10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,870 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #9

Apr 152015

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to fuel pump assembly repairs and requests reimbursement. The consumer stated an inspection revealed the fuel pump assembly that fit into the gas tank was cracked at the collar. Updated 09/21/15. The consumer stated the recall notice he received, was the problem he experienced that cost him $ $1383. Updated 10/27/15. Updated 12/07/15.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #8

Aug 012014

Malibu

  • 113,313 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two different occasions who stated that the fuel pump and starter relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,313.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #7

Sep 212012

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
GM is recalling 40000 cars for a fuel leak from the fuel pump module on the top of the tank. I originally heard that this was for cars in the southwest region of the country. My daughter lives in phoenix, drives a 2005 Pontiac G6, and had a fuel leak coming from a plastic fitting attached to the fuel pressure return line. The fuel was running across the top of the tank across the protective shield and onto the muffler in small amounts. Fortunately we replaced the pump/indicator sending unit before a fire took place. I live in tucson and drive a 2008 Chevy Malibu lt. A few weeks ago I noticed the smell of gas at the rear of the car after it was parked. No evidence of a leak like my daughter"S car, but a strong smell. I jacked the car and looked underneath for a leak, but found none. The smell of fuel was stronger in the area of the wiring harness and fuel lines going to the top of the tank. Do you know of a recall for my model of car? it seems like a trend with this particular design of fuel system.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #6

Feb 022012

Malibu

  • 69,700 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after refueling, the sending unit fractured and fell into the fuel tank. The contact noticed that the fuel level gauge began performing erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the sending unit was defective and needed to be replaced. The sending unit was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,700.

- Washington, MI, USA

problem #5

Jan 202011

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
Gas gauge fluctuates from empty to full mostly remains in the empty position except after a turn or a start/stop. Check engine light comes on. I have another 2008 Chevy Malibu (that my son drives), VIN # [xxx] with the same problem. The mileage at failure for that vehicle was about 40000 miles. I was told by Chevy customer service rep that these VIN #S are not on the list associated with NHTSA # 10030685. I contend that there is a material and/or design defect with the fuel sensor on these vehicles and that a recall should have been initiated by General Motors. Furthermore, this failure can represent a significant hazard to driver and passengers of affected vehicles. I believe owning two of the same make, model, and year vehicles with the same problem represents a more than random occurrence. I therefore request the NHTSA to conduct an investigation into this equipment failure and possible safety hazard. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #4

Oct 132010

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Fuel level sending unit not operating properly. Started out dropping to empty and activating the trouble light and low fuel display when there was still half a tank of fuel. Now it does it with 3/4 tank or more. After the fuel gets lower than 3/4 tank often the fuel gauge will drop to empty and stay there until I fill the tank back up then the gauge will only move to full after driving a bit.

- Mountain View, AR, USA

problem #3

Jun 292011

Malibu

  • 98,291 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle he smelled a strong fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to a gasoline station to be refueled, but the fuel tank would only accept a small amount of fuel. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 98,291.

- Taylors, NC, USA

problem #2

Jul 012009

Malibu

  • 20,530 miles
My 2008 Chevy Malibu ltz has transmission problems. It stalls out when you go from park to the 1st gear, than from 1st gear to 2nd and from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. What happens is the transmission stalls out long enough to cause an accident or other type of incident. This problem happens most of the time and has been going on now for six months. It has stalled out climbing vail pass, the eisenhower tunnel climb and descent and I-70 est of I-15 in Utah through the high elevations. This vehicle intermittently goes into neutral and than re-engages. Furthermore, when the car shifts from 2nd to 3rd it goes into a stall and the RPM's increase to around 4000 before it actually changes into the next gear... the other severe problem is while driving my car through a very long tunnel on 9-17-09; the fuel gage went from full to empty (no fuel) and low fuel lamp came on. On-star said "system has an electrical problem". the cause: Fuel vapor line hanging up fuel level sender causing gauge to read inaccurately J7815 (code P0461) found in bulletin #09-06-04-007A.

- Clifton, CO, USA

problem #1

Jun 112008

Malibu

  • 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Upon purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed oil all over the front rims and tires. The dealer reassured her that the oil came from the brakes and there was nothing to worry about. She also stated that she would not get ample gas mileage as stated at the time of purchase. While driving less than 70 mph, the accelerator pedal would not depress and the vehicle would not gain speed. On-star performed a diagnostic and found that the traction system malfunctioned. The gears would not change, there was a loud, persistent screeching noise, and smoke was coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway and take it back to the dealer for repairs. However, the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was less than 8,000.

- Oak Park, IL, USA