10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 1
Average Mileage:
75,941 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #4

Jul 242008

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 88 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 55 mph with the cruise control activated, the steering column spontaneously locked up. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy until minutes after the crash. The contact has pictures and a police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 88. Updated 10/14/08 updated 10/16/08.

- Newberry, MI, USA

problem #3

Jul 282008

Malibu

  • 210 miles
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 260 miles purchased on 7-21-08 on 7-22-08 received warning light "service traction" and "service sce" pulled to the side and look in manual description of problem. Manual said service as soon possible. Car was running very sluggish and ABS brakes were chattering when applied. Car seemed like it would not shift gears. Took to dealer asap. Dealer said the problem was from a low charge on the battery. Dealer had car for 2 days. Did not drive car again until 7-28-08. Drove 4-5 miles and "service traction and service sce" warning lights came on. Drove to dealer approx 2 miles. When I got to the dealer, the left front ABS brake was smoking was very hot, almost seemed like it would burst into flames. Hubcap had wilted on wheel. Left car a dealer, received call from dealer saying the problem was probably due to steering wheel being adjusted to the lower position, causing the steering assembly to press against the brakes. If this is the case it sound as like a design flaw. Since people always lower the steering column to a lower position. Dealer was ordering parts and would car for 4-5 days. Parts to be ordered was a pad for the steering column (band aid) new hub cap.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 032008

Malibu

  • 3,200 miles
When accelerating aggressively, the steering wheel suddenly veers right and the car veers. Happens on some, but not all such starts. Similar thing has happened a couple of times in "panic" stops.

- Birmingham, MI, USA

problem #1

Mar 212008

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
The electric steering on my 2008 Chevy Malibu lt 4dr. Sedan(2.4L-4cyl)is not right. It seems to over steer for every correction the driver makes and thus creating a constant moving of the wheel to keep a straight line. The electric steering needs some fixing. The dealer said I need to get used to it.

- Sun City Ctr., FL, USA