Problems · NHTSA complaints

2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Owners filed 1,017 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA between Jan 2008 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (468).

Complaints
1,017
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
33
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
20
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering468
  2. Electrical system246
  3. Exterior lighting107
  4. Power train89
  5. Latches/locks/linkages76
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)71
  7. Air bags66
  8. Engine63
  9. Service brakes63
  10. Fuel/propulsion system49
  11. Vehicle speed control42
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic24
  13. Structure22
  14. Suspension16

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
200820
200918
201083
201165
201266
201395
2014184
2015102
201665
201755
201865
201981
202039
202121
202221
202314
20247
20258
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

468 reports12 crashes1 fire2 related recalls
“As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2026SteeringODI 11738366

Electrical system

246 reports7 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The wiring harness in the 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid has a open ground somewhere in the wiring harness it is draining the 12 volt battery and affecting the starter and the alternator generator in the hybrid it will not let the starter engage all fuses appear to be good after checking all of them majority of the solenoids fuses relays and sensors have been replaced diagnostics test show that the wiring harness has an open ground throughout the car please call us about the open recalls that are on this car it appears to be five of them my number is [XXX] it is very important it just gets through to somebody and you give me confirmation back”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770675

Exterior lighting

107 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 8, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11570755

Power train

89 reports6 crashes2 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2024Power trainCrash reportedODI 11603674

Latches/locks/linkages

76 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR REMAINED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CHUCK NICHOLSON INC (LOCATED AT 7190 OH-39, MILLERSBURG, OH 44654, (330) 275-3522) STATED THAT A WAIVER NEEDED TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO ANY ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR DUE TO POSSIBLE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2018Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11133517

Electronic stability control (esc)

71 reports6 crashes
“SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ALMOST WRECKED THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT IT CLOSED AND THE DEALER WON'T FIX IT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED OPEN OR CLOSED CAN U PLEASE HELP ME GET THE FIXED”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2020Unknown or other, Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11366784
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.