2008 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,650 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.
“Only 3 of 4 power locks work, I have had this issue twice since owning the vehicle, the first time while it was still under warranty and was able to have it repaired, the second while no longer under warranty and cannot afford the repair. I experienced the effects of the body control module recall issues while on a road trip traveling at 65 MPH when my cruise control disengaged and my brake lights would not stay off or on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629451, filed 2014-08, 95,494 miles“I drive a Chevrolet Malibu 2008 with just a little over 56,000 miles. I was sitting at a red light and all the sudden there was a loud noise & the car vibrated a little. One of the fans completely broke apart and the pieces flew into the radiator embedding them into the radiator. So from this I had to have my car towed to a repair facility and they had to install a new radiator & fan. The service tech could no reason for this to have happened to my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10644899, filed 2014-10, 56,650 miles“My engine light was on and after I repaired that issue, was told that my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The maintenance guy found a letter stating 2008 Chevrolet Malibu was being recalled for faulty catalytic converter. However, when I entered my VIN number on GM's recall site my 2008 Chevrolet Malibu wasn't listed. The letter is extending the warranty on the converter for 10 years or up to 120,000. I wanted to know if there is someone at GM that I can contact directly regarding this situation. Please advise best regards”
NHTSA complaint #10668556, filed 2014-12, 155,000 miles“I leased a new 2008 chevy Malibu the day after thanksgiving. Great car, loved it. Then on jan 14th while driving on the freeway (in the fast lane) my check engine light flashed on a couple of times. Concerned I decided maybe I should pull off the road. Luckily there was an off ramp close. As I proceeded to the off ramp I realized that the engine had shut down so I was not able to do anything but coast as far out of the way as possible and pull to the side of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216057, filed 2008-01, 1,100 miles“When we got the car we loved it. After 4500 miles the battery died had to wait 3 days for the dealer to get us a new one. Great car ran fine then after 15,000 miles the check engine light came on and was told that it was something to do with a valve sensor. Dealer fixed it as it was under warranty. Then at 65,000 miles then check engine light came on and was told it was the valve sensor again. They brought it in the garage and said they couldn't replicate the check engine light coming on. So around 79,000 miles all the door locks stopped working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10457727, filed 2012-05, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10246483Nov 29, 2023This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
68 complaintsAir bags
64 complaintsEngine
62 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsOther or unknown
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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