANGRY ABOUT THIS. GM CAN AND PROBABLY WILL SAY "NOTHINGS WRONG" AND I'M STUCK WITH HUGE RENTAL BILL AND POSSIBLY A DEFECTIVE CAR. I CALLED BACK AND LEFT MSG W/FAITH AND HER BOSS ON ANSWERING SERVICE. I ASK "WHAT IF I DON'T AGREE TO THESE TERMS?" FAITH SAID THE FILE WOULD BE CLOSED. GM, THIS IS SERIOUS, YOU CAN'T OFFER A LOANER CAR? THE AVERAGE SMALL CAR RENTAL IS AROUND $27.00 A DAY. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A CATCH-22 SITUATION. I HAD BEEN PLANNING SINCE LAST YEAR TO BUY THE CHEVY EQUINOX - FORGET THAT. BROUGHT CAR DURING THE GOVERNMENT REBATE TO TRADE OLD CAR IN WHEN GM. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE. I LIVE IN A CITY WHERE DRUNK DRIVING FATALITIES OCCUR DAILY WITH TEXTING AND OTHER CARELESS DRIVERS. CAR ALSO EMITS A STRONG SOUR SMELL WHEN STARTED BUT GOES AWAY AFTER THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN SOME MINUTES. I LOVED THIS CAR BUT, SADLY I HOPE ITS TOTALED - SERIOUSLY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 10, 2012, crash
I WAS HIT BY A TRUCK THAT STRUCK THE DRIVER FRONT END AND SIDE PANEL. I WAS MOVING ABOUT 1-15 MPH (?)DRIVER WAS TEXTING AND TALING ON BLUETOOTH DID NOT SEE US, CITED FOR FAILING TO STOP. OTHER DRIVER WAS DRIVING FASTER THAN 15 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN. SHE NEVER PUT ON BRAKES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ONSTAR NEVER CALLED LIKE IN THE COMMERCIALS ON T.V. ALL PASSENGERS HURT ENOUGH TO HAVE TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR 10XS FOR BACK, NECK, KNEES, HEADACHE - ALL OVER BODY PAIN. AWFUL X-RAYS... CHIROPRACTOR STATED I'D BEEN LESS HURT IF BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I THE DRIVER HAVE TO SEE A MD TOMMORROW CAN'T STAND BACK PAIN . CALLED GM WAS TOLD IT MAY TAKE 120 DAYS TO CHECK CAR BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MY RENTAL DURING THE PROCESS. GM CAN EASILY SAY NOTHINGS WRONG TO ME AND NOT PAY FOR RENTAL. GM REP SAID IF I REFUSE THE TERMS THEN CASE WILL BE CLOSED. CATCH -22. I FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR GM SHOULD PUT SAFETY FIRST AND OFFER LOANER CAR. TEXAS HAS HAD A HUGE PROBLEM WITH FATALITIES DUE TO DRUNKS, TEXTING OR CARELESS DRIVERS FROM SMALL CARS TO 18 WHEELERS. LOVE THE MALIBU BUT I'M EXTREMELY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. SADLY, I'M HOPING ITS TOTALLED. WHY IS GM TREATING CONSUMERS LIKE THIS. BROUGHT CAR DURING REBATE OUT OF LOYALTY TO HELP AMERICAN COMPANY/JOBS STAY AFLOAT. THANKS A LOT GM. I JUST WANT CAR FIXED OR ANOFFER TO BUY ANOTHER CAR - I WAS PLANNING TO BUY A CHEVY SUV PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. MY MALIBU ALSO OFTEN HAS A STRANGE SOUR SMELL EMITTING FROM AIR CONDITIONER THAT GOES AWAY AFTER THE WINDOWS ARE LEFT DOWN FOR A FEW MINUTES - I JUST NEVER HAD TIME TO TAKE IT IN FOR THAT. I ALWAYS KEPT CAR IN GOOD MAINTENANCE AS SCHEDULED. SKIPPED ON FORDS NOW I'M ADDING CHEVY TO MY " DON'T BUY" LIST AND WILL SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE UNLESS THEY COME THROUGH WITH A BETTER WAY TO HANDLE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. NOW I KNOW HOW THAT TOYOTA DRIVER FELT. THANKS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH UNIT AND THE RELAY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL UNIT AND IGNITION WERE REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BUT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND STOPPED ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIBERS REPLACED AT THE DEALER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT MOISTURE WAS PENETRATING THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2012
