IllustrationPASSENGER AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN THIS IS NOTED BY THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
870–25K
9825–50K
19350–75K
21775–100K
373100–150K
232150K+
1,200 reports with mileage · 309 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 768 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 368 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports9 fire reports31 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
62 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE CO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ON FRIDAY, 19 MAY 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:15 PM I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THUNDERBIRD ROAD AND 84TH AVENUE IN PEORIA, ARIZONA WHILE OPERATING MY WHITE IN COLOR 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU AT FORTY MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEARD A LOUD BANG, SAW A FLASH OF LIGHT AND SMELLED A FIRE. INSTANTLY, SHRAPNEL FLEW THROUGHOUT THE CAR AND MY…
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ON FRIDAY, 19 MAY 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:15 PM I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THUNDERBIRD ROAD AND 84TH AVENUE IN PEORIA, ARIZONA WHILE OPERATING MY WHITE IN COLOR 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU AT FORTY MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEARD A LOUD BANG, SAW A FLASH OF LIGHT AND SMELLED A FIRE. INSTANTLY, SHRAPNEL FLEW THROUGHOUT THE CAR AND MY SEATBELT TIGHTENED. THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT WAS HAVE I BEEN SHOT OR IS MY CAR ON FIRE? I IMMEDIATELY LOST MY HEARING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND HAD PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CHEST. MY PASSENGER CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE. THE AIRBAG FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. (PHOTOGRAPHS ATTACHED) I WAS IN SHOCK, I DIDN'T KNOW IF I WAS HURT OR WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I WAS RIGHT NEAR MY HOME AND THE CAR COULD STILL DRIVE, SO I WENT THE COUPLE OF BLOCKS HOME. I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND CAREFULLY TOOK OFF MY SEATBELT. I WENT INSIDE TO THE MIRROR TO EXAMINE MY BODY, TO SEE HOW HURT I WAS. I WASN'T BLEEDING, BUT IT FELT LIKE I HAD BEEN BURNED, MY CHEST WAS STINGING AND I HAD BURNS AND WELTS ON MY CHEST THAT WERE APPROXIMATELY THREE INCHES IN LENGTH AND TWO INCHES WIDE. I WAS VERY CONCERNED SO I THEN TOOK A SHOWER TO WASH THE CHEMICALS AND WHATEVER HAD FLOWN THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE OFF OF MY BODY. (PHOTOGRAPHS ATTACHED) **TIME SENSITIVE - I NEED TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHAT TO DO BY DECEMBER 14TH-
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, A FEDEX TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, A FEDEX TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *BF UPDATED 8/20/18*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (POWER CHEVROLET ARROWHEAD, 9055 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, WHICH REQUIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (POWER CHEVROLET ARROWHEAD, 9055 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 5911664. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH RENITA JACKSON AT 866-446-6963 (CLAIM NUMBER: 866407). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. *LN UPDATED 9/13/18*JB
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 IN NORTH DAKOTA. STRAIGHT ROAD, NO VEHICLES NEAR ME, NO BUMPS AND MY PASSENGER CURTAIN AIRBAG EXPLODED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 80 MPH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN ARM INJURY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN ARM INJURY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS I BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY CAR. FIRST IT STARTED WITH MY LOCK BUTTONS. WHENEVER I WOULD PUSH THE BUTTONS NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN BUT WHEN I CLOSED MY DOORS IT WOULD START LOCKING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES. MY ESC ALWAYS GIVING ME TROUBLE ONE DAY THE LIGHT IS ON AND THE NEXT IT'S OFF. WHENEVER THE LIGHT…
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FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS I BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY CAR. FIRST IT STARTED WITH MY LOCK BUTTONS. WHENEVER I WOULD PUSH THE BUTTONS NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN BUT WHEN I CLOSED MY DOORS IT WOULD START LOCKING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES. MY ESC ALWAYS GIVING ME TROUBLE ONE DAY THE LIGHT IS ON AND THE NEXT IT'S OFF. WHENEVER THE LIGHT WAS ON I TOOK IT TO GET CHECKED BUT NO CODE CAME UP. TILL THIS DAY I HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY ESC! AT TIME IT'S WOULD SAY IT HAD CUT OFF!!! THE AIR BAG SENSOR GOES ON AND OFF ALSO. SOME DAYS IT'S ON SOME DAYS IT'S NOT!! WELL TODAY MARCH 29, 2017 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY CAR JUST STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. IT WASN'T TAKING NO GAS AT SO I PULLED OVER AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE GAS IT GAVE IT SOME GAS. I TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND DROVE OFF
WHEN I TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS THEY BOTH WORK PROPERLY, BUT WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL AND MAKE THE TURN THEN SIGNAL DOES NOT TURN OFF !! THE PROBLEM,AS MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IS A DEFECTIVE (CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY) IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM !! THE …
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WHEN I TURN ON THE TURN SIGNALS THEY BOTH WORK PROPERLY, BUT WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL AND MAKE THE TURN THEN SIGNAL DOES NOT TURN OFF !! THE PROBLEM,AS MY MECHANIC CLAIMS IS A DEFECTIVE (CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY) IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM !! THE REASON I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IS I MUST ALWAYS LOOK DOWN AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO SEE IF THE SIGNAL IS OFF OR ON, REQUIRING ME TO NOT HAVE MY EYES ON THE ROAD AHEAD. I HOPE YOU CAN VISUALIZE WHAT THIS ENTAILS AND THE SAFETY ISSUES I EXPERIENCE WHEN I DRIVE MY MALIBU WHICH I LOVE . THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING !! *TR
THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TURNS ON DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WEIGH 100 POUNDS (WHICH IS ABOVE THE THRESHOLD FOR WHAT SHOULD TRIGGER THE AIRBAG TO BE ON) AND ABOUT HALF THE TIME THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE SEAT PROPERLY WITH MY FEET ON THE GROUND AND THE CHAIR UPRIGHT. I CONTACTED CHEV…
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THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TURNS ON DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WEIGH 100 POUNDS (WHICH IS ABOVE THE THRESHOLD FOR WHAT SHOULD TRIGGER THE AIRBAG TO BE ON) AND ABOUT HALF THE TIME THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE SEAT PROPERLY WITH MY FEET ON THE GROUND AND THE CHAIR UPRIGHT. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET TO HAVE THEM REIMBURSE THE COST OF FIXING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS CAUSED RECALLS IN OTHER CHEVROLET CARS, BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. THE SENSOR MALFUNCTION DOESN'T SEEM TO BE CORRELATED WITH WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A STREET OR HIGHWAY, ETC. IT HAPPENS ABOUT HALF OF THE TIME AND CAN SOMETIMES GO ON AND OFF DURING THE SAME CAR TRIP EVEN IF I STAY IN THE SAME POSITION THE WHOLE TIME. THIS ISSUE HAS REPORTED FOR CHEVROLET MALIBUS ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS SO I KNOW IT ISN'T AN ISOLATED ISSUE WITH MY CAR. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF WE WERE IN A CRASH AND THE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF OR WENT OFF LATE WHEN THE PASSENGER'S BODY WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG.
Official recalls
514V252000 · 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.
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.
09V073000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Mar 6, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
08V634000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
Dec 2, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEM." THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIRCONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE BLOWER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE MODE SELECTOR WOULD REMAIN IN THE LAST KNOWN SETTING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC CONTROL HEAD MODULE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
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
1AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.