2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Fuel/propulsion system2
3. Steering2
4. Air bags1
5. Latches/locks/linkages1
6. Power train1

Latest complaints

• Nov 2, 2017AZ
  Fuel/propulsion system

  Smell fuel and there IS a leak near upper tank by the fuel pump.

• Jan 5, 2016GA101,844 mi
  Air bags · Electrical system · Steering

  When driving, 2 messages appeared on dash - "power steering" and "service air bag." when attempting to start the car later, it would not turn over, and the "anti-theft" light was on, along with the other 2 warning messages from above. After other lights turned off, the "anti-theft" and "service engine light" remained and the car would not start. Odometer: 101844

• Oct 18, 2015TX
  Fuel/propulsion system

  Vehicle IS strong gas smell coming from the rear. Took the vehicle to independent mechanic and they confirmed the fuel pump module needed to be replaced due to leak. No recall has been issues by gm to fix this issue on the chevrolet malibu.

• Dec 6, 2014OH
  Latches/locks/linkages

  The lock will lock and unlock as you are driving down the road and or when the key are not in it. *Tr

• Aug 1, 2013PA3,000 mi
  Electrical system
  First summer of ownership, hot day, airconditioner on. Car started flashing all kinds of warnings. Pulled off road as soon as possible. Loss of power steering while pulling into lot and then car shut off and would not start again. at first service, told dealership what happened but they did not…

  First summer of ownership, hot day, airconditioner on. Car started flashing all kinds of warnings. Pulled off road as soon as possible. Loss of power steering while pulling into lot and then car shut off and would not start again. at first service, told dealership what happened but they did not know what the cause was. that same year or next year there was a recall on the hybrid battery and it was replaced. Thought maybe my problem would not occur again but every summer had similar incidents with car pulling into stop and shutting off. Was able to start car again after sitting for several minutes. Diagnostics show nothing wrong at dealership. july 23 2013 on a rainy highway (air conditioner not on because needs new compressor), same situation suddenly happens. Flashing warning lights, loss of power steering and eventually all power after getting off highway(thankgod). Police had to push car out of intersection and tow truck driver gave car a jump and parked car in safe place and got a cab to a very expensive concert a half hour late. After concert, car started and took car to sears for a new battery as tow truck driver suggested. july 26 made drive halfway across state. No incident. July 29 driving home. Battery light comes on after making rest stop. Kept driving on highway(nice day, no rain) but car shuts off again, fortunately just after getting off highway. This IS getting dangerous! Onstar sees electrical problem on diagnostics. Towed to chevy dealership. Rent car to get back home. Once again diagnostics show no problem. Now I have to take my rental car 2 hours to get my own car. Going to call gm. Wish me luck on the highway. Hope I get the car back home! *tr

• Jul 18, 2013WA70,580 mi
  Steering
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a complete loss of power steering without warning. One week prior to the failure the steering suspension was recalibrated by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an authorized…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a complete loss of power steering without warning. One week prior to the failure the steering suspension was recalibrated by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer after the malfunction for diagnosis. The technician informed that the power steering motor would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 70,580.

• Mar 7, 2010NYCrash
  Power train › Driveline

  Stormy ,wet night,i stopped at corner in my 2008 malibu hybrid-starting forward,my car surged and landed me in a brook-now sounds like sua. Any other complaints of this sort. Water totaled the car-there was no investigation. I am not sure of component as I have no mechanical expertise. There was a definite loud surge. *Tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
• 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
• 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
• 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
• 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
• 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
• 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
• 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
• 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
• 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
• 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
• 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
• 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
• 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
• 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
• 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
• 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
• 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
• 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
• 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
• 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
• 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
• 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
• 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
• 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
• 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
• 10253134Part Restriction.
• 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
• 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
• 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
• 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
• 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
• 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
• 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
• 10250093Special Coverage Adjustment ? Catalytic Converter Warranty Extension
• 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
• 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
• 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
• 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
• 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.

Every Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.