2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1017 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The most-reported areas: Steering (468), Electrical System (246), Exterior Lighting (107).
Key takeaways
- 1017 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 33 involve a crash, 5 a fire, 20 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 468 | 46% |
| Electrical System | 246 | 24% |
| Exterior Lighting | 107 | 11% |
| Service Brakes | 90 | 9% |
| Power Train | 89 | 9% |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 76 | 7% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 71 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 66 | 6% |
| Engine | 63 | 6% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 49 | 5% |
| Unknown Or Other | 43 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 42 | 4% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR w/SAB | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-10-12
The wiring harness in the 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid has a open ground somewhere in the wiring harness it is draining the 12 volt battery and affecting the starter and the alternator generator in the hybrid it will not let the starter engage all fuses appear to be good after checking all of them majority of the solenoids...
Electrical System - filed 2026-10-05
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, and the contact stated that there was heat coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the electrical gauges flickered. While attempting to pull off the roadway, the power...
Electrical System,service Brakes - filed 2026-06-29
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 girlfriend pushing the brake...
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More for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.