2008 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Malibu years
Typical for this model
62/100 1.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Malibu year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 119 of its 989 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Loss of power steering assist while driving or at start-up (443 complaints, median 83,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 989filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 800 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about losing power steering assist, frequently at highway or turning speeds, and often say the condition clears after shutting the car off and restarting it. A second large group involves no-start or intermittent no-crank problems together with anti-theft and warning lights, and many complaints are filed well past 100,000 miles. Headlamp and brake-light faults are also reported, usually as recurring problems rather than one-time failures.
- Steering
Loss of power steering assist while driving or at start-up
- 443 complaints (45%)
- median 83,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (365 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $708 (median of 28 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Owners describe the power steering warning message appearing and the wheel becoming very hard to turn, sometimes while driving at speed, cornering, or right after starting the car. Many report that shutting the vehicle off and restarting brings assist back, at least temporarily, and that the problem returns later. Complaints also mention a rubbing or knocking noise from the steering column, and some report the dealer replaced the steering column, steering gear, or torque sensor, while others were told their VIN was not covered by a related campaign. Mostly reported between roughly 75,000 and 160,000 miles, with some cases near 50,000 and others past 200,000.
What to check: During a test drive, check that assist is present at low speed and after a cold start, and ask whether any steering recall or bulletin work (campaign 14V153000 or bulletin 14116) was performed on this VIN. Listen for rubbing or knocking from the column when turning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Came home from work, parked my car. Everything was normal. Next day I went to start it and leave for work. When I turned on the car, the power steering alert appeared in the information center. Very hard to steer. Thought it just needed some power steering fluid but learned this car does not take any. Started doing some research and found out that many people have issues with this car and power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #11324595, filed 2020-05, 222,000 miles“I bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago and for the past week it won't start. Power to everything but no crank. I took out battery and starter and they're both fine. All relays and fuses are fine. I took out all fuses under hood and car started fine. Made it 5 minutes up the road, my car started shaking badly,the power steering appeared on dash, speedometer stopped working, rpms worked, and car wouldn't shift out of 1st. …”
NHTSA complaint #11390289, filed 2021-01, 138,000 miles - Electrical system
Intermittent no-crank / no-start with security light
- 64 complaints (6%)
- median 97,747 mi at 7.0 yrs old (54 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Owners report turning the key and getting power to accessories but no crank, sometimes after the car has been driven and shut off, and sometimes with the anti-theft or security light on. Some say the vehicle restarts after sitting for a while, and a few describe the ignition switch or the engine control module as the diagnosed cause. A related bulletin concerns an intermittent no-crank with the security light and specific body codes. Reported across a wide mileage range, commonly between about 50,000 and 180,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the car has ever failed to crank, especially when warm, and whether the ignition switch or security system has been serviced. Try several start-stop cycles during the test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle starts right up when it has not been running. If I drive the car for more than 20-30 minutes and shut the car off the vehicle will not crank or start. I have to wait for at least an hour or longer before the vehicle starting again. No mechanic has been able to figure the problem out. I have had the starter changed, the battery and alternator check out good.”
NHTSA complaint #11326066, filed 2020-05, 141,237 miles“I have had the car for almost 2 years the computer crashed (code u0100 ECM pcma) unfortunately the car doesn't start at all so now I may have to get a new car because the car lot doesn't want to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11328629, filed 2020-06, 155,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlamps quit or work intermittently
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe low beams that stop working or flicker on and off, sometimes one side only, and often say replacing the bulb does not fix it. Several report melted or burned connectors and wiring harnesses, and note that reaching the bulbs requires removing the front bumper. Complaints also mention repeated bulb replacement over months. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 145,000 miles.
What to check: Check both low and high beams, look at the headlamp connectors for discoloration or melted plastic, and ask how often bulbs or harnesses have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The main concer I have is (1)while driving and car in motion on a city street, the car accerlerated on it's own. Almost caused an accident. This has happen several more times since. (2)the car begins to slow down. I cannot drive more the 10 mile per hour, the RPM gage goes high but the car does not. (3)also, the car ABS light comes on with normal driving in the city, unknown cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413840, filed 2021-04, 240,000 miles“Low beam passenger side headlight works intermittently while driving. It turns out that it was due to the electrical wiring harness burning out. This is not an easy fix for this model, to gain access to the headlight assembly the entire front bumper needs to be removed. I was ticketed and had to pay the fine since I was not able to get a shop to take off the bumper within the 24 hour grace period allotted by the local police department.”
NHTSA complaint #11310753, filed 2020-02, 60,200 miles - Exterior lighting
Brake lights stay on or fail to light
- 85 complaints (9%)
- median 74,136 mi at 6.1 yrs old (71 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2026
Owners report brake lamps that illuminate without the pedal being pressed, or that fail to light when braking, sometimes along with a dimmer third brake light. Some say the brake light switch was replaced and the problem returned, and a few note the lights behaved opposite to the pedal. Several complaints mention stability-control and traction warning lights appearing at the same time. Reported from roughly 87,000 to 245,000 miles, including several cases near 90,000 to 100,000.
