2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Routine

Owners filed 44 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Malibu Maxx years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

40 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems

18 of the 44 complaints (41%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags15
010
Steering10
000
Seats5
000
Electrical System3
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights2
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Service Brakes · brakes1
000
Power Train · transmission1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V064000
Filed Feb 4, 201569,633 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V252000
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift14V224000
Filed Apr 30, 20141,131,113 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Risk. If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Feb 25, 2022120,947 milesIN

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the theft alert warning light flashed on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 120,947.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2018113,309 milesAK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,309.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 8, 2017HI

PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. UNABLE TO PASS SAFETY INSPECTION. WENT TO DEALERERSHIP AND THEY STATED I NEEDED A PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE AND THE PRICE ON THE PART IS $1348.16. MY CAR HAS 216,000 MILES ON IT. STILL RUNS WELL AND HAS BEEN PAID OFF FOR YEARS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 22, 201791,248 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 8/10/2015 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE WIRES NEEDED TO BE CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,248. UPDATED 04/12/17 LJ *CN

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2016119,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2016159,330 milesNJ

SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST COUPLE YEARS, A "SERVICE AIRBAG" MESSAGE HAS APPEARED ON DASH SCREEN AND AIRBAG TROUBLE LIGHT IS LIT INTERMITTENTLY. BY THE TIME I HAVE GOTTEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THOSE TROUBLE INDICATORS ARE NO LONGER ACTIVATED. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED SINCE THERE IS NO ACTIVE TROUBLE CODE, NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE HOT SUMMER SUN ALL DAY, BUT IT HAS OCCURRED UNDER OTHER CONDITIONS AS WELL. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND WHILE IT HAS BEEN IN MOTION. HOPEFULLY, I'LL NEVER GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR AND FIND OUT THE AIRBAGS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY!

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 201667,000 milesMI

SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON.... THEN WENT OFF. WENT TO DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO CODE TO DETECT PROBLEM. UNSURE IF ANY OF THE 8 AIR BAGS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. ON LINE I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MALIBU MAXX. UNSURE WHAT TO DO. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHERE IT COMES ON, STAYS ON, THEN DISAPPEARS. HOW WILL WE KNOW IF AIR BAGS WORK PROPERLY. TERRIFIED TO HAVE A ACCIDENT TO FIND OUT THEY DID NOT PERFORM. ALTHOUGH NO DEATHS MAY HAVE HAPPENED YET WITH THE MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE FOUND, I WONDER WHAT CAN WE DO?? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST TO DISCOVER THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE

Seats
Filed Feb 18, 2016152,980 milesNC

THE SEAT WARMER CAUSED THE CAR SEAT TO CATCH A FIRE. I WAS CRYING, SHAKING, AND JUST ALL AROUND NERVOUS. I HAD TO GATHER MYSELF TOGETHER TO EVEN THINK OF WHAT TO DO. THIS HAPPENED IN LIKE 3 MINUTES. AT 6:05AM I HAD WENT OUT TO CRANK THE CAR WHICH WAS PARKED TO WARM UP. I PRESSED THE SEAT WARMER WENT BACK IN THE HOUSE BECAUSE I HAD LEFT A CASE OF WATER ON THE BACK PASSENGER FLOOR. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT TO THE CARE THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. NOTHING OF COURSE IS OPEN AT THAT TIME IN THE MORNING AND THANKFULLY I DIDN'T STAY INSIDE THE HOUSE LONGER THAN THE LITTLE TIME WHICH I DID. AT AROUND 8:30AM I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET TO REPORT THIS. THEY OPENED A CLAIM REQUESTED PICTURES OF THE ARE OF CONCERN AND OF THE VEHICLE WHICH I SENT. CHEVROLET CLOSED THE CLAIM WITH THE CONCLUSION: AFTER CAREFUL INVESTIGATION OF YOUR CASE, NONE OF THE AVAILABLE DATA SUGGESTS THAT THE PRODUCT ALLEGATION HAS ANY MERIT. IF YOU'D LIKE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE THAT YOU FEEL WOULD FURTHER SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM, PLEASE CONTACT US AGAIN. HOWEVER AT THIS TIME, GENERAL MOTORS IS UNABLE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGES AND WE SUGGEST THAT YOU RESOLVE THIS MATTER THROUGH YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER. NOT ONLY WAS THIS TERRIFYING, ENDANGERMENT TO MY FAMILY AND LOVED ONES THIS HAS BEEN A VERY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE OVERALL. TO GET THIS RESPONSE IS A INSULT TO CONSUMERS AND THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER RECORDS SHOWING THAT

