2008 Chevrolet Malibu Complaint Log

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (VIN [XXX] ) with an electric power steering (EPS) issue that matches GM’s known EPS defect and recall 14V‑153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer‑service representative confirmed the VIN does not show the EPS recall, but said I should report this to NHTSA. This is a safety‑related steering‑assist defect pattern that GM has already acknowledged on other Malibus. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether this 2008 Malibu LTZ should be included in the EPS‑related recall or special coverage, or whether further action on this defect is needed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The EPS malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions

Vehicle accelerated on its own. Only able to stop by turning off the ignition. It was cold at the time 8-15degrees F.

UNKNOWN FUEL LEAK needs added to Recall list . It is currently at the Chevy dealership in Van Buren Arkansas getting looked at on the fuel leakage. I'm going to upload some documents for y'all to look at and consider. Everything that has been stated in these recall is exactly what my car is doing and has wrong with it. I'm just asking for it to be added on this recall list because it needs to be y'all will be able to get all the information at the Chevy dealership on the fuel leakage it is currently up there right now getting looked at in Van Buren Arkansas. I appreciate y'all and everything y'all do.

UNKNOWN

My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.

Recurrence of Sudden loss of electric steering. Apparently this was supposedly fixed under recall N140115. It did not last.

I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Power steering esc not working properly

The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.

Warning light on dash (power steering) I had no power steering at all !thank God I was at a Drive Thur at that moment . Took car to my mechanic(Steve Brook)Family Auto 26937 Eckel Rd. Perrysburg Ohio 43551 419-931-1900 they diagnosed power steering needs to be replaced and they looked up recall on 2008 Chevy Malibu’s so I called around and I’m getting no where on a recall on this but when looking it up, it shows a recall, this is something that needs to be addressed very dangerous cause that day I was getting on the highway to pick up my grandchildren and I don’t even wanna know the outcome of that would’ve been. I bought this car new and I have low mileage and I take care of my vehicle

I backed my car up, put the car in park, opened the door and got out. I walked a few feet away when I noticed the car rolling backwards. The open car door caught a fence which stopped the car from rolling any further. My door was bent backwards. I got into the car from the passenger side. The shifter indicated the car was still in park. Earlier in the day, I drove into my driveway, put the car in park and got out. The car continued to roll forward a few feet before I managed to get back in the car and apply the brake. Again the shifter indicated the car was in park.

My power steering locking up when I trying to back up out of my driveway and a service warning light coming on

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knock, clicking, and looseness in the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Unknown. Power steering warning appears every now and then.

While driving down the road my steering wheel turned, but I was driving straight. Aso if I want to turn it won't. When turning it makes a popping noise.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.

When I walk up to my car all I smell is gas and my gas tank doesn’t last as long as it should the first half of my tank is gone within 2-4 hours the second half last a couple days . I just had a child and I wanna make sure I can get these things fixed . I just purchased this car like 3 months ago from a dealership .. he’s been giving me the run around so I’m trying to see what I can do

Went to get a smog check. And it wouldn’t connect to the server. Kept saying OBD2 wasn’t connecting so mechanic wasn’t able to complete smog check.

The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..

Driving my 08' Chevy Malibu and suddenly in a turn my steering locked. It was so hard to turn. The dash stated power steering with the failure symbol. I turn car off then back on and it's fine. Then it happens again. My safety and others was at risk do to child with Autism in my car & suddenly having to really break around the sharp turn that could of taken me over the embankment and killed us. I am disabled and the scared me bad because on a country road and nobody to help me & my daughter. Very scary and life threatening.

Power steering

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.

The car is hard to steer.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle, and the security lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his partner was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake lights failed to activate or respond as designed. The contact confirmed that at night when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate; however, when the brake pedal was released the brake lights illuminated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brake light failure recurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and had informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) had been repaired in December of 2014. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. GM has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which GM won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? We've had it fixed on our own which cost $200.00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.

The electrical power steering every time it’s driven so often, car is used for school yes the vehicle was inspected by several mechanics the vehicle was like this when i brought it in september of 2022 i was told by chevrolet that my vin is not accepted in the recall which i don’t understand how if it’s the same car and same issue that the recall entails, i replaced the rack and pinion but it didn’t fix the eps sometimes when turning the car on the steering wheel is locked as in it cannot be moved/turned either way and other times it’s extremely hard to turn. the steering wheel will become extremely hard to turn at random times while driving at any speed and while stalled. when it locks while stalled a grinding noise can be heard

The car shakes and becomes hard to steer and the instrument panel reads service ESC, service traction.

