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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
10%of 21 total for the year
Median mileage
101,116miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 10% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,116 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had to drive my car to the dealership to have them to release my key from the ignition a couple time and never thought anything of it, but in june the beginning the key wouldn't come out. So I called the dealer to find out I had to replace the ignition switch alone with my shift that cost me 884.00 dollars. They claim no warranties. I called Chevrolet to find there was recall,but it was done just before I purchase the car in 2009. But it kind of bizarre the key was still getting stuck if it was replace. Is there any way you can help me to resolve this situation. …”

NHTSA complaint #10606080, filed 2014-06, 77,000 miles

“2008 malibu shows ice possible and then traction light comes on and then engine power reduce light comes on and the engine starts to slow down. This happens on the high way, in traffic, while accelerating and honestly going up and down hills. Took to service center and they said it was the mass air flow sensor, however after replacing the vehicle is still having the same issues. Contacted Chevrolet and they told me to have the recall on the vehicle done however the mechanic told me the recall has nothing to do with the issue and he doesn't know why the car is doing that. …”

NHTSA complaint #10490800, filed 2013-01, 125,232 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2008210%
200522%
200454%
200316%
200216%

Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

Electrical system
11 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology