RoadVitals

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Feb 25, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 4, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, most frequently naming the airbags, steering and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 164 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags1833.3%
  • Steering1018.5%
  • Electrical713.0%
  • Interior & seats713.0%
  • Exterior lighting59.3%
  • Fuel system23.7%
  • Driver assistance11.9%
  • Brakes11.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
15V064000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Feb 4, 2015
69,633 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14772View on NHTSA.gov
14V252000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

May 14, 2014
2,440,524 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 13036View on NHTSA.gov
14V224000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Apr 30, 2014
1,131,113 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14152View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 44
Electrical
Filed Feb 25, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11454142
Incident
Feb 25, 2022
Mileage
120,947 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Mar 1, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID
11075636
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
113,309 mi
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Jun 8, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
10994067
Incident
Jun 8, 2017
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 22, 2017

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

NHTSA ID
10956294
Incident
Feb 16, 2017
Mileage
91,248 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID
10904494
Incident
Nov 1, 2014
Mileage
119,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 2, 2016

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!

NHTSA ID
10892694
Incident
Aug 2, 2016
Mileage
159,330 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 25, 2016

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

NHTSA ID
10838164
Incident
Sep 15, 2015
Mileage
67,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 18, 2016

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 THIS IS A ISSUE THAT HAS OCCURRED WITH THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF THIS VEHICLE. HOW CAN YOU HELP?I CAN SEND PICTURES OR FORWARD VIA E-MAIL IF THERE IS A E-MAIL ADDRESS- THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID
10836852
Incident
Feb 5, 2016
Mileage
152,980 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650M

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

04-06-04-051J

ENGINE

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2007Viewing443042.3
20062704049.9
20053263154.4
20044343459.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.