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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

What owners actually said

987 reports
89,430 miles · Aug 27, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

AS I WAS DRIVING THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY TAIL LIGHTS. I THEN NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND WHEN I DID PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKES THERE WAS NOTHING. THIS POSES A GREAT PROBLEM IN THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED DUE TO THE DRIVERS BEHIND BE ME NOT KNOWING IF I…

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AS I WAS DRIVING THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY TAIL LIGHTS. I THEN NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND WHEN I DID PRESS DOWN ON THE BRAKES THERE WAS NOTHING. THIS POSES A GREAT PROBLEM IN THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED DUE TO THE DRIVERS BEHIND BE ME NOT KNOWING IF I WAS BRAKING OR NOT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. MY FAMILY OWNS 3 CHEVY'S, BUT I AM UNHAPPY WITH THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH THIS MALIBU. THIS MAY BE OUR LAST CHEVY PURCHASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10537606

80,000 miles · Aug 20, 2013
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10536259

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

80,000 miles · Aug 7, 2013
Steering

STARTING IN JUNE OF 2013, OUR 2008 CHEVY MALIBU STARTING HAVING STEERING ISSUES. REGARDLESS OF WHAT SPEED YOU TRAVELED, WHETHER IT BE 20 OR 55MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING JERKING LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. IT WOULD STOP, AND THEN SPORADICALLY START BACK UP AGAIN. WE VISITED OUR LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS T…

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STARTING IN JUNE OF 2013, OUR 2008 CHEVY MALIBU STARTING HAVING STEERING ISSUES. REGARDLESS OF WHAT SPEED YOU TRAVELED, WHETHER IT BE 20 OR 55MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING JERKING LEFT TO RIGHT ON ITS OWN. IT WOULD STOP, AND THEN SPORADICALLY START BACK UP AGAIN. WE VISITED OUR LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS THE BALL JOINTS. AFTER SPENDING $400, WE FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, WE FOUND AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF 2008 CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS WHO HAD EXPERIENCED THIS SAME THING. HTTP://WWW.GMINSIDENEWS.COM/FORUMS/F31/STEERING-COLUMN-MODULE-08-MALIBU-71371/INDEX2.HTML HTTP://WWW.BATAUTO.COM/FORUMS/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=11400.0 AND SOME VIDEO: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZR62GJNH1GM HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EOH5MQ4X4CG AND THESE MODELS WERE RECALLED IN CANADA FOR A POWER STEERING ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2012/10/03/GM-RECALLING-67K-CHEVY-MALIBU-PONTIAC-G6-AND-SATURN-AURA-MODELS/ AFTER DOING THIS RESEARCH, WE RECENTLY JUST TOOK OUR MALIBU TO OUR NEAREST CHEVY DEALER, DIAMOND CHEVY IN AUBURN, MA. THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER ANY KIND OF WARRANTY. AFTER DOING DIAGNOSTICS, THEY TOLD US IT WAS INDEED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR CONTROL MODULE, WHICH IS THE SAME THING THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING. WE WERE QUOTED AT $956 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR THIS. WE FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND DEFECT OF THE 2008 CHEVY MALIBU. US, AND IT APPEARS MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT WAS DEEMED SERIOUS ENOUGH IN CANADA TO RECALL. WHILE YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON SAFETY, WE FEEL THAT IT IS AN EXTREME INJUSTICE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $900 + OUT OF POCKET FOR A PROBLEM THAT A) EFFECTS OUR SAFETY SO EXTREMELY AND B) IS NOT CONSIDERED NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR". I BEG YOU TO PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL ON THIS MODEL MALIBU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534015

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ENGINE KEPT REVVING AND MAKING A LOUD SOUND. THE ODOMETER WENT FROM 60 MPH TO 0 AND THE TACHOMETER VACILLATED FROM TWO TO FIVE. SUD…

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2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE ENGINE KEPT REVVING AND MAKING A LOUD SOUND. THE ODOMETER WENT FROM 60 MPH TO 0 AND THE TACHOMETER VACILLATED FROM TWO TO FIVE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THEN THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING AGAIN AND THE SITUATION REPEATED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED AND WHEN IT SLOWED DOWN AGAIN, THE CONSUMER WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH REVEALED THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID INTERNALLY SHORTED OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10532514

69,000 miles · Jul 29, 2013
Exterior LightingService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL ISN'T PRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN ORDER TO RELEARN THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL…

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THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL ISN'T PRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN ORDER TO RELEARN THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE TRACTION CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532401

138,480 miles · Jul 29, 2013
Steering

THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED RAPIDLY MOVING SIDE TO SIDE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 MALIBU. THE FASTER SHE DROVE, THE WORSE THE PROBLEM GOT. WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE SIDE TO SIDE. SHE TURNED THE CAR AROUND AND WENT HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO A FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE CENT…

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THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED RAPIDLY MOVING SIDE TO SIDE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 MALIBU. THE FASTER SHE DROVE, THE WORSE THE PROBLEM GOT. WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE SIDE TO SIDE. SHE TURNED THE CAR AROUND AND WENT HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO A FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE CENTER. THE MECHANIC SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HE ESTIMATED THE COST TO BE AROUND $1500. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I HOPE CHEVY ISSUES A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532290

50,900 miles · Jul 28, 2013
Steering

WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVING SIDE TO SIDE. HAD TO HOLD ON TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM GOING OFF THE ROAD. EVEN WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR IN PARK I CAN VISIBLY SEE THE WHEEL MOVING LEFT AND RIGHT. AFRAID TO DRIVE NOW UNTIL I FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532216

45,000 miles · Jul 23, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCKS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCKS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10526338

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2013
EngineLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LOCK WITH THE KEY FOB, BUT IT DID LOCK WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE AIR CONDITIONER SMELLED LIKE THE COOLANT WAS BURNING; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LOCK WITH THE KEY FOB, BUT IT DID LOCK WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE AIR CONDITIONER SMELLED LIKE THE COOLANT WAS BURNING; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10526293

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.