At 97000 miles, following all service and oil changes, engine blew out. it sheared off head bolts, broke the timing chain, large amounts of metal both before and after the oil filter. i have talked to many mechanics, as well have talked to numerous people that own these vehicles. they all say the same thing. there is something going on with the build of these engines that is causing failure. car was stationary after a 45 minute drive. the next day there was no response from turning the key. chevy has been getting away with these type of engine problems for years and i believe should be held accountable in their quality control department. there is absolutely no reason this should happen with such low miles, let alone all the other people with the same proble.s.
Esc warning light, service esc, esc off, service traction, traction off lights are continuously coming on when driving, front end shudders/shakes when this happens and i lose speed.
2008 chevy malibu engine shut off in mid drive on city highway during high traffic. my wife and children were in the vehicle the check engine light has displayed and continue to code p0365/6. however the camshaft position sensors, the camshaft position actuators, the altenator and the battery have all been replaced. the issue has upset me due to the fact that it is in line with 2 known concerns and reports that have not been answered by chevy or gm. 1) discussion of battery cables being the cause of the problem (unanswered) 2) gm ignition switch recall feb 2014 (which seems to be very in line with this issue). i have taken the vehicle to the chevy dealership and ofcourse paid for a diagnostic to be told "could not duplicate". it is very concerning to me and hard to believe that this was the first time that these symptoms have been reported and no one knows what could be the source. i was able to find forums and reports on both the battery cables and the ignition switch failures. the ignition switch failure were supposedly only issues for specific vehicles however the symptoms within the recorded malibu community are totally in line with the same from that recall. we now also have a problem with the ignition struggling to turnover. this is highly unsafe, financially burdening and stressful on the families who are currently dealing with these concerns with no answer or response in sight. requesting assistance.
Engine power failure and traction control turns off, the cars power immediately reduces power and speed without notice, car stalls out. it is very random without warning/notice; quite dangerous- if the car is turned off and turned back on it returns to normal only for a period of time.
Ignition switch (related to the key) fails intermittently causing vehicle to either not start or quit running while driving.
2008 chevy malibu lights will come on but engine won't crank. we where in the highway and trying to jump a car and it just turned off and won't start at all.
Takata recall: timing chain and crankshaft issue. car started to lose speed all of a sudden and the next day i went to start the car, it wouldn't start at all. had to have it towed to find out that my timing chain is lose and crankshaft sensor piece was missing or broken
My bcm i has terrible wiring connection and the way i bought it someone ran a new wire to the third coil because the bad connect is causing the check engine light to turn on and is shorting out all my emissions parts such as maf sensor, o2s, evap purge solenoid and my car is running like crap and a mechanic said he has had this happen before on the same vechile as mine
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!
Fuel tank leaking seen several chevys where recalled but my vin number is not including unable to drive care as dangerous fuel leak
Car states engine power reduce on my car, will be driving and the codes will come on, speed reduced, traction turned off, acceleration is slow. no warning this is going to happen, can happen while driving high speeds or regulars speeds. has happened or city streets and highway. if you fix one thing code some back saying it's another thing. don't feel safe in driving the car, never know when this mode will come on.
Engine broke down 2 weeks later they said we will give you warranty and when i refill gas the fuel sensor doesn't reach full tank and steering lost its grip the same week of purchase
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. while driving 40 mph, the traction control and engine warning indicators illuminated without warning, and the vehicle shook. an independent mechanic replaced the throttle body and accelerator pedal. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the driver side air bag warning indicator illuminated. the dealer diagnosed that the air bag was deploying from the driver seat and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer informed the contact that a sensor failed, but it was not a concern. in addition, the contact observed a leak coming from the vehicle and took the vehicle back to the dealer. it was diagnosed that the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, one month later, the contact observed a leak again, the check engine warning indicator illuminated, and an abnormal clicking noise was heard. the dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to the head gasket being previously repaired improperly. the engine was replaced. one month later, the vehicle would not start and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring was done improperly and not up to safety standards. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was 93,723.
