2008 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Repair Histories
2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Chevrolet Malibu
2008 Chevrolet Malibus for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories that follow it.
Chevrolet Malibu Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2008 | Chevrolet Malibu | 19 Malibus, 9.3 months of data per Malibu, average 51400 miles Small sample size. Join or 19 Malibus, 9.3 months of data per Malibu, average 51400 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 28000 | 0 | Noise in steering intermittently...Dealer replaced internediate steering shaft |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 26000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 38000 | 0 | Passenger side door was leaking water, the dealer fixed it by alignment and not leaking anymore, the door opening/closing sounds and feels much better. |
| Oct | 2011 | 45000 | 0 | This is the third time I take it for sunroof shade rattling, and they claimed that they fixed it but it's still the same. |
| Dec | 2011 | 45000 | 0 | Sunroof still rattling when sold. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 1860 | 0 | Small buzz coming from the door trim. Fixed by a drop of glue, very simple. |
| Dec | 2008 | 4960 | 0 | Rear window defroster grid does not work, the ground was not connected. DIY fix: plugged in the connector. |
| Jan | 2009 | 6200 | 0 | Radio would cut out momentarily (very infrequent occurrences). Dealer replaced the radio, so far so good. Plastic steering column shroud loose, dealer glued it. A quarter panel at the rear right side kept popping out. I fixed it myself, seems good so far. Possibly a small assembly error. |
| Mar | 2009 | 8060 | 0 | Front door locks developed a significant clunk that occurred when opening doors. Dealer installed striker panel spacers and aligned the doors, problem fixed. On a side note - as a result of the adjustment the front doors sit a bit lower than a rear ones. |
| Aug | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 29000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 30700 | 0 | Squeaking/creaking noise when steering wheel turned. The problem diagnosed as a defective sector gear and the part was ordered. Sector gear was replaced. Noise is gone. |
| Oct | 2012 | 50000 | 40 | Drivers power door lock stopped working. Replaced door lock actuator. |
| Nov | 2012 | 51000 | 5 | Rear drivers side automatic door lock failed. 2nd lock to fail in 2 months. $400 repair at dealer. Fixed it myself with a $5.00 universal lock motor in 2 hours. Internet research indicates this is a design flaw and a very common failure. |
| Mar | 2013 | 55000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 20000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 29000 | 0 | Rack & pinion replacement, under warranty |
| Nov | 2011 | 51000 | 1500 | Steering column replacement, 20k miles after a rack and pinion. Two power locks on driver side Blower motor gone. |
| Apr | 2012 | 58300 | 500 | Water leaking into headlamp |
| Dec | 2012 | 61000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 0 | Transmission had to be completely rebuilt.. It was covered under the powertrain warranty. | |
| Dec | 2012 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | First odometer entry | ||
| Sep | 2010 | 0 | The clip holding the back seat in place became warped, and had to be replaced. The clip on the passenger seat holding the back part/plastic came undone, and needed to be replaced. The sunroof leaked due to plugged drain. This required the carpet to be replaced, as well as the seat tracks of the passenger front seat. | |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 24000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 25000 | 0 | XM "Not Available" message comes up on radio. At same time air bag light and tire pressure light start to blink. Cause: no communication with BCM. BCM replaced and programmed. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 68000 | 400 | balljoint and tie rods |
| Dec | 2009 | 71000 | 150 | radiator recovery tank replaced, in shop six days waiting for part |
| Apr | 2010 | 84000 | 0 | right front hub assy |
| Jun | 2010 | 90000 | 300 | caliper sticking |
| Oct | 2010 | 104000 | 200 | tie rod ends |
| May | 2011 | 131000 | 900 | right front hub noise, and warning messages, replaced RF hub assy and ABS wiring harness |
| Jun | 2011 | 131000 | 400 | hesitation occurs on acceleration, engine light on, advised at minimum needs fuel injectors, possibly also fuel pump soon afterwards AC quit working, opted not to repair, get rid of car |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Drivers side door panel raising up around switches. |
| Jul | 2009 | 11000 | 0 | Squealing brakes |
| Jun | 2010 | 21000 | 0 | Keyless entry/remote start not working. Key fobs replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | 33000 | 0 | ordered new fuel sensor fuel sensor replaced |
| Feb | 2012 | 39700 | 50 | Keyless entry would not start car |
| Oct | 2012 | 46000 | 69 | replaced outer steering collum. |
| Dec | 2012 | 48000 | 535 | Check gas cap message kept coming on. Then check engine light came on. A tank pressure sensor and a purge valve connector were installed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 52000 | 0 | Pressure monitor ban on left front wheel |
