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2009 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Repair Histories

2009 Chevrolet Malibu  Problems:

2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

See what people are saying about 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems

 

2009 Chevrolet Malibus for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year Make/Model Trips/Year/100 Cars Compared to all models for the same year  
2009 Chevrolet Malibu 28 Malibus, 10.3 months of data per Malibu, average 48700 miles50
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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Non-members can see only ten 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine not specified

Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 33000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 34000 0 3.5V6 engine has a rough idle, took back to dealer 3 times and dealer stated this is normal for this engine. Dealer stated that Mfg's now set the fuel very lean and this causes the rough idle. I am taking vehicle to another GM dealer. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2011 45000   First odometer entry
Dec 2011 46000 0 Check engine light came on intermitantly. Took to dealership and they diagnosed a shorted intake solenoid. Replaced cam solenoid. No cost to me. Covered by powertrain warrenty. Less than 3 hours to repair. 
Dec 2012 63000 0 Complete transmission overahaul performed. No warning when the transmission failed on a busy city street. Able to return home in first gear but had to be towed to dealership because couldn't get the car to go in reverse. 

 

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2009 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan

252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 0   First odometer entry
May 2010 4700 0 Sunroof drainage tube improperly install during manufacturing causing leakage into car behind dash board. 
Jul 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 0 HVAC heater motor noisy, replaced with new 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 3000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 36000 100  
Jul 2011 38000 70 drivers front power door lock not functioning. Ordered new door lock actuator and installed. 
Oct 2011 41700 0 Growling noise from front transaxle area. Replaced both front wheel hubs for bad bearings. 
Jan 2012 47000 0 Steering shudders when turning slowly left and right 
Mar 2013 64000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Kentucky, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2008 0 Delivered as out-of-state dealer trade with deep scratch on left rear wheel well. Scratch buffed out. 
Jan 2009 0 Driver's door latch bad/replaced; Engine cover paint peeling, parts received but damaged; Windshield trim bad/replaced; Rt rr door panel bad/replaced; Additional parts ordered: driver's sun visor, fog lamp switch blanking panel, shift console bezel 
Jul 2009 0 Shift console bezel won't stay down, entire console replaced, issue still exists; Driver's sun visor won't snap into at-rest position, replaced 
Nov 2009 0 Left rear window regulator clicking/replaced 
Jan 2010 12000 0 Condensation in right headlight - replaced entire unit Bluetooth stopped recognizing phone, they reflashed it 
Feb 2010 13000 0 Right headlight has condensation, replaced; Bluetooth won't maintain pairing, reflashed 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Delaware, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2008 0   First odometer entry
Jan 2009 3000 0 Powertrain shudder and growling usually from 40-50 that often continues into a constant rumble and shake at, above, or below that speed. GM Engineers tested it, but nothing would occur for them, so a portable data recorder was installed to monitor. 
Feb 2009 3000 0 Alarm/lock light appeared on dash board after braking lightly to slow in traffic. Nothing else came on or ran differently, but I went straight to the dealer and no codes, etc. showed up, GM Tech had no ideas, so it was just turned off/on to reset. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 23000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 31000 0 faulty tire pressure monitor system, replaced under warranty 
Feb 2013   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Washington, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2009 9000   First odometer entry
Sep 2009 10000 0 Vibration/shudder felt in suspension/drivetrain while driving. Seems to be a mechanical resonance. 
Jan 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 0 Transmission had forgotten how to shift; had to be reprogrammed using "quick learn" 
Mar 2009 0 Bad smell from cowling; had to be disassembled and sprayed. Problem not yet resolved 
Jun 2010 16000 0 OnStar module is faulty 
Aug 2010 18000 0 OnStar module that gives directions was not working correctly. 
Jul 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2010 19000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 24000 47 Getting clunking noise when turning or on rough roads. Dealer replaced ISS helped but did not fix problem. Vibration between 45-55 MPH. Dealer could not replicate.  
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 2000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 7000 0 Extreme heat caused insulation to come out from between the rear deck and windshield. 
Feb 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Nebraska, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 1000   First odometer entry
Jun 2009 2000 0 Took vehicle in regarding brake noise when the front pads were warm. Dealer inspected brakes and replaced front pads under warranty per PIC-5152C. 
Jun 2010 17000 0 Rear driver's side door not locking and unlocking properly. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a bad lock actuator and replaced it with a new part. Problem was resolved. 
Apr 2012 37000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 1860   First odometer entry
Sep 2009 6820 0 Shift from 1 to 2 then down to 1 felt "jerky" (like someone dropping clutch in a standard) 