Engine power reduced message appears while vehicle is running and the engine immediately stops and vehicle stalls after a very short period barely enough to pull over to the side of the road. if the ignition is turned off and turned on again, the vehicle starts fine. this pattern repeats randomly at various speeds and even when it was stopped at a stop sign. this is a dangerous situation especially on the highways. dealer check revealed that it was engine control module that got shorted and needs a replacement. the part is back ordered, which indicates that there are multiple vehicles having the same issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the engine stalled without warning while driving 40 mph. the contact lost control of the vehicle, drove into a ditch, and stopped in an embankment. the front driver side air bag deployed and the gas inside caused the contact to contract pneumonia. the contact suffered chest pains that required medical attention. the vehicle was towed to storage. a police report was filed. the vin was not available. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 14e021000 (electrical system) was received over one year ago; however, the repair was not performed. the manufacturer was not notified. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Takata recall: hello my name is [xxx] i am constantly having problem with my chevy malibu 2008. my car shut off while still in drive on my way home on the street and then my gear shifted to park while again the car is in drive. i have bad electrical problems that i gotten fixed and it still acting up but what's is important is that my car is not driving and i cant start it at all. yes i got a new starter and its still responding the same. these problems been ongoing since i purchased it almost 3 years ago. can you please contact me and help me. thank you. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
When the car was started the information panal was not reading, it consisted of mostly dashes. the car was running much louder than normal and the check engine light came on. it started saying service traction and engine power loss. i placed the car in drive, the interior lights started flashing and locks went up and down rapidly. i shut the car off and re started it, attempted to see if it would drive but it had no power, could only reverse and there seemed to be no power steering. the next day i started the car again, this time no immediate issue until i pulled out on to the street. the steering wheel was tight, and the car failed to accelerate. loss of engine power was on the dash, engine and traction lights remained on. restarted the car and i was able to park again. the car remains at the dealer after being towed a week ago, and they are unsure of the cause. this is extremely dangerous, especially if it were to happen on the highway i would not have had any control of the car and most definitely would have caused an accident.
Check engine light comes on.engine power reduced 99 %.sometimes engine dies while driving 40-55 mph.engine code p2135 is displayed on my code reader. the problem goes away after cycling the ignition switch several times.car is un-reliable.this problem can cause you to crash the car.i was driving on the highway and city street when this happened.
Engine intermittently reduces power, engine lamp come on or blinks, runs rough. this reduce power causes the vehicle to shake and accelerator does not work properly and occurs when moving in normal driving conditions and then it all stops. mechanics cannot recreate it. it is safety issue and can cause an accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the timing belt had stretched and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact indicated that approximately one month later, the check engine warning light illuminated again. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the actuator solenoid needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the failure mileage was 61,208. ...updated 03-10-16 *bf *js
Intake manifold gaskets leaking bad, loss of steering at low speeds causing for manuel strength and transmission wouldn't change gears at 85,000 miles within the 1st i purchased the car
The check engine light came on so i took it to the shop and was told that it my catalytic converter and i only have 71000 mile on my car, shouldn't it be still under warranty? pleas advise
When i drive the car it drives fine. in the morning when i try to leave at 7 or 8 it refuses to turn on until it is warm i guess. there's definitely an electrical issue i've only had the cat for 2 months and when it does start it says power steering and service esc. sometimes i can't even drive over 20. it's definitely an issue that needs recalled.
My 08 malibu ltz is having trouble shifting gears. i have to let off accelerator for it to shift gears. *tr
On sunday march 8th, 2015 i turned my car about 7 pm in the evening to realize that the engine light was on, service esc was populating on the dash and traction control had been lost in the car. i was having difficulty braking as if the abs brake system was not working in the car. i drove it immediately home from work and parked it at my home address. on monday morning at 7:30 am i called the chevrolet customer support to discuss the current recall which appeared to be the issue. i was instructed that i could drop my car off at best chevrolet and they were aware of the recall and would assist me. i dropped my car off, explained the situation, i also asked them to quote a price on a leak and left. they called me to let me know the recall wasn't the issue even thought everything i experienced was listed in the recall. they held my car for two extra days after the car was no longer displaying the check engine light and no one informed me. *tr
2011 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to engine power reduced and traction control message light issues. *smd *cn
While on my way to work, suddenly my traction light and service engine light came on and the reduced power notification came on moments later, the car slowed to about 10-20 mph(like it almost died but still running) and the car was shaking. i could not accelerate, i coasted into a parking lot and it was idling rough. i shut it off, waited a few moments and started it like nothing happened. i was scared and just wanted to get home and borrow another car to get to work. i was less than a mile away from home, and managed to get it home. while returning home it did the same thing but, it added a new code disabled engine. i have read these forums, and i don't have extra money to waist on replacing parts that do not fix the problem. it seems to be a common issue with gm, i don't want to be giving the run around with bs reason, i want to fix my car. *tr
While driving on a crowded freeway the car started to slow down on its own. i figured i was out of gas so i checked the gauge and it was at 1/2 tank. the message said service esc, engine power reduced. there was no place to safely pull over so i had to continue to the next exit at the reduced speed. needless to say this was very frightening as traffic was trying to pass me. i could have been rear ended but luckily nothing bad happened. i found a place to stop, shut off the engine and waited 5 minutes. i restarted the car and it ran normal as if nothing happened. the check engine light was still on. i reset the code ( something about a tps) when i got home. this scenario has happened several more times even at city speeds (35 mph). i don't drive on the freeway anymore and have to take alternate routes that are safer to pull over when this happens. i think i should sell the car but i cant in good conscience pass this on to someone else like gm did to me. really guys this should be investigated asap so that no one gets hurt or killed ! *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the low traction, esc, engine power reduced, and engine disabled warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000.
