SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →
1,509Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

5Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
1,115
2006977
2007987
20081,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012
Compare all Malibu years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Steering
768Electrical System
368Electronic Stability Control (esc)
255Exterior Lighting
172Service Brakes
142
All reported categories
Power Train
121Vehicle Speed Control
73Air Bags
62Engine
61Latches/locks/linkages
56Unknown Or Other
53Structure
31Seats
30Fuel/propulsion System
29Traction Control System
22Wheels
21Visibility/wiper
12Suspension
11Visibility
11Engine And Engine Cooling
9Service Brakes, Hydraulic
9Seat Belts
7Tires
6Fuel System, Gasoline
5Equipment
4Equipment Adaptive/mobility
2Forward Collision Avoidance
2Lane Departure
1Parking Brake
1Service Brakes, Electric
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,200 reports with mileage · 309 unknown

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

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 768 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 368 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports9 fire reports31 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

9 reports
Clear category filter
100,000 miles · Nov 8, 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE WHEELS FAILED TO RESPOND.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE WHEELS FAILED TO RESPOND. IN ADDITION, THE ABS AND ECM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ED BOZARTH CHEVROLET (2001 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80014, (720) 746-2716) AND AUTONATION CHEVROLET NORTH (7320 N BROADWAY, DENVER, CO 80216, (303) 720-7609) WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11278888

105,843 miles · Jun 23, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling

CRACK IN THE 2009 EXHAUST MANIFOLD; HAD TO BE REPLACED AS THIS IS PART OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERT. LOOKED ON CHEVY FORUMS AND MULTPLE PEOPLE WITH SAME ISSUE....UPDATED 08/31/15 *BF UPDATED 09/08/15*LJ UPDATED 10/14/15*JS UPDATED 12/10/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10726849

158,000 miles · Sep 24, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU, I ABRUPTLY GOT A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DASH BOARD WHICH CONTAINED THE PHRASE ENGINE POWER REDUCTION AT WHICH TIME MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH ALL THE BATTERY OPERATED ITEMS WERE WORKING THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVY MALIBU, I ABRUPTLY GOT A WARNING MESSAGE ON MY DASH BOARD WHICH CONTAINED THE PHRASE ENGINE POWER REDUCTION AT WHICH TIME MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN THOUGH ALL THE BATTERY OPERATED ITEMS WERE WORKING THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT A LARGE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND THIS ERROR MESSAGE COME UP.

NHTSA ODI #10644048

60,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE 2009 CHEVY MALIBU I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW NO MILES THINKING I WAS GOING TO BE STRESS FREE BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME THE MOST HEADACHES EVER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SHIFT GEAR AND THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPLACE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE I GOT IT THE HEADACHE ABOUT THAT IS THAT THE WHO…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE 2009 CHEVY MALIBU I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW NO MILES THINKING I WAS GOING TO BE STRESS FREE BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME THE MOST HEADACHES EVER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SHIFT GEAR AND THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPLACE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE I GOT IT THE HEADACHE ABOUT THAT IS THAT THE WHOLE BUMPER HAS TO BE REMOVED TO HAVE THEM REPLACE. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637184

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

ODOR FROM LEAKING COOLING SYSTEM. CAR PULLS TO LEFT. DRIVER DOES SEAT NOT ADJUST WITH THE CONTROL. FRONT TIRES ARE WORN DOWN CORDS SHOWING. BOUGHT CAR AT OURISMAN CHEV. CAR DEALER (34,523 MILES) WITH PLATINUM COVERAGE. CAR CURRENT (49,512 MILES). THEY INSISTED THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR NEW TIRES$295. TRANSMISSION FLUSH $249.00. FU…

Read full complaint

ODOR FROM LEAKING COOLING SYSTEM. CAR PULLS TO LEFT. DRIVER DOES SEAT NOT ADJUST WITH THE CONTROL. FRONT TIRES ARE WORN DOWN CORDS SHOWING. BOUGHT CAR AT OURISMAN CHEV. CAR DEALER (34,523 MILES) WITH PLATINUM COVERAGE. CAR CURRENT (49,512 MILES). THEY INSISTED THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR NEW TIRES$295. TRANSMISSION FLUSH $249.00. FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE $179. COOLANT HOSE$10. THAT MY PLAN ONLY COVER SURGE TANK WHICH I HAVE TO PAY $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. I BROUGHT THE CAR 5/17/12. READING THROUGH COMPLAINTS 2009 MALIBU HAVE SIMILAR CAR PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS FOR ALL THESE PROBLEM FOR A CAR THAT OWN FOR THIS SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10487384

15,000 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

TOOK CAR INTO SHOP OVER A YEAR AGO BECAUSE BAD ODORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE CABIN AIR SUPPLY. THE CHEVROLET SHOP CLEANED OUT THE A/C - TOOK CAR BACK 8-9 MONTHS LATER, SMELLY ODORS COMING FROM AIR VENTS IN CAR. THEY CANNOT FIX - THESE CARS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH CABIN AIR FILTERS...IN 2009 BUT - ARE NOW IN 2012. I HAD BRONC…