| Chevrolet Malibu in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 24000 | 0 | I had a loose passenger side rear window regulator replaced(nothing serious, but was making a noise when the window was down and I went over a bump). |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in Idaho, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 26000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 27000 | 0 | Emissions filter stuck open. |
| Sep | 2009 | 40000 | 0 | Steering "Clunk." There is a TSB re; this. Steering mid-shaft was replaced. Parts were in stock. One hour, in and out. Drives like new now. Very pleased with the Malibu and the Dealer Service. |
| Dec | 2011 | 57000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 12000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Steering component needed lubrication. I've had regular service, OLF, every 3-4000 miles. Don't know why lubricant failed in this case. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 0 | Clunk from brake pedal while depressing brake in cold weather: brakes drained, filled, and bled at no cost. | |
| Aug | 2010 | 26000 | 0 | Cruise control inoperative and brake lamps on. Replaced brake lamp switch. |
| Nov | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 28520 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 29140 | 0 | heater fan malfunction of 1-2 setting grinding sound very loud |
| Jul | 2011 | 31000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 51000 | 0 | Gas cap was replaced due to a fault code. |
| Sep | 2012 | 63000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Utah, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 259 | Check engine light came on and code indicated a major problem. The dealer replaced the front cam shaft position sensor. | |
| Aug | 2011 | 259 | Check engine light came on and the code indicated an major problem. Dealer replaced the rear cam shaft position sensor. | |
| Nov | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Delaware, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2008 | 10000 | 0 | Driver's door latch intermittently would not let the door latch or unlatch, making it bounce or get stuck shut. The latch was replaced and all is back to normal. |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 90 | AC condensate draining under carpet. Problem with water running back along outside of hose into cabin area. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 72700 | 0 | Shifting oddly. Ran diagnostics and looked for service bulletins. Did not reflash, but it is ok. |
| Dec | 2012 | 75000 | 280 | Windshield wiper transmission was replaced. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 6820 | 0 | The brake fluid in the master cylinder started to break down about 3 months after owning the car. Come cold winter months, the brakes would squeak when depressed. Dealer changed fluid to a modified DOT3 fluid as per bulletin #PIT3779J. |
| Sep | 2009 | 16740 | 0 | Brakes were squeaking while they were applied. The pads were tested, but still had plenty of braking material left. Shop decided that it was likely due to bad pads, so they replaced them. Squeaking has gone away. |
| Nov | 2009 | 17980 | 0 | Brakes squeak excessively during stopping. Brought the vehicle in, and service consultant decided that brakes should be looked at. Service technician says brakes should not be squeeking like this at only 26000 km, so replaced under warranty. |
| Jun | 2010 | 22940 | 0 | Noticeable clicking noise coming from rear when going over a bump. Dealer troubleshooted and discovered it was a rattle originating from the seatbelt mechanism. Applied some foam tape around the mechanism, and the problem was solved. |
| Oct | 2011 | 39680 | 360 | Brake pads were low. Hadn't reached the indicator yet, and mechanic said it would have to be replaced likely within next few months. I said since the car was in, just replace the pads. |
| Mar | 2012 | 51460 | 0 | Both driver and passenger lower ball joints had slight play. Both were recommended for repair, and as a result was repaired under extended warranty. Estimated cost would have been $1385 had I not been covered under extended warranty. |
| Jul | 2012 | 56580 | 1100 | Driver side strut mount bearing was seizing. Loud clunks could be heard as I was steering both left or right. Since the old struts had to be removed anyway, I decided to install all new springs, struts too. No quick strut avaialable... |
| Mar | 2013 | 71300 | 1650 | Replaced both front control arms and replaced both rear sway bars. The ball joints in the front were loose, and the bushings in the back were cracked. GM basically requires replacement of the whole control arm and sway bar kit. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 17360 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 18600 | 0 | Rear left door lock intermittent no-lock/unlock condition |
| Nov | 2010 | 27260 | 0 | Driver's door latch/light burned out. Replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2012 | 35960 | 0 | Intermitent NO lock/unlock condition rear R/H door latch. Dismantled, looked at, physically cycled cleaned with isopropyl alcool, and lightly lubed with LPS. Fixed! Frt L/H door latch this time. Door Ajar on DIC, chime when key switch OFF with door fully closed. will attempt cleaning before dismantle. Same built as rear with latch/solenoid/switch in same casing? Update on Front L/H door latch: Fixed itself! No more Door Ajar message Radio plays until door is opened, and dome light shuts off when required! |
| Jun | 2012 | 36860 | 0 | Frt L/H door latch this time. Door Ajar on DIC, chime when key switch OFF with door fully closed. will attempt cleaning before dismantle. Same built as rear with latch/solenoid/switch in same casing? EDIT June 30: fixed itself! |
