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.
Seats, Jul 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BOLSTER CONTAINED POLYETHYLENE AND SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY HAZARD. IN THE EVENT A FIRE OCCURRED, THE POLYETHYLENE COULD BURN HER SKIN. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BOLSTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE, SINCE THE BOLSTER WAS CUT. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Service brakes, Electric, Jun 26, 2010
1. BRAKES SQUEAK AND ARE NOT AS RESPONSIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE A. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM 2. ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 50-75 M.P.H, THE CAR HAS NOT ACCELERATED PROPERLY AND HAS MADE STRANGE GRINDING NOISE A. DEALER INDICATED THAT ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE EXPRESSED THE SAME COMPLAINT B. DEALER SAID COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW ANYTHING WRONG ON MY VEHICLE, OR THE OTHER VEHICLE OWNER'S VEHICLE 3. ON 4-6 OCCASIONS, THE CAR HAS SURGED... SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS @ SLOW SPEEDS AND OTHER TIMES WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED.... I AM AFRAID TO USE CRUISE CONTROL ANYMORE A. DEALER SAYS COMPUTER SHOWS NO PROBLEMS. *TR
Tires, Jun 16, 2010
2009 MALIBU,I HAVE REPLACED 1 TIRE WHEN SIDE WALL BROKE AFTER HITTING A BUMP ALSO HAVE A BENT RIM ON A DIFFERENT WHEEL,TIRES ARE WEAK DON'T RIDE WELL, COMPLAINED TO DEALER AND GM WAS NOT WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON COST OF NEW RIM AND DIFFERENT BRAND TIRES. WAS TOLD THAT GM DOES NOT WARRANTY THE TIRES. I HAVE OWNED CHEVY'S FOR 40 YEARS,I PRESENTLY OWN 3 THAT ARE ALL ON THE ROAD NO MORE GM'S FOR ME. *TR
Tires, Jun 16, 2010
2009 MALIBU,I HAVE REPLACED 1 TIRE WHEN SIDE WALL BROKE AFTER HITTING A BUMP ALSO HAVE A BENT RIM ON A DIFFERENT WHEEL,TIRES ARE WEAK DON'T RIDE WELL, COMPLAINED TO DEALER AND GM WAS NOT WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON COST OF NEW RIM AND DIFFERENT BRAND TIRES. WAS TOLD THAT GM DOES NOT WARRANTY THE TIRES. I HAVE OWNED CHEVY'S FOR 40 YEARS,I PRESENTLY OWN 3 THAT ARE ALL ON THE ROAD NO MORE GM'S FOR ME. *TR
Air bags, Jun 3, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 15 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AS A PRECAUTION BUT DID NOT SUFFER FROM ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY LOT AND HAD NOT BEEN FURTHER EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 9,000. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/06/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SLIDES AND CALIPERS WERE RUSTED AND BENDING. THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 15,972.
Steering, Suspension, Equipment, May 5, 2010
STEERING SUSPENSION, 29NOV09 REPLACED RIGHT SWAY BAR LINK. 25JAN20 REPLACED SWAY BAR BUSHINGS AT THE FRAME. 10MAR10 REPLACED SWAY BAR INSULATORS AT THE FRAME. 04MAY10 REPLACED SWAY BAR LINKS AGAIN ONLY AFTER 6 MONTHS FROM LAST REPLACEMENT. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A QUALITY ISSUE HERE. *TR
Steering, Mar 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED LOOSENESS; FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THERE WAS DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AS A RESULT OF THE DRIVER SUSTAINING PAIN TO THE ARM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,900.
Suspension, Feb 23, 2010
04FEB09 VEHICLE IN FOR REAR WHEEL BEARING AND NHUB REPLACEMENT 14MAY 09 IN FOR REPLACE TRANS SHIFT CABLE, THEN IN 09SEP09 RECALL 23NOV09 IN FOR STEERING SHAFT KIT REPLACEMENT & REPLACE RIGHT SWAY BAR LINK 21JAN10 BACK IN FOR CLUNKING NOISE, 25JAN10 ORDERED BUSHING REPLACEMENT PART CALLED CHEVY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND TIFFANY FROM GM CALLED ME BACK AND STATED THAT GM IS UNABLE TO GET PART DUE TO SUPPLIER, AFTER WAITING ONE (1) MONTH STILL NO PART. TIFFANY STATED THAT GM WILL NOT BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WILL NOT EXTEND MY WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN A LIFE TIME GM CUSTOMER AND I WILL NO LONGER BUY A GM VEHICLE. *TR
Wheels, Feb 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVROLET MAILBU. I AM EXPERIENCING A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH BENT WHEEL RIMS. THESE ARE THE STANDARD STEEL RIMS WITH THE PLASTIC COVERS. I HAVE LIVED IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR 17 YEARS AND HAVE OWNED OR DRIVEN 10 DIFFERENT AUTOMOBILES IN THAT TIME, NEVER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BENT RIMS. BOTH THE DEALER AND GM HAVE BEEN TOLD OF THE PROBLEM BUT THEY BOTH DENY ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGED RIMS. THEY SAY THAT THIS A DRIVER PROBLEM AND BAD ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE AREA WHERE I LIVE. I HAVE ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM FROM BOTH A NATIONAL TIRE CHAIN AND RECENT POSTINGS ON THIS WEB SITE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON THE SATURN AURA, WHICH IS THE SAME BASIC CAR AS THE MALIBU. THESE BENT RIMS CAUSE A SEVERE OUT OF BALANCE CONDITION AND CAN AFFECT THE LOW TIRE SENSORS, CAUSING A FALSE READING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE TRIED TO ACTIVATE THE ABS BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND PROCEEDED THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HE NEEDED A NEW MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR THAT FAILURE. HE SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS OFFERED TWO YEARS OF MAINTENANCE SERVICE WHICH THE CONTACT DECLINED. HE ASKED THE DEALER FOR A RELATED SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WAS DENIED THE BULLETIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,829. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,481.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO CODES FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE GM MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THEY DIDN'T OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500.
