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.
First time car was in park. Then the traction control light comes but doesn't turn off. Also message pops up saying to service traction control. Next was stationary, I stopped at a light and the car just shut off. Next was stationary and the car turned on but then the cluster instrument lights didn't come on it was completely dark. Also while in motion car RPM didn't read anymore and it was shifting hard. Another thing it says service tire sensor and service airbag
Replaced passenger headlight harness twice, as the low beam/ daytime running light connector burns until the bulb itself burns out, or the connector falls off the bulb. Mostly noticed at night, as the automatic headlights are usually needed then.
- Jerome, ID, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
My vehicle displays the anti theft icon and will not start. So far this has only occured while the vehicle was stationery but has slightly stalled during operation. Although this happened randomly in the past, it has now become an everyday occurence. The only thing that has worked is waiting 10mins with the key in the on position and then jumping the battery. This seems to be a none issue with these vehicles and really needs to be addressed. I have loved my Malibu and was actually considering purchasing a new one, since I've had such good luck with this one, until this situation.
My BCM I has terrible wiring connection and the way I bought it someone ran a new wire to the third coil because the bad connect is causing the check engine light to turn on and is shorting out all my emissions parts such as maf sensor, O2S, evap purge solenoid and my car is running like crap and a mechanic said he has had this happen before on the same vechile as mine
ESC lights, and traction stability control lights come on and off often, regardless of current weather conditions. I noticed it happens more when the weather is cooler. Started around 29K miles on my car. When the warning lights come on, my break lights stay on. Computer doesn't kick back any codes unless the warning lights that are on.
Electronic power steering failure. All of a sudden the message center beeped and gave message power steering and the steering wheel started jerking out of control and could hardly steer. Several times after restarting steering would work for awhile. There are recalls on other 2008 but I was told mine had a special warranty that ran out. I just recently bought the car and it isn't right that I would have to pay $1500 to fix this defect. It is a safety issue when all of a sudden your steering wheel jerks out of your hand and moves on its own.
I been having issues with my passenger side headlight. Thought is was the bulb that didnt work. I then replaced the connection and I worked for a 4 months now it's the same issue again.
The electric power steering has went out on my car all of a sudden. It also would come back on and while I am driving it will suddenly go out as well. It has been continuously happening.
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.
Purchased 2008 Malibu in early 2017. Previous owner stated brake lights come on and off on their own. Had it checked out was told that their was a recall on it. Had recall 13036 work done 3/31/17. Still had problems. Took to dealer on 7/03/17 was told they couldn't duplicate and no codes they recalibrated bpps. Still had problems drove it that way took it back to dealer on 7/06/18. Was told same thing and same work performed. Same problem occurred. Read online that recall didn't solve problem. On 9/10/18 dealer stated been having a lot of same problems with other cars they replaced BCM & brake pedal sensor. Had work done. So far seems to have worked. Never felt safe while driving with brake lights on and while stopped no brake lights on. Can't believe that the manufacturer would let this problem go on as well as dealers
About a month ago my traction control light started coming on and I would have to shut the car off to reset it after that I was notified that my brake lights would stay on while I was driving and would turn off when I hit the brakes pretty much working in reverse now at the moment it is happening all the time and it is making it very unsafe for me and my child to drive in. Also when I am driving on the highway my car will shift from fifth gear down to 4th gear and I would have to switch to the manual shift mode to shift correctly due to the car not shifting correct.
My tail lights are not working, they randomly went out however brakes blinker ect all still work multiple forums say people have had the same issue just google it. They went out at night in a canyon, I could have been severely hurt had an officer not noticed.
I went to the walking track with my 7 year old son to take our dog for a walk. It was hot that day so we waited until evening to go. When we were done, I popped the trunk to put his bike away and unlocked the door, went to start the car and the anti-theft warning light came on (the icon of the car with a lock on it), and my car would not start. Got my owners manual out, but it was of no help, so I googled the problem. Most people who had this issue said to put the keys in the ignition and turn it to the acc position for 10 minutes, then take the keys out and try to start the car again and it should start. Well that didn't work for me, and I guess I had tried too many times to start it, so then it went completely dead and wouldn't do anything. So there I sit, 10 O'clock at night with my 7 year old and our chihuahua, in an empty parking lot with no stores or business close by that were open. Not to mention my dog was panting because it was still muggy outside from being 90 degrees that afternoon. I had to call a tow truck, who thankfully came within the hour to help me. I told him the problem and he said it sounded like some kind of sensor issue. So he jumped my car off since I had drained the battery trying to disable the anti-theft system, and it started right up. By the time we got home, though, it was 11:30 at night. Anything could have happened to us that late at night, in an empty parking lot, with no where to walk to. This is a known problem with these Malibu, and needs to be addressed before something tragic happens and then Chevrolet faced with a lawsuit. I will be taking my car to the Chevrolet dealer tomorrow, and finding out what the issue is for certain, but I'm quite sure it is the passlock sensor in the ignition that has failed, which other owners have faced as well.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sacramento, CA, USA