2008 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 989 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 5 fires, 19 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (463 reports).

4Recalls
989Owner complaints
30Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Malibu?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Recall 14V153Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehicles affected

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Recall 12V460Sep 18, 2012426,240 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Problem areas named in the 989 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering463
Electrical System233
Exterior Lighting106
Power Train89
Latches/Locks/Linkages71
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)68
Air Bags65
Service Brakes62
Engine62
Fuel/Propulsion System45

What owners report

2026-10-12, Electrical System
The wiring harness in the 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid has a open ground somewhere in the wiring harness it is draining the 12 volt battery and affecting the starter and the alternator generator in the hybrid it will not let the starter engage all fuses appear to be good after checking all of them majority of the solenoids fuses relays and sensors have been replaced diagnostics test show that the wiring harness has an open ground throughout the car please call us about the open recalls that are on this car it appears to be five of them my number is [XXX] it is very important it just gets through to somebody and you give me confirmation back INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
2026-10-05, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, and the contact stated that there was heat coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the electrical gauges flickered. While attempting to pull off the roadway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a mechanic had discovered a minor oil leak coming from the engine. The contact called an independent mechanic who arrived at the scene and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the
2026-06-29, Service Brakes
Randomly when I press the brakes the brake lights don't turn on. Other times they work fine. All of the light bulbs are good. All three brake light don't turn on randomly. I have almost been rear-ended on numerous occasions.no dash lights came on. And I have not had it inspected yet just my girlfriend pushing the brake pedal to test the lights. One day they work another they don't then another day they work again.
2026-05-17, Steering
As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall
2026-04-27, Engine
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed DTC: P0016 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the camshaft position correlator and crankshaft and intake were not aligned and needed to be realigned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 965,162.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu: Electrical System:Wiring; Electronic Stability Control (Esc); Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control; Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift; Steering:Electric Power Assist System; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl). Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 989 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (463), Electrical System (233), Exterior Lighting (106).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

Other 2008 Chevrolet models