What to check: Have someone watch the rear lamps while you press and release the brake, and ask whether the brake light switch or related wiring has been replaced recently.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Keep getting a message saying 'ESC off' , 'traction control off' comes and goes. Sometimes seems like the vehicle is stuck in a gear makes a loud roar. Starts to vibrate while driving at certain speeds. Having a problem with brake light staying on a even after replacing switch. I have the recall problems for this year/model car but VIN doesn't seem to meet the qualifications.”
NHTSA complaint #11324493, filed 2020-05, 179,000 miles“Third break light intermittently working. The other two break lights have no issue. I had the third break light replaced and am still experiencing the same issue. This seems to be a common issue with this car as there are numerous complaints of othe consumers experiencing this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11397293, filed 2021-02, 161,000 miles - Electronic stability control
Stability-control warnings and reduced-power (limp) mode
- 119 complaints (12%)
- median 93,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (93 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2025
Owners describe the service ESC, traction-control off, and check-engine lights coming on, sometimes with the vehicle limited to low speed or held in a low gear. Some report the condition appears intermittently and persists after repairs, and a few mention gauge or speedometer irregularities at the same time. A related recall addresses a wiring condition in the stability-control system on certain vehicles. Mostly reported between about 100,000 and 190,000 miles.
What to check: Watch the dash on a test drive for ESC or traction lights, and ask whether campaign 14V252000 (stability-control wiring) was completed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle has been running just fine until the other day when my vehicle out of nowhere went into 'limp mode' and I couldn't go over 20 MPH. The notifications on my dash were 'eng pwr reduced' and 'service ESC'. After looking online for possible causes, it is very clear that engine power reduced and service electrical system is an extremely common problem with chevy Malibu's from older models to newer 2016-2018 models). …”
NHTSA complaint #11308867, filed 2020-02, 100,400 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11366784, filed 2020-10, 93,475 miles
Buying note. These are older cars, so service history matters more than mileage: ask for records on steering-assist and stability-control campaign work and check that the starter, ignition, and brake-light switch have been looked at. A careful test drive at low and highway speed, plus a look at the headlamp connectors, will reveal most of what owners describe here.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 989 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. 800 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 30 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 19 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,073 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Malibu model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 62 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering460 47%
- Electrical system233 24%
- Exterior lighting106 11%
- Brakes89 9.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain86 8.7%
- Latches, locks and linkages71 7.2%
- Electronic stability control68 6.9%
- Air bags64 6.5%
- Engine62 6.3%
- Fuel system54 5.5%
Also reported: Other or unknown (52), Vehicle speed control (42), Body and structure (21), Suspension (15), Engine cooling (12), Equipment (10), Wheels (10), Seats (8), Tires (8), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (8), Seat belts (4), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “My power steering goes out without warning while driving. The warning displays on the radio screen. My mechanic called a dealership and they told him the recall had a limited mileage warranty of 150,000 miles. My vehicle has approximately 157,000 miles. This seems dangerous to me. Why is there a mileage limit? My mechanic attempted to fix it but it continues to occur.”
NHTSA complaint #11073540, filed 2018-02, 157,000 milesElectrical system: “Esc lights, and traction stability control lights come on and off often, regardless of current weather conditions. I noticed it happens more when the weather is cooler. Started around 29k miles on my car. When the warning lights come on, my break lights stay on. Computer doesn't kick back any codes unless the warning lights that are on.”
NHTSA complaint #11190170, filed 2019-03, 29,000 milesExterior lighting: “I have had to replace my low beams several times. A couple of times a mechanic replaced the (melted and scorched) housing that holds the bulb and it works for a little while but eventually one of the lights goes out again. I have wasted much time and money on this issue and realize I am not alone!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11268010, filed 2019-10, 95,000 milesBrakes: “Check engine light comes on.engine power reduced 99 %.sometimes engine dies while driving 40-55 MPH.engine code p2135 is displayed on my code reader. The problem goes away after cycling the ignition switch several times.car is un-reliable.this problem can cause you to crash the car.I was driving on the highway and city street when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10818544, filed 2016-01, 131,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 800 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 118,565 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Malibu FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles…
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu…
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2006, 2008–2009 +4 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles…
- 12V460000Sep 18, 2012Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2010, Saturn Aura 2007–2010, Pontiac G6 2008–2010
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may…
Recall details for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,073 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,510 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of this model year most often write about losing power steering assist, frequently at highway or turning speeds, and often say the condition clears after shutting the car off and restarting it. The issues reported most often: Loss of power steering assist while driving or at start-up; Intermittent no-crank / no-start with security light; Headlamps quit or work intermittently.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 989 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 460 complaints (47% of the total), followed by electrical system with 233.
Has the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 800 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 118,565 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.