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, Feb 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE DECELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REVERSE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Feb 12, 2012
VEHICLES TIRE RIGHT SIDE RODS FAILED AT 45880 WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY 3/4/11. COMPLAINED TO DEALER ABOUT NOISE FROM RIGHT SIDE OF CAR AT 50K DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NO NOISE HOWEVER DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AT THE TIME (RAINING) THEY WOULD NEED TO SEE VEHICLE ON A DRY DAY. VEHICLE IN SHOP NOW WITH 64000 ALMOST 1YR LATER RIGHT SIDE TIRE RODS NEED REPLACING AGAIN. THIS IS MY SECOND CHEVY MALIBU AND I AM NOT HAPPY. DOUBT I WILL PURCHASE CHEVY AGAIN!!! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY MELTED AND LEAKED ACID ONTO THE ENGINE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. AN ACID ODOR ALSO BECAME PRESENT AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY SUFFERED A MELTDOWN AND RELEASED ACID ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE NEGATIVE CABLE, AND CLEANED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE FAILURE MAY RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 2, 2012
AFTER LOWERING THE LEFT-SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW SEVERAL INCHES, I WAS UNABLE TO RAISE IT VIA THE DRIVER'S DOOR CONTROL PANEL. I COULD MAKE IT DESCEND ALL THE WAY USING THAT PANEL BUT NOT ASCEND AT ALL. I WAS ABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW ONLY BY USING THE LEFT-SIDE PASSENGER DOOR SWITCH; THE DRIVER'S DOOR CONTROL PANEL WAS USELESS FOR THAT PARTICULAR WINDOW ONLY. *KB
Suspension, Jan 14, 2012
AT 15,237 MILES THE RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING WAS REPLACED. MFG PART # 20907865 AT 24,079 MILES THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING WAS REPLACED. MFG PART # 20907865 AT 24,079 MILES THE RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. MFG PART # 20907865 THIS 2009 CHEV. MALIBU HAS NEVER BEEN IN SALT OR ANY OTHER CORROSIVES EXCEPT WHAT IS IN THE NORMAL DRIVING ENVIRONMENT. THIS CAR HAS THE V- 6 ENGINE. I HAVE OWNED SINCE NEW. *TR
Structure, Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SUN WOULD SHINE ON THE CHROME INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WOULD BECOME BLINDED BY THE REFLECTION AND GLARE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO REPAIRS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO STOP THE GLARE OF THE CHROME. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MODIFY THE ACTUAL DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50. UPDATED 02/03/12 UPDATED 02/22/12*LJ UPDATED 03/01/12
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 8, 2012
THE CAR DOOR LOCKS CYCLE ON AND OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME. MOSTLY STAYS UNLOCKED, ALTHOUGH THE OTHER DAY IT DID LOCK ME IN THE CAR THIS WAS JUST AS FRIGHTENING AS THEM NOT BEING LOCKED. I CAN BE STOPPED A STOP LIGHT OR DRIVING 70 MPH AND THE LOCKS ARE CYCLING ON AND OFF. THE UNLOCK/LOCK BOTTOM IN THE DOOR PANEL DOES NOT WORK. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH MY DOOR LOCKS CYCLING ON/OFF. I WORK DOWNTOWN BY THE COUNTY JAIL AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING ANYWHERE DOWN THERE WITH MY DOORS UNLOCKED. I PARK IN A PARKING GARAGE THAT HAS HAD SOME THEFT, I HOPE MY CAR DOES NOT GET ROBBED. I ALSO HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THE CAR AND FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING AROUND THE CITY OR HIGHWAYS WITH THE DOORS UNLOCKED. I HOPE THE DOORS DON'T FLY OPEN OR IF IN A WRECK THERE WOULD BE NOTHING PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM OPENING. I NEED TO TAKE THIS CAR ON A FIVE HOUR ROAD TRIP NEXT WEEKEND, WITH KIDS IN THE CAR, THE SOUND OF THE LOCKS CYCLING ON/OFF WILL BE A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. I HOPE THIS PROBLEM CAN BE REPAIRED SOON. I HAVE READ MANY CHEVY MALIBU'S WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WHEN I CALLED GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM, UNSURE IF THE ARE GOING TO HELP ME AT THIS POINT. I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY. I SURE HOPE GM AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP SEES THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. A WELL KNOWN GM LOCK MALFUNCTION AND REPAIRS THIS PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 7, 2012
THE CAR DOOR LOCKS CYCLE ON AND OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME. MOSTLY STAYS UNLOCKED, ALTHOUGH THE OTHER DAY IT DID LOCK ME IN THE CAR THIS WAS JUST AS FRIGHTENING AS THEM NOT BEING LOCKED. I CAN BE STOPPED A STOP LIGHT OR DRIVING 70 MPH AND THE LOCKS ARE CYCLING ON AND OFF. THE UNLOCK/LOCK BOTTOM IN THE DOOR PANEL DOES NOT WORK. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH MY DOOR LOCKS CYCLING ON/OFF. I WORK DOWNTOWN BY THE COUNTY JAIL AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING ANYWHERE DOWN THERE WITH MY DOORS UNLOCKED. I PARK IN A PARKING GARAGE THAT HAS HAD SOME THEFT, I HOPE MY CAR DOES NOT GET ROBBED. I ALSO HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THE CAR AND FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING AROUND THE CITY OR HIGHWAYS WITH THE DOORS UNLOCKED. I HOPE THE DOORS DON'T FLY OPEN OR IF IN A WRECK THERE WOULD BE NOTHING PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM OPENING. I HAVE READ MANY CHEVY MALIBU'S WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WHEN I CALLED GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM, UNSURE IF THE ARE GOING TO HELP ME AT THIS POINT. I TAKE MY CAR IN ON MONDAY. I SURE HOPE GM SEES THIS AS SAFETY ISSUE AND FIXES THIS PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. *TR
Visibility, Jan 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WASHING THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR CARPET BECAME SATURATED WITH WATER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT MILDEW HAD BEGUN TO GROW ON THE CARPET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS LEAK WITHIN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 4, 2011
THIS PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND IMPOSSIBLE TO DUPLICATE BY GM SERVICE TECHNICIANS. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT TO ME AS THE DRIVER TOO, AND I HAVE TO DATE BEEN UNABLE TO KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS THIS. IT SEEMS TOTALLY RANDOM. INTERVALS HAVE BEEN AS LITTLE AS ONE WEEK AND AS LONG AS TWO MONTHS. THE EVENT IS CAR ENGINE HAS NEAR COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER; ENGINE TIMING PINGS HEAVILY, ENGINE POWER SURGES THEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS THE MOST SEVERE SYMPTOM. THE CAR ALSO ENCOUNTERS MODERATE PINGING, LOSS OF POWER THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET EVERY TIME DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF ENGINE POWER. THE CAR HAS DIED ON THE INTERSTATE FREEWAY AND WHEN I PUSH ON GAS PEDAL, ENGINE POWER GETS WEAKER AND ENGINE PINGING IS EXTREMELY STRONG. COASTING TO SIDE OF FREEWAY IS ONLY SAFE THING TO TRY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2011
WHILE DRIVING AT 68MPH WITH THE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED, THE SPEED CONTROL TURNED OFF. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW BREAK LIGHTS ON. I CHECKED THE MAT TO VERIFY THAT IT WAS NOT PRESSING THE PEDAL. I THEN DEPRESSED THE PEDAL, THE CAR SLOWED AND THE BREAK LIGHTS TURNED OFF. NOW THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON WHEN THE PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED, AND THEY TURN OFF AFTER PRESSING THE PEDAL. THIS CAUSES OTHER DRIVERS TO NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM STOPPING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND UPON ENGAGING THE BRAKE THERE WAS VIBRATION WITHIN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE FIRST REPAIR CONSISTED OF RESURFACING THE FRONT ROTORS AND EVENTUALLY BOTH ROTORS WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AT A DIFFERENT TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT BOTH REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE REPEATED DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 12, 2011
BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT POWER STEERING GAVE OUT. SERVICE ESC LIGHT CAME ON. POWER STEERING MESSAGE LIT. PULLED INTO PARKING SPOT SHUT CAR OFF. STARTED CAR SECONDS LATER - NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK BUT DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. TURNED WHEEL WHILE PARKED AND ESC AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. TRIED AGAIN, SAME THING. HAD TO DRIVE 2 MILES TO HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 34 DEGREES AT THE TIME. *TR
Visibility, Nov 1, 2011
LAST WINTER I HAD TO REPAIR THE HEATER, SWITCHING FROM HOT TO COLD, CAUSING WINDOWS TO FOG UP AND ICE, MY HEATER IS NOW DOING IT AGAIN. SUMMER TIME THE AIR WORKS FINE AS SOON AS COLD SEASON STARTS IT FREEZES UP IN THE COLD SETTING. YOU CAN HERE A SOUND LIKE THE VENT IS SUCKING AIR NOT FULLY SWITCHING TO THE HOT SETTING. *TR
Structure, Oct 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED AND COULD NOT BE OPENED AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER LUBRICATED THE DOOR, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,858.
