Page 10 of 20 · complaints 451–500 of 989

2008 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2008 record →

Steering
Filed Apr 6, 201569,000 milesIL

I PURCHASED A 2008 CHEVY MALIBU ONE YEAR AGO AND HAS HAD STEERING AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER 2 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THE POWER STEERING AND LACK OF CONTROL. WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK OR DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND MAKES LOUD NOISES. WHEN I'M DRIVING, THE WHEEL WILL JERK LEFT AND RIGHT AND FEEL "STUCK" IN CERTAIN POSITIONS. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE WHEEL WILL TURN AND STICK AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT... IT HAS TURNED AND STUCK GOING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON THE STREET AND HIGHWAY. THERE IS ALSO ISSUES WITH THE CAR DOOR LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN, AND I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. I NOTICED THE TURNING LIGHT/BLINKER GOING FAST AND SLOW AND A COUPLE OF TIMES THE CAR SPEAKERS HAVE GONE IN AND OUT. MY DEALERSHIP HAS SENT ME AROUND IN CIRCLES WITH NO CARE IF THIS GETS RESOLVED. I CONTACTED GM AND I HAVE A CASE NUMBER BUT NO ONE HAS GIVEN ME A RESOLUTION OR EVEN SUGGESTED HELP BY GM OR MY DEALERSHIP. *TR

Seats
Filed Apr 2, 2015118,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, A NOISE EMITTED FROM THE MOTOR OF THE SEAT AS IT LEANED TOWARDS THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 201587,000 milesLA

WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, MY 16 YEAR OLD SON WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND A PERSON BEGAN TO ENTER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HIS 2008 MALIBU DUE TO THE ELECTRIC LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN RANDOMLY. HE WAS ABLE TO RUN A RED LIGHT AND DRIVE AWAY IN ORDER TO ESCAPE. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN A HIGH CRIME CITY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 23, 201590,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS EXTREME HESITATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 18, 201587,000 milesMI

CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED. HAD TO MANUALLY TURN AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. STEERING WHEEL HAD ALSO STARTED TO SHAKE OR VIBRATE EVEN WHEN SITTING IN PARK. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALSO MOVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, TURNING A LITTLE BIT ON ITS OWN WHILE PARKED AND RUNNING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MODULE, UNDER SPECIAL POLICY 101830P. THIS SAME THING WAS DONE IN SEPT 2012. WHEN I GOT MY VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT STILL WAS LOSING POWER STEERING AND THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THIS TIME THEY STATED THAT IT WAS THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR THAT HAD INTERNAL FAILURE. THIS WOULD BE ALMOST $600 TO FIX AND THERE WAS ALSO A DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $96. I CONTACTED GM, BECAUSE THERE WERE 1.3 MIL VEHICLES RECALLED FOR SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH IT INCLUDES THE 2008 MALIBU (WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE),MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHOM OFFERED TO GIVE A 20% DISCOUNT TO DO THE REPAIR. GM THEMSELVES WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR OR DIAGNOSTIC FEE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. AT THIS TIME, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I AM BARELY ABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING TO DIRECT MY VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN IT LOSES THE POWER STEERING. THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD BE ABLE TO AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS NOR QUICKLY IN AN EMERGENCY. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 16, 2015202,000 milesAR

MY POWER STEERING CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE ALARM WENT OFF, A NOTIFICATION POPPED UP ON THE CAR'S DISPLAY SCREEN THAT POWER STEERING WAS OUT. THE POWER STEERING WOULD WORK PROPERLY WHEN THE CAR WAS FIRST STARTED, BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY CUT OUT. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. WHEN THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING DURING THIS TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JUMP AROUND, SHAKING BACK AND FORTH. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2015129,200 milesOH

MY WIFE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED NEARLY CAUSING HER TO HAVE A HEAD ON CRASH. SHE IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SO I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT. THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AT LOW SPEEDS AND IS VERY TIGHT AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE TALKED TO CHEVROLET REGARDING THE RECALL AND THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR 2008 CHEVY MALIBU'S BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN DISCOVERED YET. I HAVE READ THE SYMPTOMS REGARDING THE POWER STEERING RECALL FOR 2008 MALIBU'S AND THEY ARE EXACTLY WHAT IDENTIFIES MY POWER STEERING ISSUE! CHEVROLET GAVE ME A REFERENCE # FOR MY CASE: REF. # [XXX]. I DO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC SCHEDULED WITH JEFF WYLER CHEVROLET, 2237 W. FIRST ST., SPRINGFIELD OHIO 45504 ON MARCH 30TH. I AM NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY MY VEHICLE YEAR AND MODEL WAS RECALLED BUT THAT CHEVROLET WILL NOT PAY FOR IT? IF THEY CLAIM IT HAS NOT BEEN DISCOVERED YET THEN I THOUGHT I WOULD BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION SO IT WILL BE DISCOVERED!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 201593,000 milesSC