Driver side seat frame broke, head gaskets failed. *tr
While driving 50 mph down the highway in my 2008 chevy malibu (106,800 miles) the traction control light came on and information center read "engine power deduced" and my car slowed to 20 mph almost immediately with no warning to me or the vehicles behind me. luckily there was a wide shoulder and i veered off to avoid being rear ended as i had my 3 child all in car seats in back. i called the dealership but as they weren't open yet, i did what i had to as one of my children is a special needs child and was almost time for his seizure medication and drove the car on to my mother in laws 4 miles away. i drove down the shoulder of the highway for approximately 1 mile to make it to my mother in laws turn then the next 3 miles to her house was less congested with traffic luckily. the car had a slight shake to it almost and something seemed like it was rattling almost under the hood but a slow rattle not like a knocking sound tho. after the dealership opened i took the car to them after shutting off and restarting car ran normal again. they said they could find the issue in the history. chevy told us the cam shaft solenoid had internal failure and needed replaced. we got it fixed and changed spark plugs and did a small tune up to make sure that was the whole issue solved. last night just a day later the same thing happened as my husband was driving the car. this is an issue with many newer chevy cars some still with just 50,000 miles on them. it is a major safety concern and needs to be addressed with gm in a recall i am afraid before more lives are taken due to faulty engineering and parts! please look into this further! chevy also found a crack in the exhaust manifold that they are replacing for free already as well as multiple other recalls we are awaiting parts for. *tr
While driving on the 101 a 5 lane hwy, we were in the hov lane. the car completely stalled, we had all electrical on the dash light radio worked but the car wouldn't start back up. previous occasions it has stalled , this is the 5 or 6th time! i take it in to service and they say its one thing and other week goes by and it does it again. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer stated that the parts were not available for repair. additionally, the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering) however, the contact stated that the recall had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 66,240.
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%. all of these problems have been going on since i first got the car with the dealership either pretending as if i did it or that they do not have enough staff to correct the problem. i know this was only done because i am a female and the car was under warranty. i am so disappointed!!! i bought this car brand new with only 100 miles on it and it seems as if gm wants their dealerships to do this. i know so many people with the same problems from the same parent manufacturer (tahoe, enclave, impala, malibus) this car seems to have a lot of minor/major problems that all rear their ugly heads at various times of ownership..thinking about getting rid of it even though it was my dream car and almost paid for!!!! gm needs to get on the ball!!! *tr
My 2008 chevy malibu 2lt is experiencing issues where it basically loses power to the engine. the code that came up is p2135 and the messages were service traction/service esc/engine power reduced. once the engine is shut down, it won't start until the codes are cleared. my husband & i were driving at 50mph and all of a sudden the car wouldn't let us go more than 20mph and we were almost hit by cars behind us and barely had enough time to get over. i am very upset about this issue because i take very good care of my car and there was no warning sign that something was going wrong prior to all of the messages coming up (engine light etc). *js
I was traveling on route 15 from va to md. i stopped for gas, got back on the highway going around 45 and the timing chain broke which destroyed the motor. the mechanic who replaced the motor said this was a common problem with this particular motor and gm was aware of it, but have not issued a recall. the mechanic said the oil needed to be changed regularly or the engine was more prone to this problem. i did change the oil regularly and have records to prove it. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while driving 35 mph, the check engine, dome light, door ajar sound, seat belt warning lights illuminated at the same time. the engine lost power after the above warning signals displayed. the failure recurred three times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the body control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurred with seat belt and service air bags light illuminated. the vehicle was not taken back to a dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the failure mileage was 88,845.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the vehicle became hesitant to accelerate and stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to restart however, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to seize. the problem recurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
My vehicle looses power and ability to accelerate suddenly while on the highway traveling around 65 mph. this causes a very dangerous situation for me each time it occurs because i am driving at a high speed and most of the time on a busy highway. i have to turn my hazards on and do my best to get off the road all while the vehicle continues to slow itself down and loose all power. i've come so very close to being hit or causing an accident. it is very frightening. "engine power reduced" is the message that appears. the check engine light came on and i took it in a few days later to a mechanic who read the codes. there were several that came up. i explained everything that happened with the car and after looking over everything decided i needed a new cam shaft sensor. car drove well for about a week and then the problem came back. i have taken it back in to the mechanic and they're unsure of what the problem could be now. they have told me unless i can get the vehicle to them right when the problem is happening they're unsure what could actually be the source. how am i supposed to drive to a mechanic or a dealer at a coasting speed of 10 mph without stopping before i get there? i have read several chevy forum threads and found that this is a very common problem amongst malibus and impalas. many people have spent hundreds of dollars making repairs that mechanics and dealerships say will correct the issue yet have stated the issue still occurs in their vehicles. i refuse to throw money into repairs if there isn't a known source as i have already made one repair that dis not fix my vehicles problem! with the number of chevy vehicles experiencing the same problems, why isn't this a recall??? *tr
Started car and service traction esc lights came on. upon driving car would not accelerate as it normally does, and seemed to loose power. the engine vibrated an unusual amount, much more than normal. the next day we took the vehicle to the dealer for recall no. 13036, the htsa campaign id no. for this recall is 14v252. the dealer only replaced what was outlined in the recall, which was clip, retainer, strap, retainer. however, this had no effect on the problem. they would not further diagnose or fix the problem.
