2009 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 121about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 121 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 8% of the 1,511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My son drove this 09 Malibu to work and when he got off of work the car would not go into reverse. I have done some research on this issue and it seems like this is a defect inside the transmoissions on these vehicles and the wave-plte brakes requiring a rebuild. I cannot believe these vehicles have not been recalled to fix this defect!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11163275, filed 2018-12, 110,000 miles“Power steering flashes on dash board and I lose complete control. I then have to use my strength to turn the wheel while the vehicle slows down. Sometimes this goes away and it drives fine. I've experienced it shutting down while going down the high way and this cannot be safe! After researching recalls, it appears I am experiencing the details of the recall for the torque sensor. The vehicle is below 150,000 miles. It also randomly will flash 'service air bag'.”
NHTSA complaint #11397061, filed 2021-02, 149,000 miles“While driving on city street going maybe 35 MPH my 3year old who was strapped into his car seat in the backseat began to choke. I immediately pulled over and got out to go to his aid but I couldn't unlock the back door. I panicked and had to try to climb through the small space from the front seat to the back but could not quickly get my choking child out of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10695111, filed 2015-03, 127,056 miles“Issue started with gear shift not going into park and then power steering started having issues and quit working while driving with wheel shaking back and forth. Next transmission began slipping and now barely shifts. Wheel jerks so hard when I turn now that it kicks my hand off wheel. Coughlin automotive in london, ohio told us that recall had been fixed but refuses to give us proof. Power steering has gone out in the middle of turning.”
NHTSA complaint #11240656, filed 2019-07, 146,000 miles“Lost the 35r gears in my 6t45 transmission just as the 6t70 & 6t75 transmission which are under TSB 14404 but as GM noted it's only for the v6 engines (high output) and not the 2.4l engines. Same issue but not covered. I only have 84, 000miles on the car, engine runs great, body is in great shape just have a bad transmission. Looking to get a TSB to cover the 6t40 & 6t45 transmissions. Called GM and they will do nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #11090137, filed 2018-04, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V460000Sep 18, 2012General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2010, Saturn Aura 2007–2010, Pontiac G6 2008–2010
- 09V073000Mar 6, 2009General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2009, Cobalt 2009, Pontiac G5 2009 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
- 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
769 complaintsElectrical system
368 complaintsElectronic stability control
255 complaintsExterior lighting
172 complaintsBrakes
153 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsVehicle speed control
73 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
56 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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