2008 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 7%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“There is a recall no 14116 and 14116b involving the torque sensor on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu but not on my particular VIN. It causes a loss of power steering which I am having. I do not understand why my particular model is not covered in this safety issue and what can I do about it. I have had no accidents yet but have to pull off the road and restart my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10944162, filed 2017-01, 136,000 miles“Takata recall, my 08 Malibu will not start after driving no matter how long. I've been stranded multiple times. I bought a new starter, relay switch, ignition, switch, and paid for multiple diagnostic tests. Every mechanic sends me to the dealer ship and says they can't find the problem but believe it's the ECM. I'm taking it to the dealer today and praying this doesn't cost me another car!”
NHTSA complaint #11119309, filed 2018-08, 115,000 miles“Displays, ESC off, traction control service, and engine power reduced. And when accelerating it doesn't really move . It takes a while to get speed up. And I was almost run over by a tractor trailer. This just started all of a sudden. And I have only had this car for about a year. It is stated that the Malibu has recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10846469, filed 2016-03, 127,000 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 milesRelated recalls
- 14V252000May 14, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 53 | 8% |
| 2016 | 76 | 9% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 9% |
| 2013 | 72 | 9% |
| 2012 | 129 | 14% |
| 2011 | 174 | 18% |
| 2010 | 227 | 17% |
| 2009 | 255 | 17% |
| 2008 | 68 | 7% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 29 | 3% |
| 2005 | 30 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
460 complaintsElectrical system
233 complaintsExterior lighting
106 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
71 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 29, 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