ON SUNDAY MARCH 8TH, 2015 I TURNED MY CAR ABOUT 7 PM IN THE EVENING TO REALIZE THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, SERVICE ESC WAS POPULATING ON THE DASH AND TRACTION CONTROL HAD BEEN LOST IN THE CAR. I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY BRAKING AS IF THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING IN THE CAR. I DROVE IT IMMEDIATELY HOME FROM WORK AND PARKED IT AT MY HOME ADDRESS. ON MONDAY MORNING AT 7:30 AM I CALLED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT RECALL WHICH APPEARED TO BE THE ISSUE. I WAS INSTRUCTED THAT I COULD DROP MY CAR OFF AT BEST CHEVROLET AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND WOULD ASSIST ME. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF, EXPLAINED THE SITUATION, I ALSO ASKED THEM TO QUOTE A PRICE ON A LEAK AND LEFT. THEY CALLED ME TO LET ME KNOW THE RECALL WASN'T THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGHT EVERYTHING I EXPERIENCED WAS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THEY HELD MY CAR FOR TWO EXTRA DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS NO LONGER DISPLAYING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND NO ONE INFORMED ME. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Steering
Filed Mar 3, 201582,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED ON THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT AND COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 2, 201559,000 milesVA

POWER STEERING FAILURE. MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 28, 2015222,500 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING ON A CROWDED FREEWAY THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. I FIGURED I WAS OUT OF GAS SO I CHECKED THE GAUGE AND IT WAS AT 1/2 TANK. THE MESSAGE SAID SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THERE WAS NO PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER SO I HAD TO CONTINUE TO THE NEXT EXIT AT THE REDUCED SPEED. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AS TRAFFIC WAS TRYING TO PASS ME. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED BUT LUCKILY NOTHING BAD HAPPENED. I FOUND A PLACE TO STOP, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED 5 MINUTES. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT RAN NORMAL AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I RESET THE CODE ( SOMETHING ABOUT A TPS) WHEN I GOT HOME. THIS SCENARIO HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES EVEN AT CITY SPEEDS (35 MPH). I DON'T DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY ANYMORE AND HAVE TO TAKE ALTERNATE ROUTES THAT ARE SAFER TO PULL OVER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I THINK I SHOULD SELL THE CAR BUT I CANT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE PASS THIS ON TO SOMEONE ELSE LIKE GM DID TO ME. REALLY GUYS THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED ASAP SO THAT NO ONE GETS HURT OR KILLED ! *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 23, 2015160,000 milesMS

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY LOST ALL POWER STEERING AFTER FIGHTING TO GET CAR OFF THE ROAD FINALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE TURNED OFF IGNITION HAD TO PARK VEHICLE WILL NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THIS VIN WAS NOT COVERED UNDER POWER STEERING RECALLS EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING AS THE ONES THAT ARE COVERED. *TR

Seats
Filed Feb 23, 201559,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SEATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT, IT UNEXPECTEDLY COLLAPSED TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 201572,000 milesTX

POWER LOCKS NOT WORKING.I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, FOR THE REASON THAT IF IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL NOT HAVE EXIT ACCESS. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 20, 2015149,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE SPECIFICS OF THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 15, 2015102,000 milesNY

MY CAR LOOSES POWER STEERING SUDDENLY. STEERING WHEEL IS GLITCHING WHILE IDLING OR STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Feb 12, 2015107,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 10, 201580,000 milesMN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME FAILURES AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Tires
Filed Feb 4, 20153,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR LLS2 TIRES, TIRE SIZE P225/50/R18 AND DOT NUMBER: ME6111012. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED PREMATURELY. THE TIRE WAS UNABLE TO RETAIN AIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 3, 201580,000 milesNV

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL AND WHEN IDLE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EPS MOTOR CONTROLLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 2, 201575,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE AND MOVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 30, 201586,673 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,673.

Power Train
Filed Jan 26, 201577,200 milesWI

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AND WOULD SLIP AND NOT ENGAGE WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. GENERAL MOTORS HAS A SERVICE SAFETY BULLETIN OUT ON THE WAVE PLATE REPLACEMENT BUT WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF MY REPAIR. THE DOCUMENT ID 2294206 AND ALSO ANOTHER NUMBER OF 09-07-30-012. THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED THAT THE FOLLOWING LIST OF VEHICLES HAVE A PROBLEM 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE,2008-2009CHEVROLET EQUINOX, MALIBU, 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, 2007-2009 GMC ACADIA, 2007-2009 PONTIAC G6, 2008-2009 PONTIAC TORRENT, 2007-2009 SATURN AURA, OUTLOOK, 2008-2009 SATURN VUE. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT MY COMPLAINT WILL CAUSE A SAFETY RECALL OF THE LISTED AUTOMOBILES. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 23, 201540,000 milesSC

FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, MY STEERING WHEEL HAS HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. IT VIBRATES, SHAKES AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE DRIVER. THE SITUATION IS GETTING WORSE, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Jan 20, 2015108,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Jan 17, 201535,000 milesTX

REAR DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO FUNCTION. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2015140,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE LOW TRACTION, ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED, AND ENGINE DISABLED WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 10, 2015127,130 milesLA

WAS HEADING HOME FROM WORK AND MY LOW BEAMS WOULD NOT COME ON. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK BUT LOW BEAMS WILL NOT. HIGH BEAMS WILL COME ON. SOMETIMES WITH THE HIGH BEAMS YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE SWITCH FOR THEM TO STAY ON. *TR

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 9, 201590,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES TO THE HANDS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 9, 2015174,362 milesIA

INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING, OTHER 2008 MALIBUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY GM FOR THIS, MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED BUT OBVIOUSLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 8, 2015130,000 milesKY

WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK, SUDDENLY MY TRACTION LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION CAME ON MOMENTS LATER, THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 10-20 MPH(LIKE IT ALMOST DIED BUT STILL RUNNING) AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, I COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT AND IT WAS IDLING ROUGH. I SHUT IT OFF, WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND STARTED IT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS SCARED AND JUST WANTED TO GET HOME AND BORROW ANOTHER CAR TO GET TO WORK. I WAS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY FROM HOME, AND MANAGED TO GET IT HOME. WHILE RETURNING HOME IT DID THE SAME THING BUT, IT ADDED A NEW CODE DISABLED ENGINE. I HAVE READ THESE FORUMS, AND I DON'T HAVE EXTRA MONEY TO WAIST ON REPLACING PARTS THAT DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH GM, I DON'T WANT TO BE GIVING THE RUN AROUND WITH BS REASON, I WANT TO FIX MY CAR. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 6, 201574,460 milesNY

STARTED CAR AND SERVICE TRACTION ESC LIGHTS CAME ON. UPON DRIVING CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AS IT NORMALLY DOES, AND SEEMED TO LOOSE POWER. THE ENGINE VIBRATED AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT, MUCH MORE THAN NORMAL. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL NO. 13036, THE HTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. FOR THIS RECALL IS 14V252. THE DEALER ONLY REPLACED WHAT WAS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL, WHICH WAS CLIP, RETAINER, STRAP, RETAINER. HOWEVER, THIS HAD NO EFFECT ON THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD NOT FURTHER DIAGNOSE OR FIX THE PROBLEM.

Steering
Filed Dec 30, 201486,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT ABNORMAL AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 30, 2014120,000 milesNH

THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OF THE 2008 HAS A SEVERE CRACK WHICH ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I CANNOT KEEP THE FAN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, IDLING, OR IN SLOW TRAFFIC AS THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG THAT IT CAUSES HEADACHES AND NAUSEA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS TO PINPOINT THE SOURCE OF THE EXHAUST FUMES AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. AFTERWARDS, IT TOOK MY HUSBAND LESS THAN 10 MINUTES TO LOCATE AND PHOTOGRAPH THE EXHAUST LEAK ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. TWO OTHER CLOSE FRIENDS ALSO HAVE 2008 MALIBU'S AND BOTH OF THEIR CARS HAVE THE SAME DANGEROUS ISSUE OF EXHAUST FUMES LEAKING INTO THE CABIN. ONE HAS HAD THIS REPLACED AT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WITH OEM PARTS AT A COST OF $1500 WITH THE EXPLANATION OF THE HIGH COST FOR THE REPAIR BEING THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CONNECTED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE WHOLE UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE YEAR AFTER THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR, HER EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED AGAIN. ANOTHER FRIEND GOT A QUOTE OF $1300 BUT CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR EITHER AND IT BAFFLES ME THAT CHEVROLET WILL ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPLACE MY CHROME WHEEL COVERS BUT WHEN I CALLED TO ASK ABOUT THE WELL KNOWN ISSUE OF CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, TOLD ME THAT THEY HADN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE AND SIMPLY PASSED ME OFF TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ONE THAT IS COMMON AND WELL DOCUMENTED WITH A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH ON EXHAUS

Power Train
Filed Dec 29, 201450,500 milesDC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SWITCH GEARS AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 14E044000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,500.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 28, 2014155,000 milesMI

MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND AFTER I REPAIRED THAT ISSUE, WAS TOLD THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MAINTENANCE GUY FOUND A LETTER STATING 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS BEING RECALLED FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HOWEVER, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON GM'S RECALL SITE MY 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WASN'T LISTED. THE LETTER IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE CONVERTER FOR 10 YEARS OR UP TO 120,000. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMEONE AT GM THAT I CAN CONTACT DIRECTLY REGARDING THIS SITUATION. PLEASE ADVISE BEST REGARDS *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 23, 2014100,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 20, 201478,023 milesCA

NOTICED GAS SMELL FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER AND THEY IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE. THEY FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL MODULE HOSE. THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $868.35 WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR MANUFACTURER RECALLS EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN RECENT ISSUES WITH THE FUEL MODULES ON MANY GM MODULES INCLUDING CHEVROLET IN AREAS THAT HAVE EXTREMELY HOT SUMMERS LIKE THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY IN CALIFORNIA WHERE I LIVE. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH FIRE AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH A THING COULD NOT BE RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THE CHEVY COBALT 2007-2009 MODELS AND EQUINOX 2007 MODEL HAD THE SIMILAR ISSUE. THANK YOU. *DT

Suspension
Filed Dec 19, 2014104,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING ON CITY ROADS OR 65-70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. AS OF NOW IT'S A "MILD" SHAKE (BUT IT SEEMS AS IF ITS GETTING "SHAKER" AS THE DAYS GO BY. IM NOT SURE IF THERE AN ALIGNMENT NEEDED. I HAD A NEW TIRE PUT ON (PASSENGER BACK TIRE) APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO HAD TIRES ROTATED BACK IN JULY 2014? *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 16, 2014150,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO USE EXTREME FORCE IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 16, 201458,000 milesNJ

PASSENGER HEADLIGHT STARTED BLINKING TURNING OFF, HIT A BUMP THEN COMES BACK ON, WE CHANGED BULB AND LIGHT WORKED FOR TWO DAYS THEN WENT OUT CAME BACK ON FOR A MOMENT THEN WENT BACK OUT. THE BULBS ARE GOOD SO I SUSPECT A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE IS ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A HAZARD I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2014175,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 201440,850 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,850.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 201477,400 milesCA

1.AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED ON AND THE GEAR IS SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND THE CAR STARTS TO MOVE, THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. EITHER IT SAYS "SERVICE AIR BAGS" OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN I SWITCH OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE THE WARNING LIGHTS GOES OFF AND DOES NOT COME BACK AND I AM FINE. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY DAY. MANY TIMES THE TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT SOUND THE AUDIO. IT BLINKS QUIETLY. WHEN I SWITCH OFF THE AUTO HEADLIGHT BY TWISTING THE LEVER TOWARDS ME IT DOES NOT GIVE THE CHIME. 2.WHEN I TURN ON THE IGNITION AND START THE ENGINE I HEAR A NOISE FROM THE SPEEDOMETER WHEN THE NEEDLES ARE MOVING FREELY TO THE FULL AND RETURNING TO ZERO AND SETTLING. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 11, 2014160,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND A WARNING ALARMED ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Seats
Filed Dec 11, 201465,000 milesWI

DRIVER SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE, HEAD GASKETS FAILED. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 10, 2014AL

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. *MW THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIFTER AND THE BRAKES. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 201470,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 201495,000 milesIA

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN THERE IS SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT, SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES NOT. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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