2008 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 5%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,176miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,176 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Fuel line is cracked and leaking, it is part of the fuel pump assembly. Their are recalls regaurding similar issues on various models the same year. This vehicle should be under recall as well. I am the tech working on this vehicle and this is the second one I have seen within a year. It leaks fuel from the top of the fuel tank down the back and on the exhaust pipe. Very dangerous safety situation. I will keep the old part just in case you would like it.”
NHTSA complaint #10947048, filed 2017-01, 114,916 miles“The air bag light comes on and it says to be serviced. Sometimes it comes on and it can stay off for long periods of time. The service air bag light can come on while the car is in motion and then turn off, sometimes it does stay on. My vehicle is giving a strong smell of fuel coming from the rear of the car. I notice it being a stronger smell after I station it after a drive. I have not seen a noticeable leak yet. I will have a mechanic check that for me.”
NHTSA complaint #11006661, filed 2017-07, 120,602 miles“Takata recall my 2008 chevy Malibu got stuck in reverse when I was backing out of a parking spot and I fixed it with zip ties but the plastic pin that holds my shifter to my transmission got stuck.”
NHTSA complaint #11164668, filed 2019-01, 75,865 miles“Turn signal isn't operating correctly, it no longer cuts off automatically, three of my four door latches aren't working--don't respond to key fob (the one that works), have to lock all three doors manually. Check engine light comes on after filling up car and has been on for about 7 months with no one at the dealership knowing why. Also have a problem with water settling in my car every time it rains. Key fobs both went out also but only one is now working at 75%. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592050, filed 2014-05, 39,555 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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…
- 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.
- 10241417Aug 1, 2023This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10222766Sep 16, 2022This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 10222765Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides the technician with additional information on fuels, fuel additives and fuel management.
- 10222739Sep 13, 2022This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10218873Aug 10, 2022This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10213816May 26, 2022This Preliminary information communicates provides information to the technician on the use of R-99 or R-95 Renewable diesel fuel.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% |
| 2016 | 54 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
| 1980 | 2 | 40% |
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 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