Air Bags
Filed Aug 17, 201517,000 milesOH

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE MAY 2007. IT HAD BEEN USED BY A PRECIOUS OWNER. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR THE SIGN "SERVICE AIR BAG" HAS BEEN LIGHTING UP SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN A PRIO ACCIDENT. I DO KNOW THAT THERE IS A FRAUDULENT SITUATION TAKING PLACE WHERE WRECKED VEHICLES ARE NOT REPLACED WITH THE PROPER AIR BAGS, BUT WITH OTHER ITEMS, SUCH AS SHOES, ETC. I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT BECAUSE MY SON IN LAW DID THIS. SO I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAGS.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 201595,000 milesOH

AIRBAG TROUBLE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME, NOW THE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT COME ON WHILE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. VERY CONCERNING AS I DO NOT KNOW IF I HAVE AIRBAGS OR NOT. SEEMS THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

Seats
Filed Jun 2, 2015128,000 milesOH

I WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. JUST AS THE CAR WAS STOPPING, THE BACK OUTSIDE EDGE OF MY DRIVER SEAT MADE A LOUD POP AND DROPPED ABOUT 4 INCHES. AFTER I REMOVED THE SEAT LATER, THE WELD, ATTACHING THE ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTER TO THE CROSS BAR IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT, IS RIPPED LOOSE OF THE CROSS BAR. THIS SEAT CONTAINS AN AIRBAG IN THE SIDE OF IT. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT, I DON'T THINK THE SAFETY FEATURES WOULD STILL HAVE PREVENTED SERIOUS INJURY. THE SEAT IS A DEALER ITEM AND THEY WANT OVER $1000 DO FIX.

Air Bags
Filed May 1, 201574,100 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER MODULE KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,100. UPDATED 7/14/15*CN

Air Bags
Filed Feb 16, 201574,741 milesIA

PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE R&R PPS MODULE W/SENSOR W/HEATED SEATS, (INCLUDES: CALIBRATION, R&I SEAT) PROGRAM PPS MODULE IS THIS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE? IS THEIR A RECALL SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED TO REPAIR THIS COMPONENT? *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 16, 2015100,000 milesNY

I KEEP LOSING MY POWER STEERING SO THE CAR BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I HAD IT FIXED BY MY OWN MECHANIC, BUT IT WENT OUT AGAIN. HE TRIED TO FIX IT, BUT IT'S STILL NOT GOOD. I READ YESTERDAY THAT THE 2007 MALIBU MAXX WAS BEING RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING FAILURE, BUT THE DEALERS AND GM TELL ME MY CAR ISN'T LISTED. I THINK MY CAR SHOULD BE LISTED. THE NY TIMES ARTICLE SAID YOUR ORGANIZATION HAD REPORTED LAST SATURDAY ABOUT THIS RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY MY 2007 MALIBU MAXX SS WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE ISN'T ON THIS RECALL. THANK YOU. MY CURRENT MILEAGE IS 133,000 MILES. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 25, 201465,100 milesNY

IN THE BEGINNING, THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. IF THERE WAS NOT A PERSON SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING WOULD COME ON AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD LIGHT ON THE DASH. IF THERE WAS A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THERE WOULD BE NO WARNING OR LIGHT ON THE DASH AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR WOULD SAY "ON". THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME WORSE OVER TIME AND NOW WHETHER THERE IS A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT, THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING COMES ON ALONG WITH THE DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT. ALSO, NOW, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR STAYS ON "OFF". TSB 08-09-41-002E HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 17, 201496,000 milesTX

SERVICE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF, BUT NOT ALWAYS. LACK OF TRUST IN DEALERS INVESTIGATING AND MAKING THE REPAIRS IS AN ISSUE. I'M TOLD (BY A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER SERVICE MANAGER) THAT IT WILL COST $80 JUST TO CHECK VIA COMPUTER WHAT THE CAUSE MAY BE. REPAIRS SUCH AS RE-COUPLING A LOOSE SENSOR CONNECTION BENEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT IS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE ($40) BUT REPLACEMENT OF SENSORS REPAIRS COULD RUN UPWARDS FROM $700. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2014MI

