2008 Chevrolet Malibu Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 7%of 989 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 989 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Doors stopped locking when the car is put into drive or reverse, and unlocking when in park. This is a safety issue as we carry a toddler/child in the back seat and they are not locked in, and could open the door. We are told this is very common in Malibu's and the dealer maintains an inventory of actuator's to repair all of the vehicles that are brought in.”
NHTSA complaint #10508793, filed 2013-04, 76,000 miles“Doors will not lock or unlock unless done manually. My driver side door just recently stopped unlocking with the remote it has to be done with the key. Its not safe I don't live in that great of a neighborhood and if my doors are unlocked and someone is trying to get in id have to crawl into the back seat to lock each door. Its not safe I don't understand why this has not been recalled yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10594035, filed 2014-05, 75,000 miles“Bought a used 2008 Malibu with 36k, by the time I hit 43k the driver side rear door lock would not work electronically. By the time I hit 45k the driver door is not working properly. I looked into the issue and there are many others out there with the same problem. Chevy dealers then charge over $1000 to fix the lock motors, even though it seems to be a factory defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10345772, filed 2010-07, 43,000 miles“I put my children I the car as I always do the car doors lock when put in drive. All of a sudden the unlocked and would not lock back. Since then they have failed to work. This is a huge safety issue for those with children. The fuses and relays are all good on the car im assuming it is the actuator. Would definitely like to see a recall on these locks for the safety of our children and others riding in these same conditions due to faulty locks.”
NHTSA complaint #10608167, filed 2014-07, 75,000 miles“The door lock motors have gone out on both the driver side door and the driver side passenger door. The back door went out first followed by the front door. The problem occurs all the time, the automatic door locks do not work at all. We have not repaired this issues simply because we cannot afford the extra expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10368046, filed 2010-11, 75,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 17 | 1% |
| 2009 | 56 | 4% |
| 2008 | 71 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 3 | 0% |
| 2005 | 14 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
460 complaintsElectrical system
233 complaintsExterior lighting
106 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 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