2008 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 6%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,723miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,723 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My bcm I has terrible wiring connection and the way I bought it someone ran a new wire to the third coil because the bad connect is causing the check engine light to turn on and is shorting out all my emissions parts such as maf sensor, o2s, evap purge solenoid and my car is running like crap and a mechanic said he has had this happen before on the same vechile as mine”
NHTSA complaint #11191547, filed 2019-03, 120,000 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“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“Takata recall: timing chain and crankshaft issue. Car started to lose speed all of a sudden and the next day I went to start the car, it wouldn't start at all. Had to have it towed to find out that my timing chain is lose and crankshaft sensor piece was missing or broken”
NHTSA complaint #11166596, filed 2019-01, 130,000 miles“While driving on the 101 a 5 lane hwy, we were in the hov lane. The car completely stalled, we had all electrical on the dash light radio worked but the car wouldn't start back up. Previous occasions it has stalled , this is the 5 or 6th time! I take it in to service and they say its one thing and other week goes by and it does it again.”
NHTSA complaint #10626316, filed 2014-08, 65,786 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10205052Aug 20, 2021This 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…
- 10199244May 24, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking…
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
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 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 27, 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