2009 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,509 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 1,509 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“While driving my 2009 chevy Malibu, I abruptly got a warning message on my dash board which contained the phrase engine power reduction at which time my car completely shut off in the middle of a busy highway. The car had no response even though all the battery operated items were working the car still would not turn over. After further research it has come to my attention that a large group of individuals have had this happen and this error message come up.”
NHTSA complaint #10644048, filed 2014-09, 158,000 miles“I have had so much trouble with the 2009 chevy Malibu I bought it brand new no miles thinking I was going to be stress free but it has given me the most headaches ever. I have had to replace the shift gear and that my head lights have had to been replace at least once a year since I got it the headache about that is that the whole bumper has to be removed to have them replace. I also had to replace the catalytic converter. I don't think I will ever purchase another chevy car.”
NHTSA complaint #10637184, filed 2014-09, 60,000 miles“This problem is very intermittent and impossible to duplicate by GM service technicians. It is very intermittent to me as the driver too, and I have to date been unable to know what triggers this. It seems totally random. Intervals have been as little as one week and as long as two months. The event is car engine has near complete loss of power; engine timing pings heavily, engine power surges then complete loss of power. This is the most severe symptom. The car also encounters moderate pinging, loss of power that causes the car to be very difficult to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10438526, filed 2011-12, 1,500 miles“Took car into shop over a year ago because bad odors were coming out of the cabin air supply. The Chevrolet shop cleaned out the A/C - took car back 8-9 months later, smelly odors coming from air vents in car. They cannot fix - these cars are not equipped with cabin air filters...in 2009 but - are now in 2012. I had bronchitis and near pneumonia for a year and a half. A month ago, I was told that I have asthma. These health issues are serious - I'm 64. I now need inhalers, etc. The car seems now to function okay with the inside A/C buttons but the fumes are there without these buttons. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464255, filed 2012-07, 15,000 miles“Crack in the 2009 exhaust manifold; had to be replaced as this is part of the catalytic convert. Looked on chevy forums and multple people with same issue....updated 08/31/15 updated 09/08/15 updated 10/14/15 updated 12/10/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10726849, filed 2015-06, 105,843 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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
768 complaintsElectrical system
368 complaintsElectronic stability control
255 complaintsExterior lighting
172 complaintsBrakes
153 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
121 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsVehicle speed control
73 complaintsAir bags
62 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
56 complaintsFuel system
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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