2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,489 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 31.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 15.5%.
Complaints1,489
Crashes54
Fires9
Injuries32
Deaths6
What owners report breaking
Steering 31.1% · 463
Electrical system 15.5% · 231
Exterior lighting 7.1% · 106
Power train 6.0% · 89
Latches/locks/linkages 4.8% · 71
Electronic stability control (ESC) 4.6% · 68
Air bags 4.4% · 65
Service brakes 4.2% · 62
Severity
Of those complaints, 54 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 32 report an injury and 6 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 2008 sits 5th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 32 in the last three years against 86 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel shook intermittently. In addition, the power steering warning sensor chimed and illuminated intermittently and the steering wheel tightened up. The contact never completely lost power steering ability. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. Steering · reported at 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was able to move freely without demand. The failure recurred intermittently. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle would need to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000 and the current mileage was 51,000. Steering · reported at 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel felt abnormal and an unknown warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. Steering · reported at 86,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…