The exhaust manifold of the 2008 has a severe crack which allows exhaust fumes into the cabin of the vehicle. i cannot keep the fan on while the vehicle is stopped, idling, or in slow traffic as the fumes are so strong that it causes headaches and nausea. the vehicle was taken to two different chevrolet dealerships to pinpoint the source of the exhaust fumes and nothing could be found. afterwards, it took my husband less than 10 minutes to locate and photograph the exhaust leak on the exhaust manifold. two other close friends also have 2008 malibu's and both of their cars have the same dangerous issue of exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin. one has had this replaced at chevrolet dealership with oem parts at a cost of $1500 with the explanation of the high cost for the repair being that the exhaust manifold is connected to the catalytic converter and the whole unit had to be replaced. one year after this expensive repair, her exhaust manifold has cracked again. another friend got a quote of $1300 but cannot afford the repair. i cannot afford this repair either and it baffles me that chevrolet will issue a service bulletin to replace my chrome wheel covers but when i called to ask about the well known issue of cracked exhaust manifolds, told me that they hadn't heard anything about the issue and simply passed me off to a local dealership to make a repair appointment. this is a dangerous situation and one that is common and well documented with a quick internet search on exhaust cracks on chevrolet malibu's and cobalt's in the 2007-2009 years. given the dangerous nature, the high cost of the repair that many cannot afford, and the common occurrence of the problem, chevrolet should issue a recall to address this issue. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle shook violently and the engine power reduced warning indicator illuminated. the speed decreased and another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. a police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
2008 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration issues. *smd the consumer stated as she attempted to accelerate, the vehicle did not move for several seconds. the engine kept revving and making a loud sound. the odometer went from 60 mph to 0 and the tachometer vacillated from two to five. suddenly, the vehicle accelerated. then the engine began revving again and the situation repeated itself. the vehicle was unable to maintain a steady speed and when it slowed down again, the consumer was nearly rear-ended. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test, which revealed the pressure control solenoid internally shorted out.
Chevrolet malibu ltz 3.6l, as you drive down the street at any speed the traction control light comes on check engine light comes on and the display say check traction press esc i have had it checked at the chevy dealership where i purchased the car and the tech said the engine misfired that it was probably due to bad gas or a particle in the gas but it has happened about ten times with gas from several places and all grades regular to premium and know the check engine light has come on and am know taking the car back to the dealer to have them scan the car again i have had the car a little over a month, if the dealer decides it is no longer there problem i will report this problem and hassle i have gone through to gm management and will return the car back to the dealer or owner of dealership for a refund. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the doors on the vehicle would not lock with the key fob, but it did lock with the key. the contact stated that the check engine light also illuminated on the instrument panel and the air conditioner smelled like the coolant was burning; however, the vehicle did not overheat. the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or mechanic. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unknown. the current mileage was 50,000. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that she refueled the vehicle and once the vehicle was restarted, the check engine warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. the contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the fuel cap needed to be replaced. the fuel cap was replaced however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 52,000. the current mileage was approximately 54,000. updated 1/15/13 *cn updated 1/28/2013 *js
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 35 mph, the door lock switch operated independently without warning. after parking, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. the contact sustained a back injury attempting to put the fire out that did not require medical attention. a fire report was filed. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 89,000.
Steering shakes violently,while driving or stopped,to the point of losing control. condition is intermitent. vehicle has been checked by dealer and diagnosed as needing a steering control module. so far chevrolet has not offered a fix ,except to replace it at a cost of 743 .00$ with the same part that is defective? engine light came on at 70000 miles and dealer replaced cat conv at no charge . the third issue is door locks stopped working at 74000 miles,and will only open manually. the steering is a very dangerous condition and i fear will cause a accident. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the driver side and passenger side rear seat belts had separated from the seats. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the seat belts were improperly installed during manufacturing. the seat belts were replaced but the defect had recurred on the passenger side. also, the contact indicated that later the rear middle seat belt had separated from the seat. in addition the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the defects. the failure mileage was 36,000.