TOOK CAR INTO SHOP OVER A YEAR AGO BECAUSE BAD ODORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE CABIN AIR SUPPLY. THE CHEVROLET SHOP CLEANED OUT THE A/C - TOOK CAR BACK 8-9 MONTHS LATER, SMELLY ODORS COMING FROM AIR VENTS IN CAR. THEY CANNOT FIX - THESE CARS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH CABIN AIR FILTERS...IN 2009 BUT - ARE NOW IN 2012. I HAD BRONCHITIS AND NEAR PNEUMONIA FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. A MONTH AGO, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE ASTHMA. THESE HEALTH ISSUES ARE SERIOUS - I'M 64. I NOW NEED INHALERS, ETC. THE CAR SEEMS NOW TO FUNCTION OKAY WITH THE INSIDE A/C BUTTONS BUT THE FUMES ARE THERE WITHOUT THESE BUTTONS. I'LL AGAIN NEED HEAT IN THE WINTER AND SUSPECT THE PROBLEM TO RETURN. ALSO, I DON'T ALWAYS NEED A/C BUT HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS UP BECAUSE OF THE HORRID NORTHERN VA TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO WORK AROUND AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. *TR
Service brakes, May 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE THEN FAILED. THE BRAKE INDICATOR ALSO FAILED, AS IT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BRAKING WHEN IT WAS NOT. THE INDICATOR ALSO DISPLAYED A MESSAGE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BRAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 9, 2012
THE POWER LOCKS ON THE CAR WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS, LEAVING THE PASSENGERS TRAPPED INSIDE. WE WERE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS MANUALLY, ELECTRICALLY OR EVEN WITH INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE DOOR. PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF THE WINDOWS. AFTER TRYING THE KEY AND REMOTE NUMEROUS TIMES THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR UNLOCKED BUT WOULD NOT RELATCH WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED OR EVEN AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR. THE LOCKS SOUND LIKE THEY ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE LEAVING ONE TO THINK EVERY THING IS OKAY BUT, IT IS NOT. THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND ONE THAT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 27, 2012
INTERMITTENTLY, THE BRAKE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND REMAIN LIT SOLIDLY UNTIL THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THEN IT GOES OFF -- ACTING OPPOSITE OF THE WAY IT SHOULD. AT NIGHT, THE LIGHT IS VISIBLE IN THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND WE CAN SEE IT COME ON. WE THEN DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WILL REMAIN ON TAIL LIGHTS ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN IT GLOWS BRIGHTLY AGAIN AS THOUGH THE DRIVER WERE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON TAIL LIGHTS ONLY, THE BRAKE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE CORRECTLY WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES APPEAR TO BE EFFECTIVE. THERE IS AN OCCASIONAL "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" AND "SERVICE ESC" LIGHT THAT APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE FAULT CODES ARE SCANNED WITH AN ABS BRAKING SYSTEM CODE READER, IT YIELDS A C-0131 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS PRETTY PREVALENT WITH LATE MODEL CHEVROLET VEHICLES FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, BUT THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IS NOT CLEAR TO ANYONE WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. SOME SAY THAT IT IS A $1,000.00+ DEALER REPAIR ITEM AND THAT THE PROBLEM TENDS TO OCCUR AT THE END OF THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD, JUST LIKE OURS DID. IT IS EXTREMELY ANNOYING AND DISTRACTING TO OTHER DRIVERS, SOME OF WHOM PULL ALONGSIDE AND SAY THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT IS WORKING "OPPOSITE" OF THE WAY IT SHOULD. THE BRAKES SEEM EFFECTIVE, BUT IN CASE OF A LOSS OF TRACTION, SKID, ETC., I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE RESULT MIGHT BE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OR THE TRACTION CONTROL -- BOTH OF WHICH WE KEEP TURNED OFF TO MINIMIZE ANY PROBLEM UNTIL I CAN LOCATE AN APPROPRIATE FIX. IT SEEMS THAT A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES IS IN ORDER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 17, 2012
