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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-CHEVROLET-MALIBU
2008 · chevrolet

chevrolet Malibu problems

1 safety recall. 1,013 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
466 reports · avg $700
critical
electrical
167 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
70 reports · avg $2,500
severe
lighting
56 reports · avg $250
moderate
airbags
45 reports · avg $1,100
critical
engine
28 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
brakes
27 reports · avg $450
severe
body
10 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Malibu · steering
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE WORDS 'POWER STEERING' COMES ON THE MESSAGE BOARD ALONG WITH A YELL ILLUMINATED TRIANGLE LIGHT AND AN 'ESC' LIGHT AND THE CARS STEERING WILL NOT CONTROL. CAR WILL SHIFT BUT STEERING CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. WILL…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164282.0
2008 Malibu · electrical
IN THIS 4 DOOR VEHICLE, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS APPEAR TO HAVE A DEFECT THAT HAS AFFECTED NUMEROUS VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS EITHER COMPLETELY FAIL OR BECOME INTERMITTENT. THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THESE ACTUATORS FAILING. THE…
12/31/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441941.0
2008 Malibu · steering
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…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669009.0
2008 Malibu · engine
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…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669059.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 14V224000 30/04/2014

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

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 1,013 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 466 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Malibu has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,013 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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