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, Jun 3, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT REMAIN IN PARK. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ROLLED AWAY, CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO MADE HER AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V073000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT) AND ADVISED HER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 61,000.
Power train, May 31, 2011
VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THAT VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. *TR
Steering, May 18, 2011
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER COULD NO LONGER CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 9, 2011
HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE SERVICE AIRBAG AND SERVICE TRACTION. ALSO I SENT AN EMAIL TO THE CHEVROLET HEADQUARTERS AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM TELLING ME THAT IT WAS MY REPAIR NOT THEIR FAULT. THIS PAST FRIDAY THE 20TH I TOOK THE CAR AGAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP AS THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONSTANTLY FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MODULE WAS BAD AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $250.00 DOLLARS ( MY DEDUCTIBLE SINCE I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, PAID EXTRA FOR THAT WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR). HOW CAN A MODULE BE BAD ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR IS THE ISSUE I AM HAVING AND WHY I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX/REPLACE IT. I COULD UNDERSTAND IF THE CAR WAS OLDER, BUT FEEL ANYTHING ELECTRONIC THAT GOES WRONG WITH A CAR TODAY NOW FALLS ON THE CONSUMER.
Equipment, Feb 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER AND BEGAN TO SMELL A SILICONE ODOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS MILDEW ON THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,700.
Steering, Feb 20, 2011
STEERING IN 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU IS ERRATIC AT BEST AT TIMES EVEN SITTING PERFECTLY STILL THE STEERING WHEEL WILL MOVE ERRATICALLY BACK AND FORTH AS IF THE CAR WAS TRYING TO STEER ITSELF. THIS SEEMS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS AS IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE TO CHANGE LANES ABRUPTLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2011
LETTER FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING PROBLEMS WITH HER 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU: SHE FEELS IT A PRIME CANDIDATE FOR GM TO RECLAIM UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REMAINED THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED SEVERAL TIMES FOR DEFECTS RELATING TO THE ENGINE, COMPUTER, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON MOUNTAINOUS OR HILLY TERRAINS THE ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN DRAMATICALLY. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2011
CAR WILL NOT START, DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK W/OUT PROMPTS, LIGHT FLASH ON AND OFF, RADIO GOES ON AND OFF, & INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM. THESE SYMPTOMS OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE ... ONCE IN THE FALL AND ONCE ABOUT 7 DAYS AGO. PREVIOUSLY (SUMMER 20101) THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD NOT FUNCTION - DEALER STATED IT WAS A PINCHED WIRE. I ALSO NOTICED A FEW WEEKS BACK THE INSTRUMENTS COULD NOT BE READ DURING THE DAY W/OUT TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 19, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVY MALIBU THE POWER LOCKS HAS BEEN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES FOR ME AND MY YOUNG CHILDREN THAT ARE PASSENGERS IN MY VEHICLE. *TR
Visibility, Jan 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE POWER WINDOWS AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN OR SHUT THE POWER WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Steering, Jan 13, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT FOR HER TO MANEUVER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING TORQUE INPUT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.