I START MY CAR AND THE SERVICE LIGHTS COME ON AND SHOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR IS FULLY STARTED BUT MY "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY. ALSO WHEN I HAVE A PASSENGER THE PASSENGERS AIR BAG STAYS OFF. *TR

Air BagsFire
Filed Aug 26, 201483,000 milesWI

OCCUPANT AIR BAG SENSOR COME ON IN FIRE, NOW SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT ..UPDATED 09-15-14-*BF UPDATED 2/23/2015 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2014192,639 milesMN

SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN, TURNED RIGHT AND STARTED TO SPEED UP AND THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME, HOLDING THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON MANUALLY. EVEN AT 20 MPH, IT WAS VERY SCARY, COULD NOT IMAGINE THIS HAPPENING AT THE SPEED OF 55 OR HIGHER. VERY DANGEROUS!! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 16, 2014123,344 milesNC

I HAVE A 2007 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX I HAVE THE ENGINE LIGHT AND SERVICE TRANSACTION. I TOOK THE CAR WHEN THESE LIGHTS COME ON. THEY TELL ME IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT. I AM DISABLED AND DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY. HAS THIS PART BEEN RECALLED ? I READ SOME ON THE INTERNET WHERE THE FUEL SYSTEM HAD BEEN RECALLED . I TAKE MY GRANDSON TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY AND PICK HIM UP . THE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN GO OFF. THE WEATHER IS COLD HERE. THAT SEEMS TO CAUSE THE LIGHT TO COME ON. I WORRY ABOUT A SAFE CAR. HERE IS THE INFORMATION I PULLED UP. RECALL ID # 79907 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP PLUS FULL DETAILS RECALL DATE FEB 28, 2011 COMPONENT FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP MODEL AFFECTED MALIBU POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED 4887 IF THERE IS A RECALL WHOM DO I CONTACT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ? *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 29, 201368,000 milesIL

THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" IS COMING ON AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS SHUTTING OFF. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL MODULE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 13, 2013106,500 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TURN OFF EVEN WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AND IT DEACTIVATES AND ACTIVATES INTERMITTENTLY THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF DRIVING. DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN SERVICING SO I DON'T KNOW IF I ACTUALLY HAVE AIR BAGS WHEN PASSENGERS ARE PRESENT. I WAS TOLD THE CONTROL MODULE FOR THE AIR BAGS MAY BE BAD, SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SOMEBODY SHOULD BE ADDRESSING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 15, 201364,350 milesME

INTERIOR CONTROLS FOR LOCKING / UNLOCKING DOORS AND ADJUSTING THE POWER SIDE MIRRORS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE. AM WONDERING IF CAUSE OF THESE CONTROLS TO STOP WORKING IS SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 13V248000 OF JUNE 13, 2013, IE; FLUID MAY ENTER DRIVER'S DOOR MODULE CAUSING CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. A SHORT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCHES TO BECOME INOPERABLE. HAVE NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM INVESTIGATED YET, SO DON'T HAVE DEFINITIVE ANSWER, BUT WANTED TO PUT THE PROBLEM ON RECORD W / NHTSA. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 11, 201324,000 milesWA

CLUNKING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL. HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. DEALER SAYS THE PART WAS NOT LUBRICATED AT MANUFACTURE. BUT I HAVE TO BUY A REPAIR KIT. NOW AT 88000 MI I HAVE TO BUY A NEW UNIVERSAL JOINT BECAUSE IT FAILED DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 11, 201375,000 milesWA

THE AIRBAG SENSOR COMES ON PERIODICALLY AND SAYS IT NEEDS SERVICED. I NEVER KNOW IF MY AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. IT IS INTERMITTENT. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 24, 201382,000 milesWV

