2009 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Repair Histories

Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2010	33000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	34000	0	3.5V6 engine has a rough idle, took back to dealer 3 times and dealer stated this is normal for this engine. Dealer stated that Mfg's now set the fuel very lean and this causes the rough idle. I am taking vehicle to another GM dealer.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Oregon, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2011	45000		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	46000	0	Check engine light came on intermitantly. Took to dealership and they diagnosed a shorted intake solenoid. Replaced cam solenoid. No cost to me. Covered by powertrain warrenty. Less than 3 hours to repair.
Dec	2012	63000	0	Complete transmission overahaul performed. No warning when the transmission failed on a busy city street. Able to return home in first gear but had to be towed to dealership because couldn't get the car to go in reverse.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2009	0		First odometer entry
May	2010	4700	0	Sunroof drainage tube improperly install during manufacturing causing leakage into car behind dash board.
Jul	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Georgia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2010	2000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	7000	0	Extreme heat caused insulation to come out from between the rear deck and windshield.
Feb	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2009	23000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	31000	0	faulty tire pressure monitor system, replaced under warranty
Feb	2013			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009	3000		First odometer entry
Jun	2011	36000	100
Jul	2011	38000	70	drivers front power door lock not functioning. Ordered new door lock actuator and installed.
Oct	2011	41700	0	Growling noise from front transaxle area. Replaced both front wheel hubs for bad bearings.
Jan	2012	47000	0	Steering shudders when turning slowly left and right
Mar	2013	64000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009		0	HVAC heater motor noisy, replaced with new

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Kentucky, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2008		0	Delivered as out-of-state dealer trade with deep scratch on left rear wheel well. Scratch buffed out.
Jan	2009		0	Driver's door latch bad/replaced; Engine cover paint peeling, parts received but damaged; Windshield trim bad/replaced; Rt rr door panel bad/replaced; Additional parts ordered: driver's sun visor, fog lamp switch blanking panel, shift console bezel
Jul	2009		0	Shift console bezel won't stay down, entire console replaced, issue still exists; Driver's sun visor won't snap into at-rest position, replaced
Nov	2009		0	Left rear window regulator clicking/replaced
Jan	2010	12000	0	Condensation in right headlight - replaced entire unit Bluetooth stopped recognizing phone, they reflashed it
Feb	2010	13000	0	Right headlight has condensation, replaced; Bluetooth won't maintain pairing, reflashed
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2010	19000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	24000	47	Getting clunking noise when turning or on rough roads. Dealer replaced ISS helped but did not fix problem. Vibration between 45-55 MPH. Dealer could not replicate.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Alberta, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2009	1860		First odometer entry
Sep	2009	6820	0	Shift from 1 to 2 then down to 1 felt "jerky" (like someone dropping clutch in a standard)
Nov	2010	23560	0	Apparently issue was on the "link kit" on right (passenger side) of vehicle. Replaced under warranty
May	2012	40920	850	Rear passenger side door actuator stopped working. Door would lock but not unlock
Aug	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Delaware, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2008	0		First odometer entry
Jan	2009	3000	0	Powertrain shudder and growling usually from 40-50 that often continues into a constant rumble and shake at, above, or below that speed. GM Engineers tested it, but nothing would occur for them, so a portable data recorder was installed to monitor.
Feb	2009	3000	0	Alarm/lock light appeared on dash board after braking lightly to slow in traffic. Nothing else came on or ran differently, but I went straight to the dealer and no codes, etc. showed up, GM Tech had no ideas, so it was just turned off/on to reset.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009	9000		First odometer entry
Sep	2009	10000	0	Vibration/shudder felt in suspension/drivetrain while driving. Seems to be a mechanical resonance.
Jan	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Nebraska, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	1000		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	2000	0	Took vehicle in regarding brake noise when the front pads were warm. Dealer inspected brakes and replaced front pads under warranty per PIC-5152C.
Jun	2010	17000	0	Rear driver's side door not locking and unlocking properly. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a bad lock actuator and replaced it with a new part. Problem was resolved.
Apr	2012	37000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2009			First odometer entry
Feb	2009		0	Transmission had forgotten how to shift; had to be reprogrammed using "quick learn"
Mar	2009		0	Bad smell from cowling; had to be disassembled and sprayed. Problem not yet resolved
Jun	2010	16000	0	OnStar module is faulty
Aug	2010	18000	0	OnStar module that gives directions was not working correctly.
