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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

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

71 reports
Clear category filter
67,000 miles · Feb 12, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineLatches/locks/linkages

STEERING SHAKES VIOLENTLY,WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED,TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL. CONDITION IS INTERMITENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A STEERING CONTROL MODULE. SO FAR CHEVROLET HAS NOT OFFERED A FIX ,EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF 743 .00$ WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE? ENGINE LIGHT…

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STEERING SHAKES VIOLENTLY,WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED,TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL. CONDITION IS INTERMITENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A STEERING CONTROL MODULE. SO FAR CHEVROLET HAS NOT OFFERED A FIX ,EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF 743 .00$ WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE? ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 70000 MILES AND DEALER REPLACED CAT CONV AT NO CHARGE . THE THIRD ISSUE IS DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AT 74000 MILES,AND WILL ONLY OPEN MANUALLY. THE STEERING IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND I FEAR WILL CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497888

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2012
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages

THE CHEVY MALIBU 2008 DOOR LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED MANUALLY. WHEN YOU BUY ANEW CAR AND PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR IT, YOU EXPECT THE DOORS TO WORK PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AS I DID FOR MY OTHER CARS. THIS IS WRONG AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHETHER…

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THE CHEVY MALIBU 2008 DOOR LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED MANUALLY. WHEN YOU BUY ANEW CAR AND PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR IT, YOU EXPECT THE DOORS TO WORK PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AS I DID FOR MY OTHER CARS. THIS IS WRONG AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHETHER IT'S UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. THIS IS JUST GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE. ALSO, MY FRONT HEADLIGHT LEAKS INSIDE WHEN IT RAINS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. I'VE DRIVEN ALMOST 50 YEARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OF MY CARS. THIS ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. ..UPDATED 12/11/12 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10488402

83,000 miles · Nov 12, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THREE OF MY CAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK UNLESS MANUALLY LOCKED. THE ELECTRONICS HAVE FAILED ON ALL THREE DOORS. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN EACH DOOR, AT THE COST OF OVER $750. THE COST IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM. THE MOTORS THAT FAILED IN EACH DOOR WILL BE REPLACED BY THE SAME FAULTY PART. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT COSTS $300 TO FIX ONE DOO…

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THREE OF MY CAR DOORS DO NOT LOCK UNLESS MANUALLY LOCKED. THE ELECTRONICS HAVE FAILED ON ALL THREE DOORS. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN EACH DOOR, AT THE COST OF OVER $750. THE COST IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM. THE MOTORS THAT FAILED IN EACH DOOR WILL BE REPLACED BY THE SAME FAULTY PART. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT COSTS $300 TO FIX ONE DOOR'S LOCKS ALONE. THE DRIVERS LOCK HAD GREATER PROBLEMS THAN THE OTHERS BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT LOCKS ME IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT SHIFTS THE LOCK A LITTLE AND THE DOOR GETS JAMMED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10484062

47,000 miles · Oct 24, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PU…

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AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN PUT BACK IN PARK. I CAN NOT EASILY OR QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITH THIS FAILURE. GM SAYS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ARE ONLY A CONVENIENCE AND OLDER CARS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS. HOWEVER, ON OLDER CARS THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED. ON THE MALIBU PULLING UP ON THE LOCK KNOB IS THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. COST TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR $300. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10482032

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

50,000 miles · Oct 16, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET M…

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THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. HOW IS THIS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM? SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE A NEWBORN THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT. IF THE DOORLOCKS DON'T WORK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE BACK DOOR IS TO EITHER ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW OR CRAWL INTO THE BACK SEAT FROM THE FRONT. IF I HAD TO GET MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD DO THAT WITHOUT WORKING DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10480780

66,600 miles · Oct 9, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHIC…

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THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS WHEN USING THE POWER LOCK BUTTON. IT MUST BE ACTUATED MANUALLY- BY MANUALLY LIFTING THE KNOB UP. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KNOB IS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE BACK SEAT- THE KNOB CANNOT BE RAISED FROM THE FRONT SEAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO HELP OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. THE LOCK PULL KNOB IS LOCATED IN A POOR POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10479501

60,000 miles · Sep 26, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BR…

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BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITHOUT MANUALLY DOING SO. THIS MAKES IT VERY HARD TO QUICKLY GET MY TODDLER SON OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN FIRST TO UNLOCK IT. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF DUE TO THE BREAK LIGHTS FLASHING OFF AND ON EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PUSHING THE BREAK PEDAL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AND MY BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN IT HAS RAINED AND THE CAR IS WET. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ELECTRICAL... MY TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT IS SHUT. WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY I NOTICE THE BEDDING BECOMES VERY WET ON ONE SIDE. THE RADIO IS ALSO EFFECTED ALONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. CERTAIN BUTTONS STOP WORKING FOR PERIODS OF TIME. THE SCREEN WILL ALSO GO BLACK AND THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK AT ALL THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10477228

40,500 miles · Sep 24, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages

TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT…

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TURN SIGNAL ARM DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN SIGNALING TO TURN. ALSO THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WHEN IT DOES STAY IN PLACE IT WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION/TURN OFF SIGNAL BY ITSELF AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES POPPING NOISES. DOOR LOCKS ON ALL DOORS STAY EITHER IN THE "LOCK" OR "UNLOCK" POSITION AT ALL TIMES. ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $300.00 AND THE DOOR LOCK STILL FAILS. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE PASSENGER DOORS IS TO DO IT MANUALLY AND CLIMB OVER THE SEATS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAS TO BE UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY AND MANUALLY LOCKED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10476888

54,657 miles · Aug 18, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPERATE. THE LOCKS MOVES SLIGHTLY BUT NOT ENOUGH TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471376

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.