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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
20%of 25 total for the year
Median mileage
35,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, 20% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,500 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.

“My car feels like it is almost going to stall out whenever I accelerate from a stop. This has become very dangerous for me when crossing and intersection from a stop. I have almost been hit several times. I am not sure, but I think it has to do with the hybrid system. This usually only happens when the air conditioner is on, but I have experienced it with it off too. Now, whenever I come to a stop and try to accelerate, I have to push the gas pedal all the way to the floor because if I do that, it doesn't feel like its going to stall out near as bad. …”

NHTSA complaint #10464366, filed 2012-07, 18,000 miles

“On 4/29/10, I took my car to the dealer because of not accelerating over 45. On 6/18/10, I was trying merge onto a interstate at rush hour, but the car had no power. I almost was hit because of this. Immediately the service hybrid light came on so took to the dealership where they found a leaking battery and bad sensor. Car repaired and began to drive home. After stopped at a light, I tried to accelerate. The car started to go but then started to chug like it was going to stall. It would not accelerate any more than around 5 MPH. Kept chugging for about 100 feet while I tried to pull off road. …”

NHTSA complaint #10360384, filed 2010-10, 17,588 miles

“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the shift cable for the automatic transmission became detached. As a result, the vehicle was stuck in gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the shift cable needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted who stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09v073000 ( power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 53,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10432875, filed 2011-10, 53,000 miles

“2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Consumer writes in regards to transmission slipping. The consumer stated the vehicle experienced numerous issues. The dashboard warned to service the traction control and hybrid.”

NHTSA complaint #11207777, filed 2019-05

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018436%
2017523%
2016833%
2009520%
2008114%

Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Electronic stability control
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

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