WE LEARNED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHEN PEDAL WAS NOT PUSHED, BUT GOING OFF WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK IN THIS SITUATION OF COURSE. ALSO, AT TIMES, POWER WINDOWS WON'T WORK AND OTHER TIMES THE DOOR AJAR LIGHTS UP, DOORS WON'T LOCK AT THIS TIME, AND CHECK REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM WILL ALERT. I DIAGNOSED THAT THE 6 VOLT REFERENCE VOLTAGE WAS APPROX. 2-3 VOLTS. GM BULLETIN RECOMMENDED CLEANING BCM CONNECTOR AND APPLYING DIELECTRIC GREASE. AT TIMES THIS WOULD WORK, BUT NO CORROSION WAS EVER EVIDENT AT THESE CONNECTORS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY MORE COMMON, ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HASNT OCCURRED FOR 3-4 MONTHS. *TR

Seats
Filed Mar 4, 201350,000 milesMI

THE WELD ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT MUST HAVE BROKEN BECAUSE THE SEAT STARTED LEANING TOWARD THE CONSOLE. I HAVE TO ADJUST THE POWER SEAT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO GET IT TO LEVEL OUT ENOUGH TO DRIVE. I SEE THAT THERE ARE OTHER INCIDENCES OF THIS REPORTED BUT ALL ON HIGHER MILEAGE CARS. I ONLY HAVE 53,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND IT WAS ALOT LESS THAN THAT WHEN I FIRST HAD THE ISSUE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 3, 201387,660 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE SMELLED GASOLINE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY OPEN RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,660. UPDATED 9/19/13 *CN THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE LINE CONNECTER LEAKING. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT. THE CONSUMER ONLY AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP.

Power Train
Filed Dec 12, 201273,500 milesIN

I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. AFTER RELEASING THE BREAK THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. I LOOKED DOWN TO MAKE SURE THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK, AND IT WAS. I THEN LOOKED UNDER THE ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER TO CHECK IF IT WAS ALSO SHOWING IN PARK, BUT IT WASN'T. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE. NEXT I PUT THE GEAR SHIFTER BACK IN DRIVE AND RETURNED AGAIN TO PARK WITH THE SAME RESULT. I THEN TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND BACK TO PARK BUT THE VEHICLE STAYED IN DRIVE. LAST I TRIED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO L AND BACK TO PARK WITH YET AGAIN THE SAME RESULT. THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN L. FINALLY I DECIDED TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND LET IT SET OVERNIGHT THINKING THERE MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT WILL "WORK ITSELF OUT". THE NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE REMAINS IN L. I CALLED MY LOCAL GM DEALER TO SEE ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT A RECALL AVAILABLE FOR THE 2007 MODEL. THE GM DEALER STATED THERE WOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE 08-10 MODELS BUT NOT FOR THE 07. ONLINE I FOUND THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES THAT STATE OTHERWISE: HTTP://WWW.CBSNEWS.COM/8301-505145_162-57517641/GM-RECALLS-474K-MIDSIZE-CARS-OVER-BAD-TRANSMISSION/ HTTP://WWW.INQUISITR.COM/339365/GM-ISSUES-RECALL-OVER-TRANSMISSION-ISSUES-MORE-THAN-400000-SEDANS-AFFECTED/ HTTP://WWW.FOXNEWS.COM/LEISURE/2012/09/21/GM-RECALLING-474000-CARS-TO-REPAIR-ROLLAWAY-RISK/ *TR

Seats
Filed Jul 17, 201290,000 milesMN

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BRACKET (WELD BROKE.). LEFT BACK BRACKET. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 4, 201298,000 milesNH

WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE SHIFTER DOES NOT ACTUALLY GO INTO PARK, THEREFORE CAR KEEPS ROLLING.YOU HAVE TO SHIFT THE SHIFTER BACK AND FORTH UNTIL YOU HERE THE DOORS UNLOCK, THEN YOU KNOW ITS IN PARK. *JS

Steering
Filed Oct 17, 201158,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD NOISE AND BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 14, 201170,000 milesPA

POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WITH 2007 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. *TR

Seats
Filed Jul 4, 201175,000 milesWI

DRIVER SEAT FRAME WELDS SNAP, WILL HAVE TO WELD AND MAKE NEW BRACKETS. MINE DID IT ON THE LEFT REAR. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 04 THROUGH 05 CHEVY MALIBUS. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 201175,000 milesPA

POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. NOISE, STEERING LOCKUP, FLUID LEAKING. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 7, 20119,000 milesTX

