IllustrationON SEVERAL OCCASION I HAVE NOTICE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT ME EVEN PRESSING THE BRAKES. IT ALSO LIGHTS UP AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES IT GOES OFF. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER MALIBU OWNER AND THEY COMPLAIN OF THIS SAME BRAKE FAILURE. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND NOT SAFE. *TR
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
740–25K
12425–50K
16950–75K
14675–100K
190100–150K
98150K+
801 reports with mileage · 186 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 460 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 231 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
30 crash reports5 fire reports15 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
231 reportsAUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PU…
Read full complaint
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN PUT BACK IN PARK. I CAN NOT EASILY OR QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITH THIS FAILURE. GM SAYS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ARE ONLY A CONVENIENCE AND OLDER CARS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS. HOWEVER, ON OLDER CARS THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED. ON THE MALIBU PULLING UP ON THE LOCK KNOB IS THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. COST TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR $300. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON. *TR
THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET M…
Read full complaint
THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD DO THAT WITHOUT WORKING DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHIC…
Read full complaint
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO HELP OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. THE LOCK PULL KNOB IS LOCATED IN A POOR POSITION. *TR
THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, WERE OBSERVED ON DURING NORMAL OPERATION, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING APPLIED. THIS GIVES A FALSE INDICATION OF INTENDED OPERATION. *TR
BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BR…
Read full complaint
BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BREAK PEDAL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AND MY BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN IT HAS RAINED AND THE CAR IS WET. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ELECTRICAL... MY TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT IS SHUT. WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY I NOTICE THE BEDDING BECOMES VERY WET ON ONE SIDE. THE RADIO IS ALSO EFFECTED ALONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. CERTAIN BUTTONS STOP WORKING FOR PERIODS OF TIME. THE SCREEN WILL ALSO GO BLACK AND THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK AT ALL THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. *TR
TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT…
Read full complaint
TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT ALL TIMES. ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $300.00 AND THE DOOR LOCK STILL FAILS. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOORS IS TO DO IT MANUALLY AND CLIMB OVER THE SEATS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAS TO BE UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY AND MANUALLY LOCKED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, SPEED DOESN'T CHANGE OUTCOME, DOOR LOCKS WILL CONTINUE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES AND CAR ALARM WILL GO OFF AND WILL SET ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING TO THE ME, THE DRIVER AND TO THE DRIVERS AROUND MY CAR. THUS POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH. ALSO, THE BRAKE…
Read full complaint
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, SPEED DOESN'T CHANGE OUTCOME, DOOR LOCKS WILL CONTINUE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES AND CAR ALARM WILL GO OFF AND WILL SET ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING TO THE ME, THE DRIVER AND TO THE DRIVERS AROUND MY CAR. THUS POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE UNTIL YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THEN THEY GO OFF. THIS IS DEFINITELY BACKWARD! THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK, SOMETIMES. HOWEVER, YOU WILL HAVE TO GUESS WHICH ONES WILL UNLOCK. USUALLY, THE ONES THAT UNLOCK ARE THE FRONT-RIGHT PASSENGER AND BACK-LEFT PASSENGER. THE REASON THE UNLOCK IS BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOCK! NO ONE CAN "DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THE DRIVER DOOR AND RIGHT-BACK DOOR SOMETIMES ARE UNABLE TO BE OPENED. THIS REQUIRING ME TO FIND A DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED OR THAT DID UNLOCK AND CLIMB THROUGH TO THE DRIVERS SEAT. ALL OF THIS WHILE MAKING SURE MY AUTISTIC SON AND DAUGHTER REMAIN SAFE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, AS I PARK IN A PARKING GARAGE SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. UNFORTUNATELY, NEITHER KEY LESS REMOTES WORK EITHER! MOST RECENTLY THE SHIFTER CABLE HAS BROKEN. THE CARE WOULDN'T BUDGE. CHEVY WAS NOTIFIED, WE WERE TOLD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST CHEVY DEALER. JUST TO BE CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE, WE TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM, AND THEY DECIDED NOT TO COVER IT UNDER THE POWER TRAIN LIKE WE WERE TOLD WOULD HAPPEN. THEN TWO WEEKS AGO, THE SHIFTER CABLE BROKE AGAIN! THIS SEEMS VERY ODD. THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS OR LIKE ITS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED FROM THE BEGINNING WITH NO HELP. SO, THIS IS MY LAST REACH OUT FOR HELP. AS I HEAR ABOUT ALL THE CARJACKINGS, CARS GETTING STOLEN AND ROBBED, I JUST THINK MY CAR IS AN OPEN INVITATION! PLEASE HELP. CHEVY WOULDN'T HELP US EVEN UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
REMOTE LOCK WOULD NOT WORK ON DRIVER'S DOOR. *JS
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2LT WITH 111,000 KM ON IT. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A FEW THINGS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS FROM BRAND NEW. OVERALL MY CAR HAS BEEN OK WITH GETTING ME FROM PLACE A TO PLACE B. THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD THAT ARE PRETTY SERIOUS FLAWS ARE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, THE ALIGNMENT, THE AUTOMATIC POWER TRANSMISSION,…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2LT WITH 111,000 KM ON IT. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A FEW THINGS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS FROM BRAND NEW. OVERALL MY CAR HAS BEEN OK WITH GETTING ME FROM PLACE A TO PLACE B. THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD THAT ARE PRETTY SERIOUS FLAWS ARE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, THE ALIGNMENT, THE AUTOMATIC POWER TRANSMISSION, AND THE DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET BY HOWEVER RECENTLY I HAD TO GET THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED UNDER A SPECIAL WARRANTY POLICY. I HAD TO "KICK AND SCREAM" HOWEVER IN THE END THE PART WAS INSTALLED. THAT WOULD HAVE COST ME ABOUT 900 DOLLARS IF IT WAS NOT COVERED. NOW I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" INDICATOR. THIS CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY AND WHEN I CALLED TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS AFTER LOOKING ON-LINE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CARE AS MINE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. NOW I AM GETTING NERVOUS SINCE I JUST PAID 13,000 TO BUY OUT MY LEASE. I HAVE CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL WORK WITH ME AND THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS FIXED. BEFORE I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP I WANT TO HAVE ALL MY DOCUMENTATION THAT INDICATES THAT THIS IS A SPECIAL POLICY ISSUE AND NOT SOMETHING THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR OUT OF MY OWN WALLET. I HAVE PUT ABOUT 38,000 INTO THE PURCHASE OF THIS CAR AND DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM TO DUMP TONS OF MONEY TO GETTING THIS FIXED ESPECIALLY WHEN OTHER GM CUSTOMERS HAVE PAID OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET TO REALIZE A FEW WEEKS LATER THAT THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDS FIXING. I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO HAVE THIS COVERED BY GM. I HAVE BEEN A PROUD GM OWNER ALL MY DRIVING LIFE AND WANT TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I DREAD NEEDING TO FIX THE CAR AND SELLING IT. THAT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME AT THIS TIME. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Official recalls
414V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
May 14, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical System:wiring
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
14V224000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Apr 30, 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. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Sep 18, 2012
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.