| Sep | 2012 | 37820 | 0 | Car didnt get driven much this summer. Away for work reasons. Inner front disk rotors got badly rusted. I got them off and buffed the rust making the surface clean got everything back together. Much better without vibrations! |
| Mar | 2013 | 39680 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | AC blower fan started making a clicking sound. | |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | Replaced left rear stereo speaker after the stereo made a loud pop and cut out for a few seconds. Speaker became "fuzzy" and was replaced under warranty. | |
| Oct | 2009 | 30000 | 0 | Clunk sound when straightening wheel after right hand turn. Also occasional clunk sound when accelerating from a stop. Replaced intermediate steering column under warranty. Key would stick in ignition. Replaced ignition. |
| Dec | 2009 | 33000 | 0 | Squeaking break pedal. Replaced fluid in master cylinder. Not fixed 100% of the time but better. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 19000 | 0 | Rattling air intake box, that was fixed at the dealership with double sided tape. |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 11160 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 12400 | 0 | passenger side rear door lock stopped working. replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 13000 | 0 | electric door lock not working on one door |
| May | 2010 | 23000 | 38 | Slight plastic rattle due to positioning of seat belt clip, slight clicking sound from steering column during wide turns |
| Sep | 2012 | 54000 | 90 | cruise control |
| Mar | 2013 | 59000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 14260 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 14260 | 0 | Left rear hubcap, chrome coating was peeling and popping. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 620 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 21080 | 0 | The rear passenger door lock no longer worked electronically only manually. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | Power steering was out and car rumbled when it was driven. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Replaced two door lock actuators and reprogramed one key. |
| Apr | 2011 | 34000 | 0 | Driver door actuator & driver seat back adjuster stopped working. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 41000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 43000 | 225 | Driver's side door latch failed. GM paid the cost of replacement after contacting the customer support center. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in New Mexico, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 36000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 37700 | 4350 | Bought used malibu. Seller said probably needs front wheel bearing. Dealer said it was bad alignment, rear tires bulging on inside sidewalls. Today temp guage went to 3/8 up instead of 1/4 up. Has me a little worried. |
| Sep | 2010 | 43000 | 0 | Front and rear door lock motors don't work. Dealership would charge $ |
| Jul | 2011 | 49300 | 300 | Drivers side door lock assemblies had to be replaced front and rear. Also check engine light comes on. Code reader says catalytic efficiency not right. Mechanic, oil change people, friend in business say not a problem, but it's annoying. |
| Apr | 2012 | 50700 | 0 | Last year I was advised by private mechanic not to worry about engine light. Poor mpg, sluggish pickup,excessive downshifting and engine whine. Dealership replaced cat.conv under warranty, now car is peppy, quiet, and I am totally satisfied. |
| Dec | 2012 | 60000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Sun roof opens but then would not close. Center arm rest latch broken |
| Jul | 2010 | 19000 | 0 | Anti-lock brakes, Traction control and Parking brake warning lamps came on simultaneously. Replaced brake control module. Rear bumper cover would shift left to right approx. .5 inches. Found loose hardware. Re-secured hardware with the use of Loctite. |
| Sep | 2010 | 20200 | 0 | Knocking/banging coming from front end when making a turn. Replaced Intermediate steering shaft. |
| Dec | 2010 | 22000 | 0 | Steering wheel oscillating from side to side without touching steering wheel. Car would also lurch uncommanded from side to side while driving. Replaced power steering motor. Right/front door speaker had no sound. Replaced door speaker. |
| Aug | 2012 | 34000 | 0 | Auto lights intermittent. Problem first reported December 2011. Out of warranty so never got it fixed. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 0 | A piece of paneling in the center console where the back 12volt plug is kept popping out when I would lift the console door. It was fixed a week later and covered by warranty with no issues. Tire wheel arch also had a missing panel plug; was replaced. | |
| Nov | 2008 | 12000 | 0 | A small piece of panel in the middle was popping out when the box in the center was opened to its fullest. Slightly annoying to have to pop it back in, but was replaced quickly and have had no problems. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
164-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 28000 | 0 | Replaced failed Lith. Battery |
| Dec | 2010 | 33000 | 0 | Clunging sound when turning and moving over irregular pavement |
| Oct | 2012 | 47700 | 0 | Droning sound that increased with speed, corrected by replacing rear hub bearing. covered by drive train warrenty |
| Apr | 2013 | 51000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
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