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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

Steering complaints

460 reports
Clear category filter
76,277 miles · Nov 6, 2013
Steering

I WAS DRIVING ON SUNDAY 11-03-2013 AND WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND THE WORDS POWER STEERING APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. IT TOOK 2 MEN TO HELP STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, PAUL …

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I WAS DRIVING ON SUNDAY 11-03-2013 AND WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY STREET WHEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND THE WORDS POWER STEERING APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. IT TOOK 2 MEN TO HELP STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, PAUL MASSE CHEVROLET, EAST PROVIDENCE RI. I TOLD THEM I HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHEVROLET DATED JUNE 2012 ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE LETTER STATED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM ,YOU SHOULD NOT BRING THE CAR IN FOR REPLACEMENT PART. THE DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR AND STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TORQUE SENSOR NOT THE ELECTRICAL INPUT SIGNAL MENTIONED IN THE LETTER, THEREFORE, THE REPAIR WOULD BE GREATER THAN $900.00. THEY TOLD ME IF THE MODULE GOES OUT THEN BRING IT BACK AND THAT WOULD BE COVERED. NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE STEERING WITH NO WARNING AND ANYONE COULD GET HIT OR HIT ME AS I AM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME BUSY STREET. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE MODULE MENTIONED BECAUSE THEY SAID CHEVROLET WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THEM. I HOPE YOU CAN LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE LOOKING AT COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE THERE ARE OVER 80 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VERY PROBLEM. I ALSO LEARNED CANADA RECALLED THESE MALIBU'S FOR THIS VERY SAME REASON. I SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT YOUR OFFICE AND SHE GAVE ME A CONFIRMATION # 10551103 HOWEVER I FELT SHE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND MY SITUATION AND I FELT THE NEED TO EXPLAIN IT IN WRITING. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ABRUPTLY LOOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551109

76,000 miles · Nov 6, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TORQUE AND STEERING SENSOR HAD TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TORQUE AND STEERING SENSOR HAD TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, ONTO A BUSY STREET A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT READ POWER STEERING. IT TOOK TWO MEN TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #10551103

74,000 miles · Nov 5, 2013
Steering

WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 28, 2012, I WAS SITTING STILL ON AN INCLINE AND THE WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN BACK AND FORTH ON ITS ON. THE CAR LOT ASSURED ME IT WAS MOTOR MOUNTS, AN EASY FIX, AND I BOUGHT THE CAR. WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO, THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE. TODAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHI…

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WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 28, 2012, I WAS SITTING STILL ON AN INCLINE AND THE WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN BACK AND FORTH ON ITS ON. THE CAR LOT ASSURED ME IT WAS MOTOR MOUNTS, AN EASY FIX, AND I BOUGHT THE CAR. WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO, THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE. TODAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013, I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON THE FREEWAY AND I AM A PETITE WOMAN(WEIGHING IN AT AROUND 110 LBS.) SO IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENDING COST FOR MY VEHICLE IS AROUND 15,000 AND IT HAS ONLY BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551012

115,508 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,508.

NHTSA ODI #10550845

69,800 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Steering

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE CAR IS IDLING AND DRIVING. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING, PULLING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT.GM HAD RECALLED MANY 2008 MALIBU VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD EMIT. I CHECKED WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS COVERED. REPLACED …

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STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE CAR IS IDLING AND DRIVING. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING, PULLING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT.GM HAD RECALLED MANY 2008 MALIBU VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT WOULD EMIT. I CHECKED WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS COVERED. REPLACED DEFECTIVE PART, PROBLEM SOLVED. 2 WEEKS LATER RECEIVED A BILL FOR THE REPAIR, THE BILL STATED IT WASN'T COVERED SINCE MY VIN DIDN'T FALL IN THE BRACKETS OF VINS FOR REPAIR.GM DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EITHER. THE DEALER DIDN'T CONTACT ME CONCERNING THE NON COVERAGE, JUST SENT ME A BILL. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS IT WOULD PULL THE CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT SURE WHY GM WON'T COVER MY VEHICLE.THEIR ATTITUDE SEEMS THAT SINCE THE VIN DOESN'T FALL IN THE CATEGORY, IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10550759

136,194 miles · Oct 22, 2013
Steering

CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE IN PARK ALSO SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING. VERY HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING! POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY UNSAFE AND WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! PLEASE HELP! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IN THE UNITED STATES! TOOK…

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CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE IN PARK ALSO SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING. VERY HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING! POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY UNSAFE AND WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT! PLEASE HELP! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IN THE UNITED STATES! TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND SAID THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING MOTOR BEING DEFAULTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548959

110,000 miles · Oct 9, 2013
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

DRIVING ON STRAIGHT ROAD AND CAR SUDDENLY PULLED RIGHT ONTO THE SHOULDER. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR LOST ITS STEERING CAPACITY. TRIED TO CORRECT THE STEERING ONTO THE ROAD AND THEN CAR SPUN 180, THEN HIT DITCH. CAR ROLLED OVER 100 FT. IN AIR AND LANDED ON WHEELS. THE FRONT, NOR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EVEN WHEN CAR STRUCK THE SIDE ON …

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DRIVING ON STRAIGHT ROAD AND CAR SUDDENLY PULLED RIGHT ONTO THE SHOULDER. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR LOST ITS STEERING CAPACITY. TRIED TO CORRECT THE STEERING ONTO THE ROAD AND THEN CAR SPUN 180, THEN HIT DITCH. CAR ROLLED OVER 100 FT. IN AIR AND LANDED ON WHEELS. THE FRONT, NOR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EVEN WHEN CAR STRUCK THE SIDE ON THE GROUND. CANADA HAS RECALLED 67,000 VEHICLES DUE TO POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE DEFECTIVE. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE IN THE US BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. (IT ALMOST KILLED US IF WE DIDN'T HAVE OUR SEATBELTS ON!) *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547464

42,000 miles · Sep 26, 2013
Steering

I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM IN NOV OF 2011, AND CHEVY FIXED MY CAR AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE IT HAD UNDER 12K MILES. THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND NOW BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I AM EXPECTED TO PAY FOR A DEFECT WHICH IS SO SEVERE THAT CANADA HAS RECALLED 67K VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.C…

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I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM IN NOV OF 2011, AND CHEVY FIXED MY CAR AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE IT HAD UNDER 12K MILES. THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND NOW BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I AM EXPECTED TO PAY FOR A DEFECT WHICH IS SO SEVERE THAT CANADA HAS RECALLED 67K VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2012/10/03/GM-RECALLING-67K-CHEVY-MALIBU-PONTIAC-G6-AND-SATURN-AURA-MODELS/ THE STEERING MODULE THAT WAS INSTALLED ON MY CAR IN NOV 2011 IS JUST AS DEFECTIVE AS THE ORIGINAL PART THAT FAILED ON MY MALIBU WHEN IT WAS MADE IN 2008. THERE IS NO RECALL OR RECOURSE FOR OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES IN THE USA, SO WE ARE FORCED TO EITHER TRADE IN OUR CAR OR PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE PARTS THAT CHEVY KNOWS IS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED DRIVING THESE CARS! *JS

NHTSA ODI #10545588

35,000 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Steering

LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER MALIBU OWNERS, MY 2008 STARTED SHIMMYING WHILE IDLING, AND ALSO STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT, STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY, AND THE PS MODULE. THEY CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED, AND THERE IS NONE. MY CAR HAS 37,000 MILES O…

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LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER MALIBU OWNERS, MY 2008 STARTED SHIMMYING WHILE IDLING, AND ALSO STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT, STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY, AND THE PS MODULE. THEY CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED, AND THERE IS NONE. MY CAR HAS 37,000 MILES ON IT; I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE DEALING WITH A STEERING ISSUE AT THIS POINT, ESPECIALLY TO THE TUNE OF $1600.00! BY ALL RIGHTS, GM SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL ON THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542938

42,000 miles · Aug 8, 2013
Steering

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY 3/4 OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLE AND IN PARK. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. FAMILIES LIVES ARE AT STAKE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE POSTED VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE AND…

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STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY 3/4 OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLE AND IN PARK. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. FAMILIES LIVES ARE AT STAKE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE POSTED VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE AND HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EOH5MQ4X4CG GM NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF ITS PEOPLE CONSIDERING THE PEOPLE TOOK CARE OF THEM A.K.A. "BAILOUT". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534386

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.