Nov 2010 23560 0 Apparently issue was on the "link kit" on right (passenger side) of vehicle. Replaced under warranty 
May 2012 40920 850 Rear passenger side door actuator stopped working. Door would lock but not unlock 
Aug 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2009 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2008 0   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 18000 0 one remote didn't work sometimes. replaced one remote 
Mar 2013 39000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2010 0 Exhaust Cam Solenoid stuck caused check engine light to come on. Repaired under original 3/36 warranty. 
Apr 2011 0 Driver's front door would not always latch when closed. Replaced door latch assembly. Repaired under original 3/36 warranty. 
Nov 2011 44000 0 Key fob broken internally. Battery retainer is separated from circuit board. It should have had better welds and more mounting points to circuit board. Had extended warranty otherwise would have been a couple hundred. 
Mar 2012 50000 400 Sunroof sunshade, when in full open, rattles as though it is loose; very distracting and annoying. This is a common problem in Malibu forums. Dealer is aware of them but refused to do anything for me and charged me to replace the sunshade. Going over any bumps caused a LOUD squeaking sound from the front end. Rather than fix the problem, the dealer only lubed it. It is likely to return after a few miles and a few rainfalls. 
Apr 2012 51300 400 It was so loud that at low speeds in neighborhoods, everyone turned and looked at the car. Dealer said squeak was coming from front sway bushing. All they did was grease it. Chevy knows about the loose/rattle sunshade. Mine rattled when in open position. Dealer replaced with more rigid sunshade. Now rattles in closed position and Dealer refuses to do anything else. Disappointing. The sun shade on the moonroof rattled as though it were loose. Chevy knows of this issue, it's common. After "repair" (which is replacing with a more rigid sunshade), it now rattles when closed. 
Oct 2012 59300 150 CD load or select results in Disc error. Bluetooth connection is intermittent, ended up having to re-pair the cell phone and audio. 
Jan 2013 63300 350 Extended warranty not at all helpful with my issue. Moonroof leaked water all over the visor, the a-pillar, the headliner and onto me and my lap. It was a loose connection for the moonroof drain. Moonroof is horrible quality. 
Mar 2013 66000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 0   First odometer entry
May 2009 0 I had to take in due to leaking seal on transmission, dropped off part was ordered and repaired, rental car provided for 2 days while being fixed, not sure of the cost,covered by warranty 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 22940   First odometer entry
Dec 2011 53320 0 Water was leaking from right hand A pillar. Traded car for Jetta. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2011 23000   First odometer entry
Nov 2011 31000 0 ESC/traction warning lights flashing. Dealer could not replicate while at dealer. The warning lights are still flashing. 
Feb 2013 42700 0 transmission control module 
Mar 2013 44000 0 body control module 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 3000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 7300 0 Bluetooth reprogrammed to correct dropping of save device connections. Replaced brake vacuum pump. All warranty work. 
Apr 2011 18000 135 HVAC blower motor made minor clicking sound only when fan set to position 1. Blower motor replace per warranty. 
Mar 2013 36000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2009 0   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 6200 0 Right front Idler arm worn/damaged . 
Mar 2011 9300 0 Could not remove key from ignition . Ignition sensor had to be replaced . 
Apr 2011 9920 0 Key Fob broken inside the plastic housing unit . 
Jan 2013 29140 0 Steering Gear Box not working . New Gear Box installed . 
Mar 2013 29760   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Indiana, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 0   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 15000 0 One of the key fobs had an electrical short. 
Oct 2010 24000 0 Output speed sensor was replaced. Car would shift hard when accelerating. The car was losing track of the speed and the transmission didn't know how to act. 
Feb 2011 29000 0 Shuddering with transmission. 
Mar 2011 29000 0 Previously they reflashed the transmission and engine control module to fix the stuttering around 40 mph. All they did was shift the shutter to 50 mph. At this point I assumed I had a lemon and got rid of it. Good riddance GM! 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2009 0   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 24000 0 2.4L engine is mysteriously losing coolant. Did pressure and cylinder tests, could not find any reason for the problem (though the engine continues to lose coolant). Check engine light; dealer claims error code indicating poor fuel. Added octane booster, reset light, suggested I use better quality fuel. 
Jan 2010 28000 0 Different dealer discovered leak in Cylinder #3 due to cracked head gasket and head warped. Head and head gasket replaced. Coolant loss still evident after head gasket replacement. Additional tests indicated porosity in the engine block casting; GM decided on a complete engine replacement. 
Apr 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Indiana, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 8000   First odometer entry
Oct 2009 9000 0 Dash panel needed snapping in place 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 3000   First odometer entry
May 2009 3000 0 Within a week of vehicle delivery (4FE09), we detected a 'mildew odor' in the psgr compatment. This mildew odor was very prevalent outside the vehicle eminating from the frt cowl vent below the wipers. 
Jun 2009 4000 0 Rtn to dif dealer (after consultation w/GM rep). 'mildew odor' in the psgr compatment. This mildew odor was very prevalent outside the vehicle eminating from the frt cowl vent below the wipers 
