2008 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering46032.2%
- Electrical23116.2%
- Driver assistance1017.1%
- Exterior lighting1007.0%
- Brakes956.6%
- Interior & seats785.5%
- Powertrain (other)775.4%
- Engine735.1%
- Airbags644.5%
- Fuel system533.7%
- Other / unspecified251.7%
- Body & structure211.5%
- Suspension151.0%
- Transmission120.8%
- Tires & wheels90.6%
- Visibility80.6%
- Seat belts50.3%
- Heating & air conditioning30.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall
I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (VIN [XXX] ) with an electric power steering (EPS) issue that matches GM’s known EPS defect and recall 14V‑153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer‑service representative confirmed the VIN does not show the EPS recall, but said I should report this to NHTSA. This is a safety‑related steering‑assist defect pattern that GM has already acknowledged on other Malibus. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether this 2008 Malibu LTZ should be included in the EPS‑related recall or special coverage, or whether further action on this defect is needed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Randomly when I press the brakes the brake lights don't turn on. Other times they work fine. All of the light bulbs are good. All three brake light don't turn on randomly. I have almost been rear-ended on numerous occasions.no dash lights came on. And I have not had it inspected yet just my girlfriend pushing the brake pedal to test the lights. One day they work another they don't then another day they work again.
UNKNOWN
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle accelerated on its own. Only able to stop by turning off the ignition. It was cold at the time 8-15degrees F.
When I walk up to my car all I smell is gas and my gas tank doesn’t last as long as it should the first half of my tank is gone within 2-4 hours the second half last a couple days . I just had a child and I wanna make sure I can get these things fixed . I just purchased this car like 3 months ago from a dealership .. he’s been giving me the run around so I’m trying to see what I can do
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. GM has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which GM won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? We've had it fixed on our own which cost $200.00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Randomly when I press the brakes the brake lights don't turn on. Other times they work fine. All of the light bulbs are good. All three brake light don't turn on randomly. I have almost been rear-ended on numerous occasions.no dash lights came on. And I have not had it inspected yet just my girlfriend pushing the brake pedal to test the lights. One day they work another they don't then another day they work again.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lamps failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the brightness of the brake lamps was reduced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR REMAINED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHUCK NICHOLSON INC (LOCATED AT 7190 OH-39, MILLERSBURG, OH 44654, (330) 275-3522) STATED THAT A WAIVER NEEDED TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO ANY ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR DUE TO POSSIBLE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED GREEN CHEVROLET (1703 AVENUE OF THE CITIES, EAST MOLINE, IL 61244, 309-792-1550). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I backed my car up, put the car in park, opened the door and got out. I walked a few feet away when I noticed the car rolling backwards. The open car door caught a fence which stopped the car from rolling any further. My door was bent backwards. I got into the car from the passenger side. The shifter indicated the car was still in park. Earlier in the day, I drove into my driveway, put the car in park and got out. The car continued to roll forward a few feet before I managed to get back in the car and apply the brake. Again the shifter indicated the car was in park.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed DTC: P0016 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the camshaft position correlator and crankshaft and intake were not aligned and needed to be realigned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 965,162.
When I walk up to my car all I smell is gas and my gas tank doesn’t last as long as it should the first half of my tank is gone within 2-4 hours the second half last a couple days . I just had a child and I wanna make sure I can get these things fixed . I just purchased this car like 3 months ago from a dealership .. he’s been giving me the run around so I’m trying to see what I can do
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.
On 5/23/2022, we were involved in a crash where a loaded asphalt dump truck pulled out in front of us on major highway. Vehicle was totaled from front end impact. Air bags did not deploy!!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN FUEL LEAK needs added to Recall list . It is currently at the Chevy dealership in Van Buren Arkansas getting looked at on the fuel leakage. I'm going to upload some documents for y'all to look at and consider. Everything that has been stated in these recall is exactly what my car is doing and has wrong with it. I'm just asking for it to be added on this recall list because it needs to be y'all will be able to get all the information at the Chevy dealership on the fuel leakage it is currently up there right now getting looked at in Van Buren Arkansas. I appreciate y'all and everything y'all do.
When I walk up to my car all I smell is gas and my gas tank doesn’t last as long as it should the first half of my tank is gone within 2-4 hours the second half last a couple days . I just had a child and I wanna make sure I can get these things fixed . I just purchased this car like 3 months ago from a dealership .. he’s been giving me the run around so I’m trying to see what I can do
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS SOME ISSUE WITH MY DRIVERS DOOR. I GO TO LOCK IT WHEN I GET OUT AND IT UNLOCKS ITSELF AND ITS ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT DOES IT. MY CAR WAS PARKED AND NOT IN MOTION. I STARTED MY CAR UP TO GO HOME AFTER WORK AND WHEN I SHIFTED MY CAR INTO GEAR THE DRIVERS DOOR DID NOT LOCK. I HAD TO DO IT MANUALLY. ON TOP OF THAT HAPPENING MY DOME LIGHT IS SET TO TURN ON AND OFF WHEN A DOOR IS OPEN. ALL OF MY DOORS ARE CLOSED COMPLETELY AND THE DOME LIGHT IS STILL ON.
MY 2008 CHEVY MALIBU HAS DOOR LATCH ISSUES. WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOORS, THE LATCH WILL NOT CONNECT AND THE DOOR WILL FLY BACK OPEN. WE NEED TO KEEP PLAYING WITH THE LOCKS FOR THE DOOR TO EVENTUALLY LATCH AND LOCK. THEN IT ALSO SOMETIMES DOES IT FROM THE INSIDE AND YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE AND YOU WILL NEED TO KEEP PLAYING WITH IT. ONE DAY, I HAD TO ROLE THE WINDOW DOWN TO TRY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THIS INSIDE. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE EVENT SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS AND THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE THEY WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO, IT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING. EXPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE A SMALL SON. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FAST!
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.
DISPLAYS, ESC OFF, TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE, AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED. AND WHEN ACCELERATING IT DOESN'T REALLY MOVE . IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET SPEED UP. AND I WAS ALMOST RUN OVER BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. THIS JUST STARTED ALL OF A SUDDEN. AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT A YEAR. IT IS STATED THAT THE MALIBU HAS RECALLS.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 MALIBU LTZ.ON JAN 22 2015 THE CAR FAILED TO START HAD TO BE TOWED TO LANGS.DEALER.THE SHIFTER CABLE TO THE TRANSMISSION FRACTURED AND BROKE. HAD TO BE TOWED TO CAR DEALER, REPLACED THE CABLE AND CHARGED ME $278.90. THEN I LEARNED THE MALIBU WAS ON RECALL LIST FROM NHTSA.. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE 4 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS WERE RECALLED, MY CAR WAS 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION NOT ON RECALL LIST.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THE SHIFTER GEAR WENT TO PARK AND SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,856.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
REGULAR HEADLIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THEY WERE GOING OFF THEN ON FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS. SHUTTING OFF ON THE FREEWAY 3 TIMES. FORCING ME TO USE MY HIGH BEAMS. PLEASE REVIEW YOUR RECALL TO INCLUDE MY 2008 ALSO. TIRE SENSOR PROBLEMS SINCE I GOT THE CAR. 3 YEARS AGO. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE WIPER TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE WIPER TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED TO WORK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CLOSE THE DOOR WITH FORCE TO GET THE DOOR TO SECURE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO ENSURE THE DOOR WAS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,768.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF WAS LEAKING AND CAUSED THE COMPUTER BOARD TO BECOME CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRAIN HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT END WAS WRECK, DAUGHTER LIP BUSTED , NO AIRBAG EXPLODE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT BELTS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SEATS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING. THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE DEFECT HAD RECURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT LATER THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AC SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE. VARIOUS SETTINGS WILL NOT ACTIVATE SYSTEM. DEALER SAYS THAT NO DTC COULD BE FOUND (NO TROUBLE CODES). VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN FALL OF 2008. *JS
LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE CONCERNS ABOUT 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU (RESPOND TO CLEVELAND OFFICE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAD CONDENSATION WHICH CAUSED THE BULBS TO BLOW OUT. THE DEALER FOUND A SEAL AROUND THE PARAMETER OF THE CAPSULE WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED AT THE FACTORY. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT SEAT HEATER SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO THE HEATER COMING ON WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .