Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,376 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #74

Aug 012023

Malibu

  • 245,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Lincoln, DE, USA

problem #73

Oct 022020

Malibu

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving in reverse, the gear shifter moved through the gears and was stuck in park. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to terry marxen Chevrolet Cadillac (1118 w rte 66, flagstaff, AZ 86001, (928) 302-2515) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train) and was no longer covered under warranty. The failure was diagnosed as a fractured shifter cable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 113,000. Invalid VIN.

- Romulus, MI, USA

problem #72

Aug 282020

Malibu

  • 15 miles
Transmission 123 gear slips changes on own try to accelerate stalls downshifts stalls also transmission control module been told will happen when trying to speed up or complete stop or reverse the turning signals will have to be manually stopped interfering with driving barley make. Sound sometimes forget the are on still cruise control totally waked out does what ever it want speed or slows on own I do know of one current recall I've made several attempts to call w no return messages the transmission control module need replaced because the solenoids keep getting stuck 123 mine also the core fee for this is unbelievable 300-600 for the core fee..why are these being sold for prices of 500-1000$ if the are being refurbished seems to be a hot item to even find used or new if U could afford it.. these GM transmission issues are everywhere.... why are the no recalls.. this is very unsafe shift failure 45ph to 15ph in a sec.. or nothing the dealerships are very hard to deal with if you just want a part or info a transmission control module part # 12678511 recall 14V224000 # 14145 dellen Chevrolet 317 462-5591 made a few calls w no response to schedule been 7 days now. Stanley Chevrolet penalton in. Justin would not allowe a part # to me unless 120.$ diagnostic then tolde to get out after a few words exchange so I paid for a diagnostic twice neither through GM they told me the repair would be 1300$ over the phone doug at dellen Chevrolet I thk that's name gave me quote over phone.. so there's much more the transmission and solenoids in theses cars should be recalled or flashed fixed and if U read it's been going on since 2004 and now the new and newer one still same problems I've had to stop oil over restart car put in neutral to shift rpms get high I live in a small town walkers to diners etc..needs attn into

- Fortville, IN, USA

problem #71

Aug 062020

Malibu

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle threw itself into limp mode while my wife was driving down a busy interstate highway, and after suppossed repairs did the same again when she was in a bad section of the city. In the first case, suddenly dropping to 25mph while traffic is going 70mph is an unacceptable risk considering that the car was still mechanically able to function normally, its just that this ridiculous sensor system won't let it. (when taken to the mechanic and he cleared the code, the car drove and shifted normally so it was mechanically able function. In the 2nd case my wife and daughter are again put at risk, again when the car was mechanically able to function. I understand the concept of not doing damage to your car when it "senses" something is wrong, but the decision of driving it anyway should never be taken away from the owner who is far more aware of the circumstances than a computer module that doesn't even know where it is. These systems are now so interdependent that even the dealerships can not figure out how to fix these problems without just throwing parts at it. This all needs to change!

- Elm City, NC, USA

problem #70

Jun 132019

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 179,000 miles
Keep getting a message saying 'ESC off', 'traction control off' comes and goes. Sometimes seems like the vehicle is stuck in a gear makes a loud roar. Starts to vibrate while driving at certain speeds. Having a problem with brake light staying on a even after replacing switch. I have the recall problems for this year/model car but VIN doesn't seem to meet the qualifications.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #69

Nov 012019

Malibu

  • 138,000 miles
ESC warning light, service ESC, ESC off, service traction, traction off lights are continuously coming on when driving, front end shudders/shakes when this happens and I lose speed.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

problem #68

Dec 242019

Malibu

  • 139,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 5 mph, the shift cable snapped. The vehicle was towed to monument Chevrolet (3940 pasadena fwy, pasadena, tx 77503) where it was diagnosed that the shift tram was fractured and associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified. The failure milage was 139,000.

- Deer Park, TX, USA

problem #67

Oct 192019

Malibu

  • 131,500 miles
(ESC) traction control system needs repairs comes on causing the car to reduce engine power immediately. No matter how fast you are driving. I was lucky was going around a curve on a hwy and hit a small bumb in in road when it happened to me. Took to dealership for them to fix they comb through the car they said after resetting ESC they could not repeat ESC code again, but told me if it keeps happening just bring back. Luckily they didn't charge me this visit but was second time to take to them. First time they said it was some other sensors and changed them which didn't fix problem. They said I had rodent damage but not enough to cut into the wires to cause the problem. They seemed clueless as to why it does this. I read other people's forms on there Chevy cars and it's not just my mailbu. I was told pretty much don't trust for a two trip I had planned. They taped up some of my wires and hoped it won't happen again, but I believe this will be the start to a larger problem.

- Booneville, AR, USA

problem #66

Nov 252015

Malibu

  • 1 miles
Intake manifold gaskets leaking bad, loss of steering at low speeds causing for manuel strength and transmission wouldn't change gears at 85,000 miles within the 1st I purchased the car

- Ruston, LA, USA

problem #65

Oct 082011

Malibu

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact's vehicle was stationary, it was rear ended by another vehicle. All of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel upon impact. The air bag did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained significant injuries to the head and a temporary loss of orientation. The passenger sustained injuries to the back. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic repaired the vehicle by resetting the air bag indicator, and the driver's seat belt and gear shift assembly were replaced. Ed bozarth Chevrolet (5501 drexel road, las vegas, Nevada 89130, (702) 967-5500) was made aware of the crash. In addition, the contact referenced several occasions of becoming locked out and locked in the vehicle. Also, on one occasion, the transmission became stuck in the reverse position while driving various highway speeds. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash and other failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #64

Aug 202018

Malibu

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving in reverse at 2 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle seized. The contact placed the vehicle into drive, depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle seized. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall and provided case number: 8-4540543149. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- Edgerton, WI, USA

problem #63

Nov 172017

Malibu

  • miles
Takata recall. I'm complaining about my power steering it go's out when going around corners could cause a crash. As well as transmission shifts funny. Cant put it on cruse control when driving cause brake system says active when brsakes not

- Rogers, AR, USA

problem #62

Apr 212017

Malibu

  • 81,728 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently included in a recall regarding the transmission shifter cable. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Whenever the contact attempted to shift into a gear, the shifter failed to lock into the desired gear position. The contact informed the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired a second time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that, due to the recall repair being completed, they would not be able to provide another repair. The NHTSA campaign number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage 81,728.

- Alexandria, LA, USA

problem #61

Nov 232016

Malibu

  • 75,000 miles
2008 Chevy Malibu power steering assist is lost, a message displays on the driver information center and a chime sounds to inform the driver. We were advised that this is not covered under the GM recall in 2014, per the recall General Motors informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it would recall more than 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. that may experience a sudden loss of electric power steering assist. Per our dealer the 2008 Chevy that we own is not covered under the recall however, we experienced the exact issue listed in the recall. To fix this issue the dealership is replacing the steering council which is costing us $600.

- Woodstock, IL, USA

problem #60

Jul 012016

Malibu

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 20 mph and attempting to place the vehicle in reverse, the vehicle would not shift gears. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and repaired. The dealer was notified, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 128,000.

- Decatur, IL, USA

problem #59

Aug 302016

Malibu

  • 171,000 miles
When trying to accelerate at a complete stop, the car will not go -- it seems to stall. When the car tries to shift from 3rd to 4th gear, the RPM's increase very high and the car will not shift until I release my foot from the accelerator. Once it shifts, it will maintain speed.

- Sumrall, MS, USA

problem #58

Jul 242016

Malibu

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to shift the vehicle from park to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the transmission module and solenoid were updated and reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

- Troy, AL, USA

problem #57

Jun 032016

Malibu

  • 124,000 miles
Transmission shift cable fractured while the vehicle was in motion. Was able to move shifter in vehicle but gears did not change to that which was indicated. GM had a recall for this specific issue but for vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007 (GM's number for this recall is 14152, NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000). My vehicle was manufactured in 2008 (as indicated from the VIN) but I feel the same issue from this GM recall also affected my vehicle.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #56

May 072016

Malibu

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 80 mph, the steering wheel began to drift and the transmission shifted erratically while several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Elacentro, CA, USA

problem #55

Feb 152016

Malibu

  • 123,265 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was in the park position, the key was stuck in the ignition switch. In addition, the gears shifted while the vehicle was in the off position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V460000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,265.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?