Read full complaint

TOOK CAR INTO SHOP OVER A YEAR AGO BECAUSE BAD ODORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE CABIN AIR SUPPLY. THE CHEVROLET SHOP CLEANED OUT THE A/C - TOOK CAR BACK 8-9 MONTHS LATER, SMELLY ODORS COMING FROM AIR VENTS IN CAR. THEY CANNOT FIX - THESE CARS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH CABIN AIR FILTERS...IN 2009 BUT - ARE NOW IN 2012. I HAD BRONCHITIS AND NEAR PNEUMONIA FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. A MONTH AGO, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE ASTHMA. THESE HEALTH ISSUES ARE SERIOUS - I'M 64. I NOW NEED INHALERS, ETC. THE CAR SEEMS NOW TO FUNCTION OKAY WITH THE INSIDE A/C BUTTONS BUT THE FUMES ARE THERE WITHOUT THESE BUTTONS. I'LL AGAIN NEED HEAT IN THE WINTER AND SUSPECT THE PROBLEM TO RETURN. ALSO, I DON'T ALWAYS NEED A/C BUT HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS UP BECAUSE OF THE HORRID NORTHERN VA TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO WORK AROUND AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464255

1,500 miles · Dec 4, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND IMPOSSIBLE TO DUPLICATE BY GM SERVICE TECHNICIANS. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT TO ME AS THE DRIVER TOO, AND I HAVE TO DATE BEEN UNABLE TO KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS THIS. IT SEEMS TOTALLY RANDOM. INTERVALS HAVE BEEN AS LITTLE AS ONE WEEK AND AS LONG AS TWO MONTHS. THE EVENT IS CAR ENGINE HAS NEAR CO…

Read full complaint

THIS PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND IMPOSSIBLE TO DUPLICATE BY GM SERVICE TECHNICIANS. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT TO ME AS THE DRIVER TOO, AND I HAVE TO DATE BEEN UNABLE TO KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS THIS. IT SEEMS TOTALLY RANDOM. INTERVALS HAVE BEEN AS LITTLE AS ONE WEEK AND AS LONG AS TWO MONTHS. THE EVENT IS CAR ENGINE HAS NEAR COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER; ENGINE TIMING PINGS HEAVILY, ENGINE POWER SURGES THEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS THE MOST SEVERE SYMPTOM. THE CAR ALSO ENCOUNTERS MODERATE PINGING, LOSS OF POWER THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET EVERY TIME DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF ENGINE POWER. THE CAR HAS DIED ON THE INTERSTATE FREEWAY AND WHEN I PUSH ON GAS PEDAL, ENGINE POWER GETS WEAKER AND ENGINE PINGING IS EXTREMELY STRONG. COASTING TO SIDE OF FREEWAY IS ONLY SAFE THING TO TRY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438526

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

LETTER FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING PROBLEMS WITH HER 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU: SHE FEELS IT A PRIME CANDIDATE FOR GM TO RECLAIM UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REMAINE…

Read full complaint

LETTER FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING PROBLEMS WITH HER 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU: SHE FEELS IT A PRIME CANDIDATE FOR GM TO RECLAIM UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REMAINED THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED SEVERAL TIMES FOR DEFECTS RELATING TO THE ENGINE, COMPUTER, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON MOUNTAINOUS OR HILLY TERRAINS THE ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN DRAMATICALLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10379170

10,000 miles · Jun 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Electric

1. BRAKES SQUEAK AND ARE NOT AS RESPONSIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE A. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM 2. ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 50-75 M.P.H, THE CAR HAS NOT ACCELERATED PROPERLY AND HAS MADE STRANGE GRINDING NOISE A. DEALER INDICATED THAT ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SAME MODEL VE…

Read full complaint

1. BRAKES SQUEAK AND ARE NOT AS RESPONSIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE A. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM 2. ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 50-75 M.P.H, THE CAR HAS NOT ACCELERATED PROPERLY AND HAS MADE STRANGE GRINDING NOISE A. DEALER INDICATED THAT ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE EXPRESSED THE SAME COMPLAINT B. DEALER SAID COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW ANYTHING WRONG ON MY VEHICLE, OR THE OTHER VEHICLE OWNER'S VEHICLE 3. ON 4-6 OCCASIONS, THE CAR HAS SURGED... SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS @ SLOW SPEEDS AND OTHER TIMES WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED.... I AM AFRAID TO USE CRUISE CONTROL ANYMORE A. DEALER SAYS COMPUTER SHOWS NO PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10340216

Official recalls

5

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.

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Sep 18, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

09V073000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Mar 6, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

08V634000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

Dec 2, 2008

GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEM." THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIRCONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE BLOWER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE MODE SELECTOR WOULD REMAIN IN THE LAST KNOWN SETTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC CONTROL HEAD MODULE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.