2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems & reliability
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 11 | 52% |
| Steering | 6 | 29% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 19% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 14% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 10% |
| Power Train | 2 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 5% |
| Engine | 1 | 5% |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was repaired, but the contact was not satisfied with the remedy. When the key was inserted in the ignition, there was no support to maintain the stability of…”
Electrical System · filed Sep 19, 2014
“A safety hazard exists due to power door locks not locking/unlocking consistently on three out of four doors of the vehicle. The problem could cause occupants, particularly children in the rear seats, to become trapped during an emergency. *tr”
Electrical System · filed Jul 5, 2014
“I have had to drive my car to the dealership to have them to release my key from the ignition a couple time and never thought anything of it, but in june the beginning the key wouldn't come out. So I called the dealer to find out I had to replace the ignition switch alone with my shift that cost me 884.00 dollars…”
Power Train · filed Jun 26, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
11 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The 10 most recent:
General motors: the windows, front and rear, would bind, poor fit, misalignment, makes rattle or squeaking noises, moves slowly and is inoperative. Model 2008-2014 vehicles and trucks. *pe
PI-0018-B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2013
Gm: on some truck models there is some frame corrosion. *rm updated on 5/2/2012. *kb
PIT-3749D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2012
General motors: diagnostic information for intermittent restraints, air bag (sir) indicator/lamp on with dtc(s) b0012, b0013, b0016, b0016, b0019, b0020, b0022, b0023, b0026, b0033, b0040, b0042 or b0044 set. This may…
SB-08-09-41-002C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2011
Gm: service bulletin explaining when the safety belts are supposed to lock. *rm updated 12/6/11. *pe
05-09-40-002E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2011
Adjustable pedals will not adjust inoperative. *nj updated 3/13/09. *pe updated 8/1/11. *pe
PIC-4658 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2011
Chevrolet/pontiac/saturn: intermittently brake lights (stop lamps) do not function correctly, extended travel to shift out of park, cruise control inoperative, dtcs c0161/c0277 set (perform repair as outlined). *pe…
SB-08-05-22-009A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2010
Chevrolet/pontiac/saturn: steering column tilt wheel release lever inoperative/broken (replace tilt wheel release lever kit and/or release lever retainer (tilt teeth)). *pe
SB-09-02-35-006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 2009
Saturn/pontiac/chevrolet: the fuel gauge does not rise above the 3/4 mark after a fill up or the fuel gauge appears stuck. An illumination of the check engine light. On rare occasions, the fuel gauge does not read the…
SB-09-06-04-007A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2009
Chevrolet: unable to relearn the brake pedal position (bpp) sensor. *pe
PIC--4330B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2008
Gmc: unable to relearn the brake pedal position (bpp) sensor. Have difficulty performing the brake pedal position (bpp) relearn. Models chevrolets, pontiacs and saturns. *pe
PIC-4330A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2008
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.