Equipment, Sep 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONDENSER FAILED TWICE WITHIN A TWO MONTH PERIOD. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURED, THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD BLOW WARM AIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT PROTECTED FROM ROAD DEBRIS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO FAIL WHEN IT WAS STRUCK BY DEBRIS. THE CONTACT BELEIVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,011 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Steering, Sep 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE SERVICE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Structure, Sep 8, 2011
CONDENSED WATER FROM MY CARS AIR CONDITION IS DRAINING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ACCUMULATES BEHIND THE RIGHT PASSENGERS SEAT ON THE FLOORBOARD. I HAVE NOTICE IT WHEN THE WATER WAS ABOUT 1 INCHES HIGH. AFTER CLEANING THE DRAIN PIPE, WHICH IS VERY HARD TO GET TO AND $150.00 LATER, THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED FOR A DAY. I FEEL THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT ENGINEERED CORRECTLY AND IS ALLOWING MOLD, MILDEW, AND ALGAE TO GROW IN MY CAR. DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE BREATHING CONTAMINATED AIR IN A CLOSED IN ENVIRONMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2011
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DASH LIGHT WILL JUST GO OFF AND ON, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STOP WORKING THE POWER WINDOWS STOP WORKING THE RADIO WILL JUST TURN ON WHEN IT WANTS TO AND THE VOLUME CONTROL WILL NOT WORK SO WHEN IT TURNS ON ITS AT THE PEAK VOLUME. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. CHEVROLET WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ITS PAST ITS WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2011
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY DAUGHTER'S 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU COME ON WHILE SHE IS DRIVING & HER CRUISE CONTROL STOPS WORKING. SHE TOOK HER CAR INTO THE DEALER & 2 OTHER PEOPLE WERE THERE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE SERVICE DEPT. SAID IT WAS FIXED BUT THE SAME DAY AS SHE PICKED IT UP, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY @ 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL SHE PRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE SHE IS APPLYING THE BRAKES & COME BACK ON WHEN SHE RELEASES THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, SHE ALSO CAN NO LONGER SET HER CRUISE CONTROL. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS, THE CRUISE & BRAKE LIGHTS WORK PROPERLY. ANYONE FOLLOWING HER, ESPECIALLY @ NIGHT, MIGHT ASSUME THAT SHE IS STOPPING WHILE DRIVING & DRIVING WHILST STOPPING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF THE PROBLEM IS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE, (BOTH TAILLIGHT BULBS HAVE RECENTLY BURNT OUT OR SHORTED OUT & BEEN REPLACED). I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *KB
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN SHIFT WHILE ACCELERATING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE. IN ORDER TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE BACK INTO ITS PROPER GEAR, THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO MANUAL MODE AND USE THE OPTIONAL PEDAL SHIFTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT BEING DEPRESSED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2011
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON. THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A REASON AS TO WHEN OR WHY IT TURNS ON. DEALERSHIP SHRUGS THEIR SHOULDERS AS THEY 'FIX' THE CAR 'HOPING THAT WHAT THEY DO FIXES THE PROBLEM'. DRIVER DOESN'T KNOW THAT REAR BRAKES ARE ON UNLESS DRIVING AT NIGHT OR ATTEMPTING TO USE CRUISE CONTROL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 20, 2011
IN MARCH, 2011, I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS NOT OPENING FROM THE INSIDE. I UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TERMINAL TO RESET THE COMPUTER THEN THE WINDOWS STARTED WORKING AGAIN. IN APRIL MY DRIVER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP. I REPLACED THE 30A FUSE AND GOT THE WINDOW TO GO UP. ONCE I TRIED TO USE ONE OF THE OTHER WINDOWS, THE FUSE BLEW AGAIN. NOW MY WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN WITHOUT BLOWING A FUSE. THE SWITCH IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS REPLACED AND THE RELAY WAS REPLACED WITH NO RESOLUTION. MY WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK AT ALL AND YESTERDAY, JULY 19, MY DOORS BEGAN ACTING UP AGAIN AND WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING TO GET TRAPPED INSIDE THIS VEHICLE. *KB
Steering, Jun 8, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO JERK ABNORMALLY. AFTER TIME, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY AND WITH TIME, BECAME A CONSTANT OCCURRENCE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Steering, Jun 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER 30 MPH. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE POWER STEERING MOTOR YET THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.