Jul	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Indiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	8000		First odometer entry
Oct	2009	9000	0	Dash panel needed snapping in place
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2008	0		First odometer entry
Jan	2011	18000	0	one remote didn't work sometimes. replaced one remote
Mar	2013	39000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	3000		First odometer entry
Feb	2010	7300	0	Bluetooth reprogrammed to correct dropping of save device connections. Replaced brake vacuum pump. All warranty work.
Apr	2011	18000	135	HVAC blower motor made minor clicking sound only when fan set to position 1. Blower motor replace per warranty.
Mar	2013	36000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2010		0	Exhaust Cam Solenoid stuck caused check engine light to come on. Repaired under original 3/36 warranty.
Apr	2011		0	Driver's front door would not always latch when closed. Replaced door latch assembly. Repaired under original 3/36 warranty.
Nov	2011	44000	0	Key fob broken internally. Battery retainer is separated from circuit board. It should have had better welds and more mounting points to circuit board. Had extended warranty otherwise would have been a couple hundred.
Mar	2012	50000	400	Sunroof sunshade, when in full open, rattles as though it is loose; very distracting and annoying. This is a common problem in Malibu forums. Dealer is aware of them but refused to do anything for me and charged me to replace the sunshade. Going over any bumps caused a LOUD squeaking sound from the front end. Rather than fix the problem, the dealer only lubed it. It is likely to return after a few miles and a few rainfalls.
Apr	2012	51300	400	It was so loud that at low speeds in neighborhoods, everyone turned and looked at the car. Dealer said squeak was coming from front sway bushing. All they did was grease it. Chevy knows about the loose/rattle sunshade. Mine rattled when in open position. Dealer replaced with more rigid sunshade. Now rattles in closed position and Dealer refuses to do anything else. Disappointing. The sun shade on the moonroof rattled as though it were loose. Chevy knows of this issue, it's common. After "repair" (which is replacing with a more rigid sunshade), it now rattles when closed.
Oct	2012	59300	150	CD load or select results in Disc error. Bluetooth connection is intermittent, ended up having to re-pair the cell phone and audio.
Jan	2013	63300	350	Extended warranty not at all helpful with my issue. Moonroof leaked water all over the visor, the a-pillar, the headliner and onto me and my lap. It was a loose connection for the moonroof drain. Moonroof is horrible quality.
Mar	2013	66000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2011	23000		First odometer entry
Nov	2011	31000	0	ESC/traction warning lights flashing. Dealer could not replicate while at dealer. The warning lights are still flashing.
Feb	2013	42700	0	transmission control module
Mar	2013	44000	0	body control module

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009	22940		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	53320	0	Water was leaking from right hand A pillar. Traded car for Jetta.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009	3000		First odometer entry
May	2009	3000	0	Within a week of vehicle delivery (4FE09), we detected a 'mildew odor' in the psgr compatment. This mildew odor was very prevalent outside the vehicle eminating from the frt cowl vent below the wipers.
Jun	2009	4000	0	Rtn to dif dealer (after consultation w/GM rep). 'mildew odor' in the psgr compatment. This mildew odor was very prevalent outside the vehicle eminating from the frt cowl vent below the wipers
Dec	2010	24000	0	Grandson stepped on rear fold down cup holder (behind console) & broke off. Service of vehicle performed while we took deliver of a 2011 Camaro. Worked completed before we finished paperwork for new car. No charge.
Dec	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	0		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	6200	0	Right front Idler arm worn/damaged .
Mar	2011	9300	0	Could not remove key from ignition . Ignition sensor had to be replaced .
Apr	2011	9920	0	Key Fob broken inside the plastic housing unit .
Jan	2013	29140	0	Steering Gear Box not working . New Gear Box installed .
Mar	2013	29760		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	17000		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	31000	0	Camshaft solenoid failed and was replaced. Tripped the CEL. Brake booster was failing, caused creaking sound through the brake pedal.
Mar	2010	35000	0	Suspension bushings replaced
May	2010	37000	335	All four brake rotors warped, pads with on 15% remaining.
Dec	2010	42000	0	Remote door lock failed. Replaced under warranty.
Jan	2011		0	All four door hinges stops were loose. Both nuts on each stop were finger tight. Mechanic tightened all four doors. Heater blower motor squeaked. Dealer R&R. "Service ESC" warning flashed, but error code not displayed after messaged flashed. Dealer replaced #1 fuel injector. Motor will intermittently idle rough once the motor is warmed up. Also high speed stalling. Tends to occur when the outside temp is 65+ degrees. Has been occuring for 4 months. Dealer has not experianced in three visits for problem.
