2008 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 89about this part
- Share
- 9%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 89 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“Rear brake lights illuminate when brake pedal not applied. Also affects cruise control. I almost got in an accident on busy highway. Apparently my brake lights had been on and when I needed to slow down, I pressed the brake pedal and my lights went out. I came very close to be rear-ended. I see this is a common problem but my VIN does not show as being in recall for issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10749596, filed 2015-08, 114,000 miles“A police officer pulled beside me and said my brake lights were not working at all. Brake lights will come on and stay on or will not come on at all. Took this vechicle to a mechanic and it has to do with the connection with the bcm. Thought this was recalled but there is no recalls on my vechicle. I asked some other owners of the same model and they are having the same issues. This is a huge safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11044014, filed 2017-11, 3 miles“My 2008 chevy Malibu has a recurring brake light issue. The brake lights stay on randomly, and when you step down on the brake pedal you get no brake lights randomly. I've almost been hit countless times due to vehicles behind me not knowing when I'm actually stopping due to the brake lights being on for 20 miles straight. This is very dangerous for me and my family.”
NHTSA complaint #10546823, filed 2013-10, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10213760Jan 10, 2022This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 50 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 14% |
| 2018 | 69 | 10% |
| 2017 | 73 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 12% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 45 | 13% |
| 2013 | 46 | 6% |
| 2012 | 74 | 8% |
| 2011 | 44 | 5% |
| 2010 | 199 | 15% |
| 2009 | 153 | 10% |
| 2008 | 89 | 9% |
| 2007 | 51 | 5% |
| 2006 | 70 | 6% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 63 | 11% |
| 2002 | 55 | 10% |
| 2001 | 89 | 12% |
| 2000 | 250 | 27% |
| 1999 | 308 | 39% |
| 1998 | 376 | 39% |
| 1997 | 111 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
460 complaintsElectrical system
233 complaintsExterior lighting
106 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
71 complaintsElectronic stability control
68 complaintsAir bags
64 complaintsEngine
62 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsOther or unknown
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
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