Steering, Jan 18, 2010
FROM THE VERY FIRST I HAVE NOTICED IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP MY 4 CYLINDER CHEVY MALIBU GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THERE HAS TO BE CONSTANT CORRECTION AND IT MAKES IT VERY TIRING TO DRIVE. IF I JUST GLANCE AWAY FROM THE ROAD I FIND THAT WHEN I GLANCE BACK I AM GOING OUT OF MY LANE. THIS CAN'T BE SAFE. *TR
Power train, Dec 19, 2009, fire
TUESDAY DECEMBER 15TH 2009 I TOOK MY NEW 2009 CHEVY MALIBU TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE. SERVICE DONE WAS STATE INSPECTION, OIL CHANGE, TIRE REPAIR AND FOR A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION LEVER. THE RECALL SERVICE WORK COMPLETED WAS THE INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE KIT. I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP AT 2PM THAT AFTERNOON AFTER ALL SERVICE WORK WAS COMPLETE. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE POLICE AND FIRE CREW WERE ON THE SCENE TO CONTROL TRAFFIC AND THE FIRE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH MY INSURANCE CO. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 17, 2009
I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD USE THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL THAT AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN THE SIGNAL WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. IT WOULD MAKE THE "CLICK" SOUND BUT THE LIGHT WOULD STILL FLASH. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TODAY AND IT SEEMS TO BE OK. *TR
Visibility, Dec 17, 2009
I WAS WARMING THE CAR UP IN THE MORNING, 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND A LAYER OF ICE ON EVERYTHING. THE DEFROST WAS JUST STARTING TO MELT THE WINDOW SO I TURNED ON THE WIPERS. THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT MOVE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE CROSSED OVER IT GETTING STUCK THERE. I WENT OUT AND PHYSICALLY UNTANGLED THE WIPERS AND THEY SEEMED TO WORK OK FOR A WHILE BUT ON THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVER SIDE COULD NOT KEEP UP AND BECAME STUCK UNDER THE PASSENGER WIPER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TIGHTENED THE BOLT AT THE END OF THE WIPER CONTROL ARM, TOOK TWO SECONDS, AND IT HAS SEEMED TO BE OK SINCE. *TR
Visibility, Dec 4, 2009
I BOUGHT A 2009 MALIBU FROM CHEVY THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE REAR WINDOWS DOWN YOU GET THIS TERRIBLE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IN YOUR CAR. IF YOU DRIVE LONG ENOUGH IT GIVES YOU HEADACHES, NOISE GETS SO BAD IT VIBRATES THE DOOR PANELS AND SUNROOF. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE WITH THIS PROBLEM WHAT EFFECT WILL IT HAVE ON CHILDREN RIDING IN THE CAR. I TALKED TO GM THEY TELL ME ALL CARS MAKE THAT NOISE JUST DEAL WITH IT . SPEND 28,000. DOLLARS TO GET YOUR HEAD POUNDED. *TR
Tires, Nov 2, 2009
AUTOMATIC TIRE-PRESSURE MONITOR DISPLAYING INCORRECTLY. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MORE AIR IN ALL THE TIRES BEGINNING WITH THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BUT THE ON BOARD DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THE PRESSURE WAS NOT INCREASING. I THEN HAD MY SON CHANGE THE DISPLAY TO SHOW THE REAR TIRE PRESSURES AND THE LEFT-REAR WAS INCREASING IN PRESSURE EVEN THOUGH I WAS FILLING THE LEFT-FRONT (DRIVERS SIDE). I COULD HAVE OVER-INFLATED THE TIRE AND POSSIBLY EXPLODED THE TIRE HAD WE NOT CHECKED. I LATER TRIED FILLING THE RIGHT-FRONT AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2009
BOUGHT A NEW 2009 MALIBU WITH A SIX SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN SEPT. '09. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AFTER ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF OR DRIVING THE CAR. I FEEL A HESITATION, THEN JERK WHEN RESUMING ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING 5-35 MPH AFTER HAVING DECELERATED TO THE LOWER SPEED FROM A GREATER SPEED. IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY WHILE DRIVING, BUT DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATION BEGINS FROM A STOP OR AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 35 MPH. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND TRANSMISSION WAS REPROGRAMMED AND UPDATED TWICE. BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IS READING EVERYTHING AS NORMAL, GM WILL APPROVE NO WORK ON VEHICLE. SO FAR GM HAS SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2009
I NOTICED LATELY ON GM VEHICLES, THAT THE BACK UP LAMPS ARE COMING ON ALTHOUGH NOBODY IS IN THE VEHICLE. RECENTLY I WAS TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. IT WAS DARK AND COULD NOT SEE, THAT NOBODY WAS IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES I REALIZED, THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS JUST WALKING UP TO THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE WHOLE TIME I COULD HAVE BACKED OUT SAFELY. I WAS VERY IRRITATED ABOUT THIS AND THINK THIS WILL CAUSE PEOPLE TO START IGNORING THE BACK UP LIGHTS ON VEHICLES. DOWN THE ROAD THIS WILL LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES IN PARKING LOTS. *TR
Wheels, Oct 21, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE , AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RIMS ON BOTH PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS WERE BENT. THE DEALER SPECULATED THAT HE STRUCK A POTHOLE. HOWEVER HE NEVER STRUCK A POTHOLE WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,975.
Steering, Sep 22, 2009
AN ONGOING POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE ON MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU (4 CYLINDER MODEL ONLY) IS DESCRIBED BELOW. THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING AND THE COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THAT WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD AND WANT TO MAKE VERY SMALL STEERING INPUTS TO GO STRAIGHT, THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST MAKES YOU OVER CORRECT. IF YOU ARE SITTING STILL WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL VERY SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT, IT FEELS STIFF AT FIRST, FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN BURST OF ASSIST, WHICH CAUSES YOU TO CONTINUALLY FIGHT THE CAR TO GO IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL DESIGN FLAW. THE V6 MALIBU THAT I DROVE WITH HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING IS NOT A PROBLEM, ONLY THE 4 CYLINDER. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I ONLY RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR ON JULY 24, 2009. THEY CONTACTED TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT CHEVROLET. THEY HAVE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS, BUT THERE IS NO FIX YET. THEY SAY IN THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, A TORQUE SENSOR IS ACTIVATED WHEN YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, SO IT MUST BE MOVED WITHOUT ASSIST FOR A SPLIT SECOND UNTIL IT RECOGNIZES THAT YOU WANT TO TURN AND APPLIES POWER ASSIST. IT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE CONTINUOUS OVER CORRECTION ISSUE. HOW CAN THIS BE SAFE? THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT CHEVROLET SAYS IS "NORMAL OPERATION" AT THIS TIME. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 9, 2009
MY NEW 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR DISABLING THE AUTO DOOR LOCKING FEATURE. HAVING WORKED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BEEN INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS, I KNOW THAT RESCUERS HAVE A MORE DIFFICULT TIME OF REMOVING SOMEONE FROM A VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IF THE DOORS ARE LOCKED ESPECIALLY IF THAT PERSON IS A GOOD SAMITITAN WITH NO HEAVY TOOLS. BOTH THE DEALER AND GM HAVE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING TO REMEDIATE IT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS CHANGED BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS WHERE THE OCCUPANTS CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Aug 16, 2009
PURCHASED NEW 2009 CHEVY MALIBU 6/16/09 AT JOHN THORNTON CHEVROLET. TOOK CAR BACK ON 6/20/09 DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKES; ROTORS WERE RUSTED AND HAD TO BE SKIMMED. ON 7/27/09, ON WAY TO WORK, CAR KEPT STALLING IN TRAFFIC; PUT FOOT ON GAS, WOULD HESITATE; HEARD WHIZZING NOISES. BECAUSE MOVING THE CAR WAS GETTING WORSE, I DECIDED TO TURN AROUND AND HEAD TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I GOT ON THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH TO PROCEED, IT WOULD NOT GO PAST 20 MPH AND I KNEW IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO KEEP GOING. I PULLED OFF FREEWAY AND FOUND A LOT TO PULL OVER. CALLED ONSTAR WHO TAPPED INTO MY DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMED ME THERE WERE TWO PROBLEMS INDICATED IN THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. SINCE THEN JOHN THORNTON GAVE ME A RENTAL. SAID THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE A PART AND LAST WEEK ADVISED ME THEY HAVE TO INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION; IT WILL BE COMING FROM THE FACTORY AND OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME THE AMOUNT OF MY FIRST CAR NOTE. AS OF 8/17/09 THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR 3 WKS. AS OF 8/26/09 IT WILL BE THE 30TH DAY AND I WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO EITHER GET A REFUND OR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAVE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 13, 2009
MY MALIBU 2009 HAS LOCKS OPENING AND CLOSING OFTEN WHEN DRIVING. REMAINING OPEN IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN. MY DEALER AND GM PRETEND NOT TO HELP UNLESS THEY ARE IN CAR WHEN THEY SEE AND HEAR IT HAPPENING. MY SON ALSO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM ON HIS NEW MALIBU 2009. DESPERATE FOR HELP. WE HAVE LITTLE CHILDREN OFTEN IN CAR AND THE LOCKS ARE OPEN., WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR