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2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

801 reports with mileage · 186 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 460 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 231 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

30 crash reports5 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

987 reports
65,000 miles · Apr 25, 2013
Electrical System

THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. ALL DOORS IN THE VEHICLE ARE SUPPOSED TO, AND ASSUMED TO BE, LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND WHEN THE LOCK IS HIT. HAVING A DOOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION AS IT IS ASSUMED THAT IT WILL PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE THROUGH V…

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THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED OR UNLOCKED. ALL DOORS IN THE VEHICLE ARE SUPPOSED TO, AND ASSUMED TO BE, LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND WHEN THE LOCK IS HIT. HAVING A DOOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION AS IT IS ASSUMED THAT IT WILL PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE THROUGH VANDALISM/THIEVES OR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AS THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. LOOKING THROUGH THE EXISTING LIST OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND ALSO ON MODEL SPECIFIC FORUMS, THIS ISSUE IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A WIDESPREAD ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM, CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CARS IT AFFECTS NOT ONLY FOR THE MALIBU MODEL, BUT ALSO OTHER VEHICLES THAT THEY SELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10509605

76,000 miles · Apr 19, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

DOORS STOPPED LOCKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, AND UNLOCKING WHEN IN PARK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CARRY A TODDLER/CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEY ARE NOT LOCKED IN, AND COULD OPEN THE DOOR. WE ARE TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON IN MALIBU'S AND THE DEALER MAINTAINS AN INVENTORY OF ACTUATOR'S TO REPAIR ALL OF T…

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DOORS STOPPED LOCKING WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, AND UNLOCKING WHEN IN PARK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CARRY A TODDLER/CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEY ARE NOT LOCKED IN, AND COULD OPEN THE DOOR. WE ARE TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON IN MALIBU'S AND THE DEALER MAINTAINS AN INVENTORY OF ACTUATOR'S TO REPAIR ALL OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE BROUGHT IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508793

49,000 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering

STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN THE CAR WAS AT REST AND THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 49K MILES. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THEN THE POWER DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO FAIL; BOTH PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS AND THE DRIVER'S LOCK MUST BE OPERATED MANUALLY NOW (WELL, THE DRIV…

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STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN THE CAR WAS AT REST AND THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 49K MILES. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THEN THE POWER DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO FAIL; BOTH PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS AND THE DRIVER'S LOCK MUST BE OPERATED MANUALLY NOW (WELL, THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK WORKS 1/2 OF THE TIME...NEVER KNOW IF IT IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED UNLESS YOU DO IT MANUALLY). NO OUTSIDE KEYHOLE EXISTS FOR THE PASSENGER DOOR SIDE TO BE UNLOCKED, WHICH IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ALONE AND CANNOT GET THE DOORS LOCKED BY PUSHING THE BUTTON. HAVE DRIVEN GM VEHICLES MY ENTIRE LIFE, BUT THIS IS THE LAST TIME THE COMPANY WILL EVER GET MY MONEY. SAD.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508511

20,000 miles · Apr 15, 2013
Steering

I BOUGHT THIS MALIBU 2 YEARS AGO I HAVE HAD STEERING PROBLEMS EVER SINCE THE WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH WHEN I'M AT A STOP SIGN. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS I HAVE ALMOST WRECKED MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES I CAN NOT LET ANYONE DRIVE THIS CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508334

42,000 miles · Apr 14, 2013
Electrical System

KEYLESS DOOR FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK REAR DOORS. LOOKING THIS UP ON THE INTERNET HAS SHOWN THIS PROBLEMS IS A COMON COMPLAINT AND NOT COVERED AFTER 3 YEAR OR 36000 MILE WARRANTY THOUGH MILEAGE IS NOT A FACTOR FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE SAFETY FACTOR INVOLVED WOULD BE INABILITY TO OPEN REAR DOOR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WITH INJURIES. …

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KEYLESS DOOR FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK REAR DOORS. LOOKING THIS UP ON THE INTERNET HAS SHOWN THIS PROBLEMS IS A COMON COMPLAINT AND NOT COVERED AFTER 3 YEAR OR 36000 MILE WARRANTY THOUGH MILEAGE IS NOT A FACTOR FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE SAFETY FACTOR INVOLVED WOULD BE INABILITY TO OPEN REAR DOOR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WITH INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508207

