Chevrolet Malibu Complaints (2008)

996 consumer complaints on file.

#11770675October 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The wiring harness in the 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid has a open ground somewhere in the wiring harness it is draining the 12 volt battery and affecting the starter and the alternator generator in the hybrid it will not let the starter engage all fuses appear to be good after checking all of them majority of the solenoids fuses relays and sensors have been replaced diagnostics test show that the wiring harness has an open ground throughout the car please call us about the open recalls that are on this car it appears to be five of them my number is [XXX] it is very important it just gets through to somebody and you give me confirmation back INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768918October 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, and the contact stated that there was heat coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the electrical gauges flickered. While attempting to pull off the roadway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a mechanic had discovered a minor oil leak coming from the engine. The contact called an independent mechanic who arrived at the scene and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the vehicle shut off upon arriving at the destination. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times after the failure; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747296June 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738366May 17, 2026
STEERING
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733969April 27, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730031April 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle accelerated on its own. Only able to stop by turning off the ignition. It was cold at the time 8-15degrees F.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727166March 26, 2026
STEERING
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712986January 23, 2026
STEERING
The EPS malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703683December 8, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689400September 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, WHEELS
UNKNOWN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663185May 27, 2025
STEERING, AIR BAGS
My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656703April 25, 2025
STEERING
Recurrence of Sudden loss of electric steering. Apparently this was supposedly fixed under recall N140115. It did not last.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653152April 7, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649001March 18, 2025
STEERING
I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644573February 24, 2025
STEERING
Power steering esc not working properly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642665February 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630993December 16, 2024
STEERING
Warning light on dash (power steering) I had no power steering at all !thank God I was at a Drive Thur at that moment . Took car to my mechanic(Steve Brook)Family Auto 26937 Eckel Rd. Perrysburg Ohio 43551 419-931-1900 they diagnosed power steering needs to be replaced and they looked up recall on 2008 Chevy Malibu’s so I called around and I’m getting no where on a recall on this but when looking it up, it shows a recall, this is something that needs to be addressed very dangerous cause that day I was getting on the highway to pick up my grandchildren and I don’t even wanna know the outcome of that would’ve been. I bought this car new and I have low mileage and I take care of my vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609842August 20, 2024
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical power steering every time it’s driven so often, car is used for school yes the vehicle was inspected by several mechanics the vehicle was like this when i brought it in september of 2022 i was told by chevrolet that my vin is not accepted in the recall which i don’t understand how if it’s the same car and same issue that the recall entails, i replaced the rack and pinion but it didn’t fix the eps sometimes when turning the car on the steering wheel is locked as in it cannot be moved/turned either way and other times it’s extremely hard to turn. the steering wheel will become extremely hard to turn at random times while driving at any speed and while stalled. when it locks while stalled a grinding noise can be heard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603674July 22, 2024
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599818July 7, 2024
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN - Steering is too tight and unable make turns without using force - occurs always
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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