Steering, Jan 3, 2011
I HAVE AN 2009 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND IT WILL SHAKE AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE IM DRIVING . WHEN IT SHAKES WHILE IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE ITS BEGINNING TO LOCK UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY ITS FROM A POWERSTEERING PROBLEM AND ITS BECAUSE IT IS ELECTRICAL POWERSTEERING. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Dec 3, 2010
VEHICLE REMOTE FAILURE AFTER USE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE REMOTE FAILS BECAUSE THE SOLDER CONNECTION DETERIORATES. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2010
THE EVENT LEADING UP TO : TURNING RIGHT FROM SIDE STREET THE CAR LUNGES INTO THE LEFT LANE WHEN ACCELERATING . THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME WHEN THE CAR TAKES OFF FROM A STOP TO ENTER INTO FREEWAY. STEERING WHEEL ROTATES WITH FAST ACTION CLOCK WISE 360 DEGREES.WHAT WAS DONE TOOK CAR TO 4 DEALERS ALL SAID IT MEETS THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CAR. CAR DEALER SAID IT WAS A GLITCH CORPORATE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE PULL TO THE RIGHT. UPDATED 10/07/10 *TR
Power train, Equipment, Sep 7, 2010
IN OCTOBER OF 2009 I NOTICED THE SHIFTING OF VEHICLE WAS ERRATIC AND IMPROPER. CAR WOULD ACT LIKE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OR IF IT DID WAS REALLY LABORED. NOVEMBER OF 2009 AS I PULLED INTO WORK TRANSMISSION EXPLODED. HAD TOWED TO DEALER SAID REPAIRED/ REPLACED/REBUILT, WAS BACK WITH MORE PROBLEMS ONLY TO FIND OUT PARTS WERE REPLACED BACKWARDS ONTO TRANSMISSION FIXED THAT ONLY FOR ME TO RETURN AGAIN FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. NOW AGAIN THE CAR ACTS LIKE IT WONT SHIFT PROPERLY WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO GO SOMETIMES, WAS BACK AT SHOP, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SO NOW I HAVE MADE A VIDEO AND HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM PAN UNDER CAR. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT BACK TO WHERE I HAVE BEEN GOING BECAUSE WHEN THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR ITS WORSE OR IN SAME CONDITION,SO HAVE APPOINTMENT TODAY WITH ANOTHER AUTO MECHANIC TO TRY AN DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME I HAVE HAD MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN FOR DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Aug 30, 2010
OWN A 2009 MALIBU THAT HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC, OR SLOW DOWN AND TRY TO PICK UP SPEED AGAIN BROUGHT IT TO DEALERSHIPS ATTENTION EVERY TIME I TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE, THEY SAY THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH IN THIS MAKE OF CAR. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ABNORMALLY FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DEALER RELOADED THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY SHIFT GEARS AND WHEN DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DEALER RELOADED THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE A SECOND TIME BUT TO NO AVAIL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WAS INOPERABLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE REBUILDING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND REPAIRS TO ALL FAILED COMPONENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Steering, Jul 30, 2010
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2LT 2.4L ECOTEC W/ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST. WHEN MY WIFE LEFT WORK LAST NIGHT, TURNING RIGHT OUT OF PARKING LOT, STEERING LOCKED, WOULD NOT UNLOCK UNTIL VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. MAY NOT HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY LOCKED, BUT WAS WAY BEYOND EFFORT NORMALLY REQUIRED TO STEER WITHOUT POWER STEERING. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY, THEY SEEMED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT THE PROBLEM, EVEN KNEW WHICH DIRECTION SHE TURNED. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS OR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 MALIBU, RECENTLY EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS. THIS PROBLEM CREATES A SAFETY RISK FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THE WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN, THE REPAIR SHOPS STATES THERE WAS A BLOWN FUSE WHICH THEY SAID WAS REPLACED. WINDOWS WORKED FOR A WHILE. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN SAME DAY. CAR REMAINED IN SHOP FOR A WEEK. DROVE CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, HOPE REAL PROBLEM IS DISCOVERED. ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT SQUEAKY BRAKES BUT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. *TR
Power train, Jul 20, 2010
OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU, VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE ACCELERATING, WHEN IN GEAR HESITATES WHEN YOU ACCELERATED TO MOVE VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC, VEHICLE MOVE VERY SLOWLY, THE RPM SHOW ENGINE HIGH BUT VEHICLE MOVE SLOW, BEEN INFORM BY DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX IT, GM HAS BEEN INFORM AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE FROM THAT END, THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN, IT IS UNSAFE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 16, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AFTER THE OTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE FRONT END DAMAGE. BOTH DRIVERS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES BUT WERE NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. BOTH DRIVERS WERE WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGES BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000.
Steering, Jul 16, 2010
THE "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE IS ON AT THE PANEL CONTROL. EVERY TIME WHEN I TURN TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WITH MY CAR, THE WHEEL WAS HARD AND IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAYS. MY CAR IS A CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009, 4 CYLINDERS. THE DEALER REPAIR THE FAULT AND I PAY $ 509.00. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2010, crash
ON JUNE 29, 2010 MY SON WAS ABLE TO BYPASS THE SAFETY LOCK SWITCH ON OUR 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU....WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON JUNE 30 AND HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED ALONG WITH A DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE MY WIFE PULLED OFF THE DOOR IN A FRANTIC FRENZY TO TRY TO STOP HIM. ON JULY 8TH WHILE TIGHTENING DOWN MY CHILD'S CAR SEAT, MY SON AGAIN WAS ABLE TO BYPASS THE SAFETY SWITCH BY TURNING THE KEY TO THE ACC MODE OF THE IGNITION AND PUSHING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER, HE THEN STARTED THE CAR AND BEGAN DRAGGING ME ACROSS A PARKING LOT INTO A CEMENT LIGHT POLE. WHEN WE CALLED GM TO INFORM THEM THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN THAT CHILDREN CAN BYPASS THIS SWITCH, THEY INFORMED US THE VEHICLE ISN'T DESIGNED FOR A TWO YEAR OLD!!!!!! THEY ALSO REFERRED US TO THE OWNERS MANUAL CLAIMING THAT THIS IS A DINGHY TOWING OPTION. IN THAT SECTION IT TELLS YOU TO PLACE THE PARKING BRAKE ON. IN THREE OTHER AREAS THE BOOK CLAIMS THAT YOU MUST PUSH THE BRAKE TO GET THE SHIFTER TO MOVE FROM PARK. MY SON NEVER TOUCHED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THE CAR CAME OUT OF PARK AND BEGAN TO MOVE... WHILE I UNDERSTAND THAN MY CHILD IS WELL BELOW DRIVING AGE, I DO BELIEVE THAT GM HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM HERE. WHILE MY INSURANCE IS COVERING THE DAMAGES AND NOT GM, I WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD AT LEAST WANT TO LOOK AT THIS AS A POTENTIAL FOR A HUGE LIABILITY CLAIM......I HOPE THAT SOMEONE CAN GET THROUGH TO THEM BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY GETS HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Power train, Jul 8, 2010
SAFETY INCIDENT:TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SETTING: PARKED IN TOM THUMB GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. NOSE TO NOSE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (WITH NO PARKING CURB BETWEEN). INCIDENT: I STARTED THE CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO CREEP FORWARD, WHILE STILL IN PARK. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I RESTARTED CAR. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I STARTED CAR A THIRD TIME, THIS TIME WITH LEFT FOOT FIRMLY ON BRAKE, AND MY RIGHT FOOT READY TO USE GAS PEDAL. I PUT CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE CAR STILL INCHED FORWARD. I TURNED OFF IGNITION AND PUT ON EMERGENCY BRAKE. BY NOW, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE ROOM LEFT BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE ONE PARKED ACROSS FROM IT. SO I GAVE UP AND CALLED FOR A RIDE. SEVERAL HOURS LATER, A FRIEND DROVE MY HUSBAND TO THE CAR. THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY CAR PARKED ACROSS FROM OURS, SO HE FELT IT WAS SAFE TO TRY STARTING IT AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE CAR STARTED UP NORMALLY. THIS INCIDENT IS INTERMITTENT. WE DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED IT OVER AND SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. SINCE RECALL #09077A: F/CMVSS WAS PERFORMED ON THE CAR, THEY WOULD DO NOTHING. THEY WOULD NOT REDO THE RECALL AGAIN. GM WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO DO ANYTHING UNLESS THEY RECREATE THE INCIDENT AGAIN. THEY SAID GM HAS TIED THEIR HANDS AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE OF LIABILITY ISSUES AND FEARS. WE CONTACTED GM AND THEY CREATED A CASE STATING THAT WE HAD A VERY GOOD CASE AND THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER A FEW DAYS WE WERE CONTACTED BY GM AND THAT, SINCE IT CANNOT BE DUPLICATED, THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I EXPRESSED OUR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE SAID, 'IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, I SUGGEST THAT YOU HAVE THE CAR TOWED IN. I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN, BUT GM WILL DO NOTHING UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN.' WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND SOMEONE GETS HURT, EITHER THE DRIVER OR A PEDESTRIAN? WHAT IF THE CAR GETS DAMAGED OR ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURS AGAIN? *TR
Seats, Jul 3, 2010
2009 CHEVY MALIBU AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL DIFFERENT CHEVY MALIBUS 2009 THE DRIVER SEAT IS CAUSING SEVERE BACK PAIN BEING 6 '3 CAUSING SHARP PAIN IN UPPER BACK AND LOWER BACK I DRIVE THE CAR 12 HOURS A DAY 48 HOURS TO 60 HOURS A DAY AS TAXI DRIVER IN LAS VEGAS VERY VERY BAD SITUATION ITS CAUSING. *TR