6.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
30,900 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. fix knuckle joint at the bottom of column (2 reports)
  3. replace seals in the steering column (1 reports)
  4. replace steering shaft, steering gear and set toe (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #7

Mar 102011

Malibu LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

After reading up on other owners having problems in between 20000-36000 miles i am shocked. It' s brand new at that mileage and my warranty is almost up and it sounds that it will happen again...

Losing faith in the brand at this point.

- stinehour, Chicago, IL, US

problem #6

Dec 102010

Malibu LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,120 miles

I have had this car for 2 weeks and it has already giving me problems, 2008 North American Car of the Year. Are you serious?

- forrestd, Cleveland, OH, US

problem #5

Nov 012010

Malibu LT 2 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,500 miles

This is the 5th time I have had to bring the car in because of the steering problems. After reading posts on the web, I believe that GM is not recalling on this specific problem as it is occurring on various Malibu model years. After explaining and confirming that this issue has occurred more then 3 times now, the dealer told me that all they can do is give me the number to GM customer service. He honestly did feel bad and told me that he knows about this persistent issue as he see's it all the time. He stated that it is the most common problem that occurs on the Malibu.

I like my Malibu. I really do. I have not had any major problems with the exception of the steering problems. I don't understand how this car is being rated the car of the year. I'm very disappointed with Chevy and sadly will not recommend one to anyone.

- Marek S., Delray Beach, FL, US

problem #4

Nov 302010

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

This is one of MANY complaints I have about this 2008 Chevy Malibu LS. I would recommend NOT purchasing a 2008 Malibu.

- Pam G., Genoa City, WI, US

problem #3

Jun 012010

Malibu LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

I took my car in at first because when I made a L or R dead stop I could hear and feel a knock in the steering wheel...they told me they didn't see any problems. I took it back in because the knocking was more frequent as I was driving...and insisted they fix something. They said that the only thing wrong could be the knuckle joint at the end of the steering column, they fixed it and it's been good since.

- myfriendmo, Norton, MA, US

problem #2

Dec 012008

Malibu LT 2 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,500 miles

Started as a whine while turning the steering wheel. Took it to the dealer and they said there was no problem. Took it in again and persisted they fix it. They replaced some components and was good to go until at about 30k miles. This time I go a very noticeable knocking when making turns L and R from a dead stop. Took it in and again parts were replaced. CONCERNED that this will again return based on my web research. But the next time I will have to pay out of pocket. GM is obviously ignoring the problem and I think that this could potentially result in an accident resulting in injuries or death. It is the steering wheel!!!!! It's not a water leak, radio problem or my seat heater going out. This could result in a serious injury. It may have already happened and GM just paid off the survivors. Someone, A Lawyer who owns a Malibu should start a Class Action Suit. Its obvious, I've done extensive research and spoken to every Malibu owner that had the time to share, that this is not an isolated, once in a while problem

- Marek S., Delray Beach, FL, US

problem #1

Sep 182009

Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

I first noticed the steering whine around September of 2008. The car only had 23000 miles on it. I took it to the dealer and they said it was the airbag sensor??? Sounded like a bunch of BS to me, but I let them replace the sensor because I was leaving for Italy in a few days and waited to get the problem fixed before I had to ship the car. Now we have the car in Italy and the problem is worse. The audible whine is louder and now the steering clucks or knocks when you turn the steering wheel. There is also a slight shake at higher speeds, say 60+ MPH. I did some of my own research and I think I have narrowed it down to a new steering rack and a steering position sensor. I want to get this fixed but I don't know if I am covered under my warranty in Italy. There are dealers here but right now I have a language barrier problem and don't want to get screwed with a huge bill. Any help?

- Chris P., Longview, WA, US