The car starts to violently shake and the the engine service light starts to flash. The ABS light stays on and the car runes terribly. The system says a spark plug coil has burned out. Locate the ba coil and replace it, car runs great until another coil burns out and the process starts over again. During each occurance the steering is affected by pulling hard to one side or the other when the brake is applied.

The vehicle pulls to the left while driving. I have taken the vehicle to get aligned 3x and the issue is still the same; the repair shop says it's not the alignment (since it's well aligned) but another problem with the steering. Also, the left and right turn signs do not click back, and I have to push it back into place to stop the signals, and every time I turn my steering wheel, it clicks all the time too.

On 5/23/2022, we were involved in a crash where a loaded asphalt dump truck pulled out in front of us on major highway. Vehicle was totaled from front end impact. Air bags did not deploy!!

The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.

I have had trouble with my 2008 Chevy Malibu LS for the last 6 years I did not know that there was a recall on it back in 2008 I called GM I spoke to Chevrolet service representative and she said that it was repaired in 2008 this is what year my car was made so it is impossible for it to be prepared I asked her for where she gave me two the beginning of a name and then she changed her mind and said they are no information or when or where it was repaired this car has had a previous owner and this car stutters and jerks I cannot drive it it needs to be fixed and repaired I have wasted money before I found out this recall she said the recall was closed in 2014 I asked to speak to someone else and she would not give me a number or a name and said that she was the only person who could talk to the manager so I need help with this situation because I have two small grandchildren one seven and one six months and I cannot drive this car knowing if it will stop on the side of the road or middle of the lane

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.

Power steering shuts off, traction control shuts off.

Steering column shakes when I exceed 60 miles and higher. I am forced to break to reduce speed. Which is dangerous. Based on all the recalls I'm kind of scared to drive my vehicle. I have an 8 yr old little girl who I have to pray for protection over because I need my car to maintain daily responsibilities.

Steering had become more stiff, and at some instances, the steering forced the wheel in one or the other direction and would shake vigorously. Power steering has now completely gone. I had to swerve with all arm strength to avoid a collision in which caused muffler to come off when I pulled onto a curb. I also read online that there was a recall on this issue a few years back and i am unable to determine if my vehicle was included. I am also experiencing a message on my dash that says Power Steering.

While driving on the freeway going 60mph the power steering went out and the steering wheel began stiff and unable I was unable to turn the wheel or steer/ control it. this is a problem because without having the ability the turn the wheel I risk not being able to get where I’m going. And further more cannot avoid an accident. It’s available for inspection upon request. Thank you

The power steering system has been failing and my steering wheel has been locking up on me while driving and while parked. The steering wheel shakes when idling, and also stopped in gear. This is dangerous to be on the road and have that happen and a risk to my life. Once the power steering fails, “Service ESC” comes up on the dashboard

Automatic power steering randomly goes out while driving, posing serious safety risks. Steering wheel locks up and message reads “Power Steering Service ESC”

I was driving down hwy 79 and all of a sudden my car traxtion control light, service ESC,service traction, and,engine reduce power and check engine light came on.

The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and manually steered the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering wheel and alignment had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred increasingly while reversing. The contact notified the independent mechanic of the failure and he advised her to drive the vehicle for about 15 miles and the steering wheel would loosen up. The contact drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the steering repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering and the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) had already been completed in 2014. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as recalls are repaired one time free of charge and additional related failures would be repaired at her expense. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Air bag sensor is reading airbag as a foreign object and not apart of the vehicle. Airbag has never been deployed, nor has it ever been changed. This should not be happening.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lamps failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the brightness of the brake lamps was reduced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Intermittent issue with symptoms that reflect the conditions documented in GM Recall Bulletin 13063D. GM states that this repair has already been completed however the condition is being experienced in this vehicle. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 14V252

While driving I randomly lose power steering. Happens at various speed but usually slower speeds or stopped. Power steering warning light comes on in the dash panel. Sometimes can be reset by shutting off the car and restarting it. Still not 100% after resetting. Constant pulsing felt in the steering wheel and vehicle always wants to pull to the left.

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.