69,032 miles · Apr 14, 2013
Power Train

I PULLED THE CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. I PUT THE BRAKE BACK ON, STOPPED IT, AND THEN DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWED THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE. I RAN THE SHIFTER THROUGH ALL THE GEARS, BUT THE INDICATOR LIG…

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I PULLED THE CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. I PUT THE BRAKE BACK ON, STOPPED IT, AND THEN DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWED THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE. I RAN THE SHIFTER THROUGH ALL THE GEARS, BUT THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED THE SAME. IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS AGAIN WHEN I BRIEFLY LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, REMOVED THE KEY, CALLED MY DEALER AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THEM. THEY FIXED IT THE SAME DAY AND TOLD ME THE SHIFT CABLE HAD SEPARATED FROM WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508182

57,353 miles · Apr 12, 2013
Structure

SUN ROOF ON PASSENGER DOOR LEAKING WATER AFTER IT RAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT RIGHT SIDE DRAIN WAS STOPPED UP. ON APRIL 12 THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING AGAIN. I THINK IT IS A DEFECT AND NEED A RECALL. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH SUN ROOF BEFORE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A MALIBU HAVING THIS I…

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SUN ROOF ON PASSENGER DOOR LEAKING WATER AFTER IT RAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT RIGHT SIDE DRAIN WAS STOPPED UP. ON APRIL 12 THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING AGAIN. I THINK IT IS A DEFECT AND NEED A RECALL. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH SUN ROOF BEFORE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A MALIBU HAVING THIS ISSUE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP TOLD ME HE HAS A MALIBU AND IS ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM. OF COURSE IT IS NOT COSTING HIM $100 EVERY SIX MONTHS BECAUSE HE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT. IF THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY 6 MONTHS, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE PRODUCT. I SPOKE WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT I DIDN'T GET ANY HELP. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ORDERED TO RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508076

94,319 miles · Apr 4, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING STILL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED BACK AND FORTH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING STILL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED BACK AND FORTH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,319. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507074

113,900 miles · Apr 4, 2013
Power Train

WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAR DID FINE BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL STEERING. I COULD HARDLY MOVE THE WHEEL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THEN, WAS AT A LIGHT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A MAIN BUSY TWO WAY ROAD WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC, AND WHEN…

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WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAR DID FINE BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL STEERING. I COULD HARDLY MOVE THE WHEEL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THEN, WAS AT A LIGHT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A MAIN BUSY TWO WAY ROAD WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC, AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN LEFT, THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL AGAIN AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS JUST ABLE TO GET PAST THE ONCOMING CARS, QUICKLY SHUT IGNITION OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THEN, ASSIGNMENT FOR MY WORK, WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 50 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I WAS VERY AFRAID. I TOOK SURFACE STREETS TO GET TO THE JOB THEN AND CAME HOME USING SURFACE STREETS. THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT IS NOT ALL THE TIME, INTERMITTENT, BUT FAIRLY FREQUENT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I WENT ONLINE TYPING 2008 MALIBU POWER STEERING PROBLEM AND SAW THE WEBSITE WHERE GM HAD A RECALL. I EMAILED GM HELPLILNE AND WAS ASKED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT IF THEY CANNOT ISOLATE THE PROBLEM, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT LISTED AS PART OF THE RECALL AND THE MILEAGE IS OVER 100,000. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT A "WEAR AND TEAR", BUT RATHER A DEFECTIVE KNOWN PROBLEM THAT PRACTICALLY COULD HAVE KILLED ME. THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THE REPAIR IS WELL OVER $700+ AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX IT. I THINK THAT THIS IS A GRAVE DANGER TO THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT FOR OTHER DRIVERS SUCH THAT THE POWER STEERING IS UNPREDICTABLE IN PERFORMANCE. I USE MY CAR FOR MY JOB AS I AM ASKED TO GO TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND SO IT IS NOT JUST UNSAFE FOR PERSONAL DRIVING IT AFFECTS MY ABILITY TO FEEL SAFE WHILE ON THE JOB. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507050

72,000 miles · Apr 3, 2013
Steering

WE WAS GETTING READY TO PARK AND THE STEERING COLUMN GOT REALLY STIFF AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR TO PARK. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART THE CAR AND IT LOOSING UP. I WAS IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BAY, FLORIDA. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

NHTSA ODI #10505537

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.