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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

Electrical System complaints

231 reports
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101,000 miles · Jul 22, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AN ELECTRONIC STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #10887729

35,500 miles · Jul 3, 2016
Electrical System

FIRST REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED. WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY DEALER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY THE OTHER REAR DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED. GOT A QUOTE OF ALMOST $400 TO FIX. YEAH, RIGHT. THEN THE REPLACED ACTUATOR FAILED. SO WE'RE UP TO $800 TO REPAIR. THEN (SEE MY OTHER COMPLAINT FILED) - THE DOOR LOCKS START RA…

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FIRST REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED. WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY DEALER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY THE OTHER REAR DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED. GOT A QUOTE OF ALMOST $400 TO FIX. YEAH, RIGHT. THEN THE REPLACED ACTUATOR FAILED. SO WE'RE UP TO $800 TO REPAIR. THEN (SEE MY OTHER COMPLAINT FILED) - THE DOOR LOCKS START RANDOMLY LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHETHER THE CAR IS ON OR OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10882356

90,000 miles · Jul 3, 2016
Electrical System

DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS RUNNING OR TURNED OFF - ALL DOOR LOCKS KEEP LOCKING AND UNLOCKING. VERY ANNOYING. HAD TO REMOVE FUSE FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD TO MAKE IT STOP. NOW NONE OF MY AUTOMATIC LOCKS WILL WORK WITHOUT THE FUSE.

NHTSA ODI #10882355

145,000 miles · Jun 20, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM WAS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM WAS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #10875418

45,000 miles · Jun 6, 2016
Electrical System

THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPERATE OR ONLY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN USING THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK FEATURE ON EITHER THE KEY FOB OR THE DOOR SWITCH. THE DOOR LOCKS ALSO DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO OR OU…

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THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE FAILED IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPERATE OR ONLY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN USING THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK FEATURE ON EITHER THE KEY FOB OR THE DOOR SWITCH. THE DOOR LOCKS ALSO DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO OR OUT OF PARK, POTENTIALLY LEAVING THE DOORS EITHER UNLOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING OR LOCKED AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE BIGGEST CONCERN WITH THE LOCKS IS IN THE PLACEMENT OF THE MANUAL PULL ON THE REAR DOORS. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN CHILD SEATS THAT HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE REAR DOORS FAIL TO UNLOCK. THE REAR DOOR LOCK PULL IS LOCATED NEAR THE "C" PILLAR OF THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF A MORE CONVENTIONAL "B" PILLAR LOCATION, MAKING MANUAL ACCESS TO THE DOOR LOCK PULL IMPOSSIBLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE PASSENGER IN INCAPABLE OF UNLOCKING THE DOOR THEMSELVES (SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF SMALL CHILDREN OR THE DISABLED) ANOTHER PERSON HAS TO EITHER CLIMB OVER THE FRONT SEATS OR ACROSS THE REAR SEAT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE TO ACCESS THE PASSENGER AND/OR DOOR LOCK PULL TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR CERTAIN VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS FOR THE VEHICLE OPERATOR, WHO MAY BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLES DOORS ARE IN A LOCKED POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WHEN IN FACT, THEY MAY NOT BE.

NHTSA ODI #10872871

87,000 miles · May 9, 2016
Electrical System

KEY WON'T TURN TO OFF POSITION IN IGNITION

NHTSA ODI #10864026

120,000 miles · Feb 16, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE INTO A DITCH, AND STOPPED IN AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE GAS INSIDE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CONTRACT PNEUMONIA. THE CONTACT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE INTO A DITCH, AND STOPPED IN AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE GAS INSIDE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CONTRACT PNEUMONIA. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STORAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED OVER ONE YEAR AGO; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10836468

11,500 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED THE INFORMATION PANAL WAS NOT READING, IT CONSISTED OF MOSTLY DASHES. THE CAR WAS RUNNING MUCH LOUDER THAN NORMAL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT STARTED SAYING SERVICE TRACTION AND ENGINE POWER LOSS. I PLACED THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND LOCKS WENT UP AND DOWN RAPID…

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WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED THE INFORMATION PANAL WAS NOT READING, IT CONSISTED OF MOSTLY DASHES. THE CAR WAS RUNNING MUCH LOUDER THAN NORMAL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT STARTED SAYING SERVICE TRACTION AND ENGINE POWER LOSS. I PLACED THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND LOCKS WENT UP AND DOWN RAPIDLY. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RE STARTED IT, ATTEMPTED TO SEE IF IT WOULD DRIVE BUT IT HAD NO POWER, COULD ONLY REVERSE AND THERE SEEMED TO BE NO POWER STEERING. THE NEXT DAY I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, THIS TIME NO IMMEDIATE ISSUE UNTIL I PULLED OUT ON TO THE STREET. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT, AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS ON THE DASH, ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHTS REMAINED ON. RESTARTED THE CAR AND I WAS ABLE TO PARK AGAIN. THE CAR REMAINS AT THE DEALER AFTER BEING TOWED A WEEK AGO, AND THEY ARE UNSURE OF THE CAUSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD ANY CONTROL OF THE CAR AND MOST DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10819516

150,000 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TURNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TURNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REMEDIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THOSE TWO RECALL REPAIRS AND HAD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO BE REFERRED TO A DEALER TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10819465

195,160 miles · Jan 8, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON WHEN NOT APPLYING BRAKES AND BRAKES LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION INDICATORS REMAINED ON. ON THE WAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REPAIR FOR THE 3RD TIME, THE ENGINE LOSS POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 75MPH ON AN EXTREMELY BUSY INTERSTATE. ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS…

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BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON WHEN NOT APPLYING BRAKES AND BRAKES LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION INDICATORS REMAINED ON. ON THE WAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REPAIR FOR THE 3RD TIME, THE ENGINE LOSS POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX 75MPH ON AN EXTREMELY BUSY INTERSTATE. ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. PULLED OVER, PUT THE CAR IN PARK & THEN IS SHUTOFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING. AFTER WAITING AWHILE, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE TECH SAID THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED FIND - HE HAD NO EVIDENCE THAT THEY WERE STAYING ON. HE SAID THE ESC & TRACTION WAS RELATED TO THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER & I NEEDED TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED - $550. HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED AND DRIVING HOME-APPROX 30 MINS LATER-THE CAR STARTS DOING WEIRD IDLE THINGS. IN PARK THE RPM HAND FLUCUATED BETWEEN 1.5-2 AND THEN OUT OF NOWHERE 3.0-IN PARK, NOT APPLYING GAS OR BRAKES. I HAD TO APPLY BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR IN GEAR TO MAKE IT STOP. WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKES AT THE STOPLIGHT-NOT APPLYING GAS-CAR ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH ON IT'S OWN. CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK-THEY IMPLIED IT WAS MY FAULT FOR LEAVING THE LOT IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE ONLY THING THAT THE CAR DID BEFORE LEAVING DEALERSHIP WAS FOR APPROX 5 SECS IT WAS A TAD BE LOUDER THAN NORMAL WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE. THE OTHER PROBLEMS DID NOT PRESENT UNTIL AFTER I WAS SEVERAL MILES AWAY (INTERSTATE) AND MORE SO WHEN I WAS OFF THE INTERSTATE WHERE THERE WAS MORE SLOWING, STOPPING, ETC. I PARKED AFTER MY CONCERN INCREASED. TURNED THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER A PERIOD-THAT IS WHEN IT IDLED UP TO 3.0 RPMS IN PARK-PEOPLE WALKING BY LOOKED AT ME STRANGE AS IF I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR JUST PRESSING THE GAS-NOT. I AM JUST AS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR TONIGHT AS I WAS BEFORE IT WAS REPAIRED EARLIER TODAY.

NHTSA ODI #10819090

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.