Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

◆ Worse than typical

2008 Chevrolet Malibu
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 987
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2008: 987 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	5
1981	3
1982	2
1983	1
1986	1
1989	3
1997	443
1998	976
1999	789
2000	922
2001	721
2002	567
2003	569
2004	1,147
2005	975
2006	1,116
2007	977
2008	987
2009	1,509
2010	1,360
2011	978
2012	907
2013	836
2014	351
2015	270
2016	836
2017	703
2018	697
2019	190
2020	196
2021	88
2022	97
2023	66
2024	41
2025	10

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

47% · 463 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and column.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was in motion driving on a city street while I was making a left turn onto another city street my steering wheel locked up which enabled me to straighten up my wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-05

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Driving on straight road and car suddenly pulled right onto the shoulder. It felt like the car lost its steering capacity. Tried to correct the steering onto the road and then car spun 180, then hit ditch. Car rolled over 100 ft.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-09

Also filed under Air bags

2008 Chevrolet Malibu 260 miles purchased on 7-21-08 on 7-22-08 received warning light "Service traction" And "Service sce" Pulled to the side and look in manual description of problem. Manual said service as soon possible.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-30

Also filed under Service brakes, electric

Electrical system

23% · 231 reports

Most commonly citing switch and control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Exterior lighting

11% · 106 reports

Most commonly citing brake lights and headlights.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

9% · 89 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I backed my car up, put the car in park, opened the door and got out. I walked a few feet away when I noticed the car rolling backwards. The open car door caught a fence which stopped the car from rolling any further. My door was bent backwards.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-22

Service brakes

9% · 89 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 987 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-01-01Power train12V460000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-06-27Power train14V224000 General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-07-17Steering14V153000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of...

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-09-08Steering14E044000 Dorman Products, Inc.

Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 463 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 231 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 106 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V460000 · Power train
Recall 14V224000 · Power train
Recall 14V153000 · Steering
Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
Recall 14E044000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.