2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 2,356 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 32.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 15.6%.
Complaints2,356
Crashes64
Fires13
Injuries65
Deaths5
What owners report breaking
Steering 32.6% · 768
Electrical system 15.6% · 368
Electronic stability control (ESC) 10.8% · 255
Exterior lighting 7.3% · 173
Service brakes 6.0% · 142
Power train 5.2% · 123
Vehicle speed control 3.2% · 76
Air bags 2.6% · 62
Severity
Of those complaints, 64 describe a crash, 13 describe a fire, 65 report an injury and 5 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 2009 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 72 in the last three years against 266 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 100,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Exiting an off ramp at aprx. 15-20 Miles per hour, my power steering went. I pulled off the side of the road and turned the car off to call my husband. Power steering back on. Drove to my destination. On the way hone, it went again. This happened several other times throughout the month. Took it to the dealer who replaced the power steering. Other malibus have been recalled for this purpose, but not mine. Steering · reported at 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, an audible sound emitted from the steering wheel and the steering wheel ceased. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The vin was not provided. Steering · reported at 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he was experiencing the same failures as listed in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The vin was not included in the recall. While driving 70 mph, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Steering · reported at 120,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…