Mar	2011	49000	165	Camshaft actuator failed, replaced by dealer.
Apr	2011	52000	0	Cylinder head replaced for rough idle and high speed stalling. Valve guides for Cylinder # 1 worn out. Leak down test was at 80%. Problem reoccurred within 40 miles of getting car back, with rough idle even worse than before. That is it, I gave up and traded the car in.
May	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Indiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2009	0		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	15000	0	One of the key fobs had an electrical short.
Oct	2010	24000	0	Output speed sensor was replaced. Car would shift hard when accelerating. The car was losing track of the speed and the transmission didn't know how to act.
Feb	2011	29000	0	Shuddering with transmission.
Mar	2011	29000	0	Previously they reflashed the transmission and engine control module to fix the stuttering around 40 mph. All they did was shift the shutter to 50 mph. At this point I assumed I had a lemon and got rid of it. Good riddance GM!

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	0		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	24000	0	2.4L engine is mysteriously losing coolant. Did pressure and cylinder tests, could not find any reason for the problem (though the engine continues to lose coolant). Check engine light; dealer claims error code indicating poor fuel. Added octane booster, reset light, suggested I use better quality fuel.
Jan	2010	28000	0	Different dealer discovered leak in Cylinder #3 due to cracked head gasket and head warped. Head and head gasket replaced. Coolant loss still evident after head gasket replacement. Additional tests indicated porosity in the engine block casting; GM decided on a complete engine replacement.
Apr	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009	0		First odometer entry
May	2009		0	I had to take in due to leaking seal on transmission, dropped off part was ordered and repaired, rental car provided for 2 days while being fixed, not sure of the cost,covered by warranty
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	11780		First odometer entry
Feb	2010	19220	0	Left wheel bearing went bad right headlight lens has condensation in it replaced right front headlamp lense assembly - problem fixed
Mar	2011	47740	0	wheel bearing failure wheel bearing - third one
Mar	2013	107880		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Georgia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2008	0		First odometer entry
Jan	2009	1000	0	Phone bluetooth would not stayed paired. Replaced Onstar communication module to repair bluetooth loss of pairing when car shut off.
Aug	2012	35300	300	Blower resistor failed
Mar	2013	40000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2008	4000		First odometer entry
Feb	2009	9000	32	Bluetooth needed upate to get to resync with phone.
Dec	2009	22000	0	center console broke latch
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2008	0		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	23000	0	Fan blower whining at medium speeds. Fixed in 3hrs.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2011	36000		First odometer entry
Mar	2012	41000	0	Transmission seal (right) where drive shaft emerges was leaking
Mar	2013	48000	0	The right front driveshaft bearing backed most of the way out of its seat and was leaking.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2012	78000		First odometer entry
Jan	2013	90300	0	Reseated harness connectors for comm. error.
Mar	2013	95000	125	replaced wheel hub assy.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2012	60000		First odometer entry
Mar	2013	65000	400	Left and right front door locks quit working. Replaced door lock switches.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2010	19000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	20000	0	front left headlight water in it
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Tennessee, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2009	0		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	11000	0	Rattle noise in Right Front or Right Rear of Car.
Dec	2010	13000	0	Front strut mounts and bearings were replaced under a TSB. I have driven the car only about 50 miles since repair but it seems to have fixed the noise problem.
Mar	2013	43000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2009	5000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	8000	25	TSB for tranny reflash -- shifting irregular
Mar	2011	21000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2009	18000		First odometer entry
Feb	2011	52000	0	Cracked engine block. Replaced and rebuilt engine.
Mar	2011	55000	0	Problem returns two days later, root cause is the same, cracked block between first and second cylinder. Entire new engine placed in car
Jun	2011	60000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Minnesota, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2011	43000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	44700	0	Repaired leaking front axel shaft output seal
Sep	2011	51000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2009	13000		First odometer entry
Mar	2009	14000	0	Squeaking from rear passenger side quarter panel area, thought to be interior trim, found to be squeaky rear strut mount The emblem inserted into the steering wheel was not centered and printed incorrectly, dealer replaced airbag module to fix issue Security light illuminated, dont know cause, but once reset, it has not happened again.
May	2009	16000	0	front cradle was rubbing against body
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	0		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	23000	0	Noise in steering column like something catching on turns. Some module replaced with the comment that this was not common failure but not entirely unusual. That is, they had the part in stock.
Apr	2013	40000	25	Replace burnt out right rear turn indicator light