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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

12 reports
Clear category filter
155,000 miles · Dec 28, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND AFTER I REPAIRED THAT ISSUE, WAS TOLD THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MAINTENANCE GUY FOUND A LETTER STATING 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS BEING RECALLED FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HOWEVER, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON GM'S RECALL SITE MY 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WASN'T LISTED. T…

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MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND AFTER I REPAIRED THAT ISSUE, WAS TOLD THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MAINTENANCE GUY FOUND A LETTER STATING 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS BEING RECALLED FOR FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HOWEVER, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON GM'S RECALL SITE MY 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU WASN'T LISTED. THE LETTER IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE CONVERTER FOR 10 YEARS OR UP TO 120,000. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMEONE AT GM THAT I CAN CONTACT DIRECTLY REGARDING THIS SITUATION. PLEASE ADVISE BEST REGARDS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668556

56,650 miles · Oct 15, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

I DRIVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 56,000 MILES. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND ALL THE SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE & THE CAR VIBRATED A LITTLE. ONE OF THE FANS COMPLETELY BROKE APART AND THE PIECES FLEW INTO THE RADIATOR EMBEDDING THEM INTO THE RADIATOR. SO FROM THIS I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO A REPA…

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I DRIVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 56,000 MILES. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND ALL THE SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE & THE CAR VIBRATED A LITTLE. ONE OF THE FANS COMPLETELY BROKE APART AND THE PIECES FLEW INTO THE RADIATOR EMBEDDING THEM INTO THE RADIATOR. SO FROM THIS I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY AND THEY HAD TO INSTALL A NEW RADIATOR & FAN. THE SERVICE TECH COULD NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED TO MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644899

95,494 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

ONLY 3 OF 4 POWER LOCKS WORK, I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE TWICE SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRST TIME WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, THE SECOND WHILE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. I EXPERIENCED THE EFFECTS OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE RECALL ISSUES WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP TR…

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ONLY 3 OF 4 POWER LOCKS WORK, I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE TWICE SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRST TIME WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, THE SECOND WHILE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. I EXPERIENCED THE EFFECTS OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE RECALL ISSUES WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHEN MY CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY OFF OR ON. I'VE PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AND I AM NOW AWAITING THE "OFFICIAL" RECALL NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET, DESPITE HAVING RECEIVED THE INTERIM NOTICE AND ALREADY HAVING HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A REFUND OF THE NEARLY $600 REPAIR. NOW, I'M WAITING TO GET IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RECALL REPAIRS AND I'VE BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY MECHANISM. INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL TURN EVERYTHING ON, BUT NOT TURN OVER OR START THE ENGINE. THE BATTERY IS NEW AND THIS ONLY HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. ALSO, WITH THE SAME INTERMITTENT THE KEY BECOMES STUCK IN THE IGNITION / KEY MECHANISM ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT WILL NOT COME OUT WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT WIGGLING AND FORCEFUL PULLING. I'VE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE EXHAUST CONVERTER, MANIFOLD AND GASKETS REPLACED, A NEARLY $800 REPAIR. NOT TO MENTION AN EARLIER RECALL IN 2012 DEALING WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSION CABLES THAT I NOW SEE ARE BEING RECALLED ONCE AGAIN VIA YOUR SITE, HOWEVER I'VE NOT SEEN A NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629451

86,000 miles · Jul 1, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts

I AM HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES AS OTHERS WITH WIRING/ELECTRICAL. LATEST INCIDENT INVOLVED LOSS OF AC/DEFROST/LEVEL CONTROLS. PRIOR TO THIS LOSS, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL COMING THRU THE VENTS WHEN THE CONTROL LEVEL WAS SET TO 1-4. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SPARKS OR FIRE; HOWEVER, THE WIRING UNDER THE GLOVE DEPARTMENT WAS E…

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I AM HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES AS OTHERS WITH WIRING/ELECTRICAL. LATEST INCIDENT INVOLVED LOSS OF AC/DEFROST/LEVEL CONTROLS. PRIOR TO THIS LOSS, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL COMING THRU THE VENTS WHEN THE CONTROL LEVEL WAS SET TO 1-4. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SPARKS OR FIRE; HOWEVER, THE WIRING UNDER THE GLOVE DEPARTMENT WAS EXTREMELY HOT. ALTHOUGH THERE WASN'T A FATALITY OR VISIBLE FIRE OTHER RISKS WERE INVOLVED. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR (ADULTS & CHILDREN) & WE WERE 500 MILES FROM HOME (RETURNING FROM VACATION). BEING ON THE ROAD, NARROWED OPTIONS ON IDENTIFYING THE ROOT CAUSE. THE AIR REMAINED OFF & WINDOWS WERE DOWN FOR THE REMAINDER COMMUTE IN 90 DEGREE RAINY WEATHER. THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES OF CONCERN. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON??? THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED IN NOV 2012 WITH THE HEATER. AT THIS TIME, WHEN THE WIRES WERE EXAMINED IT "MAGICALLY" STARTED WORKING. IN JANUARY 2012, THE DOOR CHIME BECAME VERY FAINT, THE SEATBELT CHIMES WHEN IN USE, & THE FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS DO NOT WORK. IN 2009, THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. SOMETIMES THEY WILL LOCK SOMETIMES THEY WILL NOT. I FIND IT VERY DISTURBING THAT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED; IT IS VERY CLEAR THERE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE YOU TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522646

62,650 miles · Aug 8, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages

THE A/C UNIT IS BLOWING HOT AIR ..DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469741

46,000 miles · Jun 14, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #10461795

5,000 miles · May 7, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

WHEN WE GOT THE CAR WE LOVED IT. AFTER 4500 MILES THE BATTERY DIED HAD TO WAIT 3 DAYS FOR THE DEALER TO GET US A NEW ONE. GREAT CAR RAN FINE THEN AFTER 15,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A VALVE SENSOR. DEALER FIXED IT AS IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEN AT 65,000 MILES THEN …

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WHEN WE GOT THE CAR WE LOVED IT. AFTER 4500 MILES THE BATTERY DIED HAD TO WAIT 3 DAYS FOR THE DEALER TO GET US A NEW ONE. GREAT CAR RAN FINE THEN AFTER 15,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A VALVE SENSOR. DEALER FIXED IT AS IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEN AT 65,000 MILES THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE VALVE SENSOR AGAIN. THEY BROUGHT IT IN THE GARAGE AND SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. SO AROUND 79,000 MILES ALL THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. NOW WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT TONIGHT THE CAR STARTED "CHUGGING" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CHEVY REPS. SAID ALL THEY CAN DO IS GIVE ME A 500.00 REBATE FOR A NEWER CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10457727

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

AC IN 2008 MALIBU LT1 ERRATIC OPERATION. AC WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE TEMP CONTROL UNIT IS REPEATEDLY TURN OFF AND ON UNTIL IT DECIDES TO OPERATE. IF INSIDE AIR IS SELECTED IT WILL OPERATE SOMETIMES. VEHICLE AC WILL OPERATE AFTER SECOND START UP OF ENGINE OCCASIONALLY. FAN MUST BE TURNED OFF THEN ON REPEATEDLY TO GET AC TO TURN …

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AC IN 2008 MALIBU LT1 ERRATIC OPERATION. AC WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE TEMP CONTROL UNIT IS REPEATEDLY TURN OFF AND ON UNTIL IT DECIDES TO OPERATE. IF INSIDE AIR IS SELECTED IT WILL OPERATE SOMETIMES. VEHICLE AC WILL OPERATE AFTER SECOND START UP OF ENGINE OCCASIONALLY. FAN MUST BE TURNED OFF THEN ON REPEATEDLY TO GET AC TO TURN ON, AC SELECT MUST TURNED OFF THEN ON REPEATEDLY TO GET AC TO OPERATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419303

85,000 miles · Feb 6, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringStructure

THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE JUMPS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY HARD TO MAINTAIN YOUR LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS AT ALL DIFFERENT POINTS WHETHER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING OR JUST STARTED, IT CAN LAST UP TO 30 MIN. QUIT THEN START AGAIN IT IS VERY UNSAFE. MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS ALSO GONE OUT …

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THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE JUMPS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY HARD TO MAINTAIN YOUR LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS AT ALL DIFFERENT POINTS WHETHER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING OR JUST STARTED, IT CAN LAST UP TO 30 MIN. QUIT THEN START AGAIN IT IS VERY UNSAFE. MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS ALSO GONE OUT IN THIS CAR. IT LOOSES TRANSMISSION POWER, DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROMPTLY. WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR WE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR THE BACK TRIM LEAKING, TRUNK RELEASE NOT WORKING, THE CAR WOULDN'T START DO TO THE AFTERMARKET ALARM THE DEALER SHIP PLACED ON IT, AND THE PAINT PEELED. NO I AM HAVING MAJOR ISSUES AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY. THIS WAS THE WORST MISTAKE EVER AND THOSE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380862

31,700 miles · Jan 19, 2011
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCIBLY SHIFT THE KEY AROUND IN THE IGNITION TO GET THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SERVICE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCIBLY SHIFT THE KEY AROUND IN THE IGNITION TO GET THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SERVICE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,700.

NHTSA ODI #10377891

Official recalls

4

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

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.