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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

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

68 reports
Clear category filter
90,000 miles · Apr 3, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

WHILE MAINTAINING SPEEDS AROUND 35-40 MPH. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO TRY TO CUT OUT AND LOSE POWER. THE SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. THE ENGINE WAS TRYING TO CUT OUT. LATER IN THE DAY STARTING OUT AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I WAS STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE C…

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WHILE MAINTAINING SPEEDS AROUND 35-40 MPH. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO TRY TO CUT OUT AND LOSE POWER. THE SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. THE ENGINE WAS TRYING TO CUT OUT. LATER IN THE DAY STARTING OUT AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I WAS STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED A FEW THINGS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE ON A SIDE ROAD. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR RESTARTED AGAIN AND HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A FEW MORE PARTS AND SAID IT WAS OK. AFTER IT HAPPENED FOR A THIRD TIME I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO KEEP IT UNTIL THEY GET IT RUNNING PROPERLY. THE CAR WORKS BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE WANTS TO CUT OUT SOMETIMES BUT NOT AS BAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577247

32,579 miles · Mar 26, 2013
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

I FIRST EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OCTOBER 2011 WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATED SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC, I TOOK MY CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE WHERE THEY PUT DIELECTRIC GREASE ON THE BCM CONNECTORS. THEY STATED IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A DEALER FOR THE BCM TO BE REPROGRAMMED. WHILE THIS FIXED T…

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I FIRST EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM OCTOBER 2011 WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATED SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC, I TOOK MY CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE WHERE THEY PUT DIELECTRIC GREASE ON THE BCM CONNECTORS. THEY STATED IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A DEALER FOR THE BCM TO BE REPROGRAMMED. WHILE THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM OF MY SERVICE BRAKE LIGHTS COMING ON WITHOUT TOUCHING MY BREAK PEDAL AND THEN WHILE BREAKING NO BREAK LIGHTS COME ON, THE FIX ONLY WORKED TEMPORARILY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE LIKE OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF IT CLEARS THE MESSAGE UNTIL YOU ARE NO LONGER AT THE GARAGE AND IT COMES BACK ON. I TOO TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND DID NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE SERVICE WRITER SAW THE MESSAGES WHICH WERE, SERVICE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC. THE FIRST TIME I VISITED THE DEALER WAS ON JUNE 1, 2012, THEIR REPORT STATES CODE C0131 ABS TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PRESSURE CIRCUIT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED ON JUNE 25, 2012 IN WHICH THEY REPLACED AND CALIBRATED BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH, GREASED BCM CONNECTOR, CLEARED CODE, ROAD TEST, REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOR A SUM OF MONEY. THIS HAS NOT FIXED MY PROBLEM TO DATE. THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY PERSISTENT DURING DAMP AND WET WEATHER. IT IS AN UNEASY FEELING DRIVING BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504624

86,000 miles · Oct 21, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Latches/locks/linkagesSteering

STARTED THE CAR TO COME OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, HEARD HUMMING/RATTLING NOISE. STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE THEN WOULD DO RAPID HALF-TURNS BY ITSELF, JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. SEEMED OK FOR FIRST FEW MINUTES THEN STARTED AGAIN. GOT ON THE ROAD, DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPG ON HIGHWAY AND IT BECAME…

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STARTED THE CAR TO COME OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, HEARD HUMMING/RATTLING NOISE. STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE THEN WOULD DO RAPID HALF-TURNS BY ITSELF, JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. SEEMED OK FOR FIRST FEW MINUTES THEN STARTED AGAIN. GOT ON THE ROAD, DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPG ON HIGHWAY AND IT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. COULD NOT KEEP IT STRAIGHT WITHIN THE LANE. ALMOST HIT A CAR IN THE LANE ON MY RIGHT! PULLED UP TO AN AUTO SHOP NEAR BY. THEY TEST DROVE AND EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE BUT EXPLAINED THAT WITH THESE CARS, THE TECHNOLOGY IN THEM IS TOO ADVANCED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A CHEVY DEALER. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THE MATTER IS QUITE HAZARDOUS AND IT WOULD BE A HUGE RISK DRIVING IT NOW. SINGLE MOM DRIVING 45 MINUTES FROM HOME WITH 2 MINOR CHILDREN. HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO GET BACK HOME, 45 MINUTES AWAY. $$$!! HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 11 MONTHS ONLY. PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE, HAD DOOR LOCKS ISSUES AS I'VE READY ON OTHER THREADS AND ALSO CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH FAULTY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AS WELL. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I'VE HAD IT. THIS IS MY FIRST AND VERY LAST CHEVROLET!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481283

51,700 miles · Mar 20, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I JUST PULLED ON AND STARTED TO DRIVE ON A WINDING DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN ROAD -NOT YET ACCELERATING 40MPH- WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT LET ME TURN, ALMOST FROZEN, AND I AM INTO A RIGHT CURVE! I WAS FIGHTING THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL FOR WHAT SEEMED MINUTES BUT WAS ACTUALLY SECONDS AS I SLOWLY PUT ON MY BRAKES …

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I JUST PULLED ON AND STARTED TO DRIVE ON A WINDING DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN ROAD -NOT YET ACCELERATING 40MPH- WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT LET ME TURN, ALMOST FROZEN, AND I AM INTO A RIGHT CURVE! I WAS FIGHTING THE WHEEL TO GAIN CONTROL FOR WHAT SEEMED MINUTES BUT WAS ACTUALLY SECONDS AS I SLOWLY PUT ON MY BRAKES WHILE I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL (MIND YOU I AM IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A MT. CURVE, A CONCRETE WALL TO MY LEFT, A ROCK OUTCROPPING ON MY RIGHT, NO SHOULDER, GUARDRAIL BEGINS WHERE THE ROCKS END. WHEN I FINALLY REGAINED CONTROL, I STILL HAD A HARD TIME STEERING; STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE...INTERMITTENT SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL/SOMETIMES FELT LIKE I HAD LOST A BOLT ON MY RIGHT RIM (FOR THOSE WHO DID AT ONE TIME YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT)/I HAD A SHIMMY ON THE RIGHT LIKE SOMETHING WAS NOT CONNECTED/ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR CONTROL AT ALL (HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL-TOOK SOME MUSCLE), JUST NOT RIGHT. MY CAR USED TO HAVE SUCH CONTROL- TURN ON A DIME BARELY TOUCHING THE WHEEL. THIS STEERING ISSUE HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND MENTIONED TO MY MECHANIC AT AN OIL CHANGE BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING, EVEN HOOKED UP TO THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT, WALLET LIGHTER. I ACTUALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING OUT OF MY MIND THEN READ OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME KINDS OF PROBLEMS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? FOR THE MOUNTAIN THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE EVERY DAY TO AND FROM WORK, THIS COULD PROVE VERY DANGEROUS-LIFE THREATENING... I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY OWN CAR I HAVE ONLY HAD NEARLY A YEAR NOW NOR HAVE THE FUNDS TO SPEND ON COSTLY REPAIRS. I AM READY TO TAKE THE BUGGER BACK AND DEMAND MY MONEY BACK AND GET A MORE DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. I AM DONE SPENDING MONEY- WHY THIS IS HAPPENING? WHY NO ANSWERS OR FIXES? WORSE YET, "EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY" WHEN IT KEEPS HAPPENING! *KB

NHTSA ODI #10452464

60,000 miles · Nov 21, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, TRYING TO USE THE BRAKES WHEN NEEDED (IE SLOWING DOWN, STOPPING) SHUTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF, WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS PERSONS …

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THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, TRYING TO USE THE BRAKES WHEN NEEDED (IE SLOWING DOWN, STOPPING) SHUTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF, WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS PERSONS IN OTHER VEHICLES AROUND MY VEHICLE. IT ALSO TAKES WHAT SEEMS TO BE SOME FORCE TO MAKE THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. SOMETIMES SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING IT SOLVES THE ISSUE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING A CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE, WHICH I AM ASSUMING IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ABOVE PROBLEM. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WANT TO STAY ENGAGED WHEN TURNED ON. IT SEEMS THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE BY THEMSELVES. THIS IS ALSO ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PERSONS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING AN ERROR THAT COMES ON ADVISING THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF AND TO SERVICE THE ESC SOON. THIS LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON THAT I CAN DETERMINE. THE ERROR CODE THAT COMES ON IS C0131. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE (MORE THAN 50 AT THIS TIME) THAT I HAVE FOUND THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THIS IS A VERY HIGH SAFETY CONCERN, THAT I AM UNSURE ON WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. I CAN IMAGINE THERE ARE WAY MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HAVE JUST HAD THIS ISSUE FIXED ON THEIR OWN INSTEAD OF TAKING THEIR TIME OUT TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA FOR THEIR REVIEW. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF CONTACT TO BE MADE BY THIS DEPARTMENT TO MYSELF. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THESE SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436693

12,785 miles · Aug 16, 2008
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Crash

HAVE HAD TWO ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHICLE BOTH FRONT END COLLISIONS AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. ALSO THE RIMS ARE NO GOOD TIRES KEEP LOOSING AIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238511

300 miles · May 24, 2008
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND ACCELERATION WAS DECREASED, COULD NOT GO OVER 50 MPH. TOWED TO DEALER & THEY SAY A MODULE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO STICK. SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLACE 2 BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND THE MODULE IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THEY'VE HAD IT FOR 9 DAYS NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228816

876 miles · May 20, 2008
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

DRIVING ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY THE WARNING LIGHT FOR EMERGENCY STABILITY CONTROL/TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON. DRIVER'S INFORMATION CENTER THEN INDICATED THAT BOTH NEEDED SERVICING, THEN ADVISED "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". MANAGED TO "LIMP" HOME DRIVING THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, SAME THING HAPPENED (BUT NOT …

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DRIVING ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY THE WARNING LIGHT FOR EMERGENCY STABILITY CONTROL/TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON. DRIVER'S INFORMATION CENTER THEN INDICATED THAT BOTH NEEDED SERVICING, THEN ADVISED "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". MANAGED TO "LIMP" HOME DRIVING THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, SAME THING HAPPENED (BUT NOT ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY). DEALER FIXED IT, CLAIMING "TRACED PROBLEM TO WIRING HARNESS, CHAFFED AND RUBBING ON TRANSMISSION BOLT - REPAIRED HARNESS & REROUTED HARNESS." CAR HAD LESS THAN 900 MILES ON IT. MAYBE OUR CAR WAS UNUSUAL, BUT I'M THINKING IF WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS RUBBING AGAINST A TRANSMISSION BOLT, SO BADLY THAT IT STARTED SHORTING OUT IN LESS THAN 900 MILES, THERE ARE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2008 MALIBUS AT RISK OF THE SAME THING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228309

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.