2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems
231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Randomly when I press the brakes the brake lights don't turn on. Other times they work fine. All of the light bulbs are good. All three brake light don't turn on randomly. I have almost been rear-ended on numerous occasions.no dash lights came on. And I have not had it inspected yet just my…”
filed Jun 29, 2026
“The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.”
filed Feb 14, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
Electrical System problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 15 | 45% |
| 2023 Malibu | 12 | 21% |
| 2022 Malibu | 31 | 34% |
| 2021 Malibu | 25 | 31% |
| 2020 Malibu | 56 | 29% |
| 2019 Malibu | 61 | 32% |
| 2018 Malibu | 191 | 28% |
| 2017 Malibu | 160 | 23% |
| 2016 Malibu | 222 | 27% |
| 2015 Malibu | 66 | 25% |
| 2014 Malibu | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 Malibu | 375 | 45% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.