SINCE THE 1ST OF MARCH THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN BURNING OUT. I HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS WITH REGULAR OEM REPLACEMENTS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE PLUGS ARE MELTING ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS IS A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION. I CAN UNDERSTAND NORMAL LIFE OF THE BULB, BUT TO HAVE 4 SETS OF LIGHTS GO OUT IN JUST OVER A MONTH IS AN ISSUE. I THINK THIS MAY BE HAPPENING DUE TO NO VENTILATION BEHIND THE HEADLIGHT CAUSING EXCESSIVE HEAT THEREFORE CAUSING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DURING NIGHT DRIVING. PLEASE CONSIDER LOOKING INTO THIS AS A POSSIBLE RECALL. *JS
Steering, Apr 16, 2012
POWER STEERING - WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU FEEL NON-SMOOTH CONDITION, UNUSUAL HUMMING OR MOANING NOISE. SOME POWER STEERING FLUID HAD TO BE REPLACED BUT NO NOTICEABLE LEAK IS EVIDENT. HAD PRIVATE AUTO MECHANIC LOOK INTO PROBLEM AND HE ADVISED TO LET DEALER TAKE CARE OF IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE COMPUTERIZED EQUIPMENT TO MAKE APPROPRIATE REPAIRS. AUTO MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAS EXPERIENCED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CHEVY MALIBU. CHEVY DEALER CHECKED PROBLEM AND ADVISED US TO WAIT FOR PROBLEM NO "WORSEN" BECAUSE ANY DIAGNOSTIC WORK WILL COST US "A LOT OF MONEY" WONDERING IF NHTSA HAS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON FILE BECAUSE I'M CONCERNED ABOUT ANY SAFETY ISSUE? *JS
Air bags, Mar 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ON-STAR SYSTEM PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT BUMPER SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Structure, Mar 5, 2012
WE'VE HAD PROBLEMS WHERE THE DOORS AT TIMES WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. NOT ONLY WOULD WE TRY TO UNLOCK WITH THE PUSH BUTTON, BUT WE WOULD TRY WITH THE KEY. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS & WE HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR FOR A FULL YEAR YET. WE WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE BACK TO GET OUT. WE HAD INSTANCES WITH BOTH OF THE FRONT DOORS. IT'S A CONCERN BECAUSE ANYTHING COULD BE GOING ON (CAR ON FIRE, LEAKING GAS, ETC) & IF WE NEED TO GET OUT THE CAR QUICKLY & THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN EVERY TIME, THEN WE'RE IN TROUBLE. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Feb 25, 2012
WHEELS WOBBLING WHEN I BOUGHT THE CERTIFIED VEHICLE, TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER. THEY REPLACED FRONT TIRES AND ALIGNED VEHICLE. ALSO STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE WHEN PUT IN PARK AND KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION. CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTION AT ANY SPEED. WHEEL DANCES BACK AND FORTH AND FEELS BOUNCY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. RETURNED TO DEALER ON FEB. 23 2012. THEY REPLACED FRONT TIRES AGAIN. TEST DROVE CAR AND STATED THE CAR WAS FIXED. CAR STILL WONDERS, WHEELS STILL WOBBLE..STILL PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL. SPOKE WITH GM REP. EXPLAINED ISSUE. GM REP. ALSO SPOKE WITH DEALER MECHANIC. DEALER MECHANIC ADVISED GM REP. THAT CAR WHEELS AND STEERING WAS FIXED. INCORRECT. DEALER DID NOT ADDRESS STEERING WHEEL. ONLY REPLACED TIRES. ISSUE STILL EXISTS. EASY TO LOSE CONTROL. FEELS LIKE IT HAS BAD WHEEL BEARINGS OR BUSTED HUB. BUT DEALER MECHANICS SAYS ITS OKAY. *TR