I EXPERIENCED A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE STEERING SINCE 9000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 69000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT'S WORSE THAN EVER. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER REGULARLY AND COMPLAINED ABOUT IT EVERY TIME. EVERY TIME THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING. ONCE IT CAME OFF WARRANTY, THE DEALER HAD NO PROBLEM FINDING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKEN TO GM ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE 2004 THROUGH 2006 MODEL AND A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED. GM REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM IN THE 2007 MODEL. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jan 7, 201144,000 milesOH

FROM ABOUT 35000 MILES, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON FROM TIME TO TIME. UNDER THE 3YEARS/36000MILES WARRANTY, DEALER JUST REZEROED THE PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM. BUT IT CAN NOT PREVENT THE AIR BAG LIGHT FROM BEING ON AGAIN OCCASIONALLY. AT ABOUT 44000 MILES, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ALWAYS ON. THIS TIME THE SAME DEALER (JAKE SWEENEY CHEVROLET) ASKED FOR A TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FOR $632. I THINK THE AIR BAG PROBLEM IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 07 MALIBU MAXX. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Aug 6, 201036,325 milesNC

AIR BAG PRESENCE MODULE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED COST $582.00. VEHICLE MILEAGE 36,522 IN/36,524 OUT FROM DEALERSHIP 3/5 AUGUST 2010. AIRBAG GOES OUT OF SERVICE WITH PASSENGER IN SEAT AND BUCKLED. WARRANTY 36,000 CHEVY EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER AIRBAGS SYSTEM. 524 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. TOLD SHOULD HAVE HAD FORESIGHT TO TELL THE PART WAS GOING TO GO OUT PRIOR TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION LIKE I DID FOR THE DASH RATTLES (FIXED AGAIN ON 5 AUG 2010). CONTACT CHEVY STATED VIA TELEPHONE (LEE) I WOULD BE CONTACTED WITHIN 24 HOURS REGARDING IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR REPAIR. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY EXCEPT FOR AN EMAIL FROM (LADY) STATING WE ARE FORWARDING YOU CONCERN. THE DEALER (WILKERSON CHEVY, 1301 DOUGLAS DRIVE, PO BOX 1088, SANFORD, NC 27331-1088, (919) 775-3421). I BELIEVE THE DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (MS. SHELLY NICHOLS) HAS DONE EVERYTHING IT CAN DO WITHOUT CHEVY'S REPAIR AUTHORIZATION. REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN RESOLVING THIS REPAIR ISSUE. WITH THIS VITAL PART OF THE SAFE SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE IT RENDERS THE ATLEAST THE PASSENGER SEAT UNSAFE (1) AS A PASSENGER AND (2) AS AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER POTENTIALLY THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF FRONT END COLLISION HOWEVER , IT MAY ARM. THERE BY CREATING A SECOND HAZARD. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 14, 201073,000 milesMO

STEERING MAKES A POPING SOUND EVERY TIME I TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE A TURN. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 2, 20108,000 milesWA

FROM 8000 MILES ONWARD MY CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAS A CLUNKING FEELING IN THE FRONT END WHEN YOU TURN. MALIBUS AND OTHER CHEVYS REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, CHEVY WILL NOT FIX BUT SAYS THE STEERING SHAFT WAS MISTAKENLY UNLUBRICATED DURING MANUFACTURE AND MAY NEED TAKEN APART AND LUBRICATED, THEY WILL NOT OFFER FIX. THE UNLUBRICTAED STEERING COLUMN COULD POTENTIALLY WEAR AND FAIL. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 30, 2009TX

MY 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT MAXX LOCKS WHEN I AM DRIVING. I HAVE READ A LOT OF REVIEWS ON THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I THINK A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Dec 15, 200950,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE AIRBAG MODULE LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN MADE REPAIRS TO THE MODULE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 21, 200966,000 milesTX

DRL TOO HOT AND CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT / SIDE MARKER HOUSING TO MELT. MELTED PLASTIC CAUSES BULB TO GO OUT / FUSE TO SOCKET. NEEDED TO REPLACE BULB, HOUSING AND HARNESS ALL OEM AND AVAILABLE.. POSSIBLE FIRE DANGER IF LEFT UNCHECKED. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 13, 2008MA

WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, HE HEARS A CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN.. THE CURRENT 50K AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 30,000. *TR

All 44 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2007 — this page44310Routine
2006270410Above average
20053263100Above average
2004434360Above average

Compare every Malibu Maxx year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 4, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.