Dec 2010 24000 0 Grandson stepped on rear fold down cup holder (behind console) & broke off. Service of vehicle performed while we took deliver of a 2011 Camaro. Worked completed before we finished paperwork for new car. No charge. 
Dec 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2009 17000   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 31000 0 Camshaft solenoid failed and was replaced. Tripped the CEL. Brake booster was failing, caused creaking sound through the brake pedal. 
Mar 2010 35000 0 Suspension bushings replaced 
May 2010 37000 335 All four brake rotors warped, pads with on 15% remaining.  
Dec 2010 42000 0 Remote door lock failed. Replaced under warranty. 
Jan 2011 0 All four door hinges stops were loose. Both nuts on each stop were finger tight. Mechanic tightened all four doors. Heater blower motor squeaked. Dealer R&R. "Service ESC" warning flashed, but error code not displayed after messaged flashed. Dealer replaced #1 fuel injector. Motor will intermittently idle rough once the motor is warmed up. Also high speed stalling. Tends to occur when the outside temp is 65+ degrees. Has been occuring for 4 months. Dealer has not experianced in three visits for problem. 
Mar 2011 49000 165 Camshaft actuator failed, replaced by dealer.  
Apr 2011 52000 0 Cylinder head replaced for rough idle and high speed stalling. Valve guides for Cylinder # 1 worn out. Leak down test was at 80%. Problem reoccurred within 40 miles of getting car back, with rough idle even worse than before. That is it, I gave up and traded the car in. 
May 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 11780   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 19220 0 Left wheel bearing went bad right headlight lens has condensation in it replaced right front headlamp lense assembly - problem fixed 
Mar 2011 47740 0 wheel bearing failure wheel bearing - third one 
Mar 2013 107880   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 4000   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 9000 32 Bluetooth needed upate to get to resync with phone. 
Dec 2009 22000 0 center console broke latch 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2008 0   First odometer entry
Jul 2010 23000 0 Fan blower whining at medium speeds. Fixed in 3hrs. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 0   First odometer entry
Jan 2009 1000 0 Phone bluetooth would not stayed paired. Replaced Onstar communication module to repair bluetooth loss of pairing when car shut off. 
Aug 2012 35300 300 Blower resistor failed 
Mar 2013 40000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2009 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 13000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 14000 0 Squeaking from rear passenger side quarter panel area, thought to be interior trim, found to be squeaky rear strut mount The emblem inserted into the steering wheel was not centered and printed incorrectly, dealer replaced airbag module to fix issue Security light illuminated, dont know cause, but once reset, it has not happened again. 
May 2009 16000 0 front cradle was rubbing against body 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New Jersey, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2012 78000   First odometer entry
Jan 2013 90300 0 Reseated harness connectors for comm. error. 
Mar 2013 95000 125 replaced wheel hub assy. 
Apr 2013 98000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2012 60000   First odometer entry
Mar 2013 65000 400 Left and right front door locks quit working. Replaced door lock switches. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2012 18000   First odometer entry
May 2013 36000 140 Passenger front tire had a slow leak. Was not the tire, the steel rim was defective. Ordered used rim off of ebay and had mounted. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2011 36000   First odometer entry
Mar 2012 41000 0 Transmission seal (right) where drive shaft emerges was leaking 
Mar 2013 48000 0 The right front driveshaft bearing backed most of the way out of its seat and was leaking. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 0   First odometer entry
Oct 2011 23000 0 Noise in steering column like something catching on turns. Some module replaced with the comment that this was not common failure but not entirely unusual. That is, they had the part in stock. 
Apr 2013 40000 25 Replace burnt out right rear turn indicator light. It did take more than 10 minutes to change because it was behind a wall in the trunk. 

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 19000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 20000 0 front left headlight water in it 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Illinois, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 5000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 8000 25 TSB for tranny reflash -- shifting irregular 
Mar 2011 21000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 18000   First odometer entry
Feb 2011 52000 0 Cracked engine block. Replaced and rebuilt engine. 
Mar 2011 55000 0 Problem returns two days later, root cause is the same, cracked block between first and second cylinder. Entire new engine placed in car 
Jun 2011 60000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2011 43000   First odometer entry
Apr 2011 44700 0 Repaired leaking front axel shaft output seal 
Sep 2011 51000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Tennessee, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 0   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 11000 0 Rattle noise in Right Front or Right Rear of Car. 
Dec 2010 13000 0 Front strut mounts and bearings were replaced under a TSB. I have driven the car only about 50 miles since repair but it seems to have fixed the noise problem. 
Mar 2013 43000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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Expert 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Repair Advice

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