Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,508 of 1,509 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,174 of 1,509 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
768 complaint records1 fire report13 crash reports
"THE POWER STEERING JUST GOES IN AND OUT AND TGE STEERING WHEEL STARTS ACTI G FUNNY AND PULLS BACK HAR TO THE OPOSIT SIDE..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Electrical system
368 complaint records5 fire reports5 crash reports
"CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING. STARTS BACK UP AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING KEY OFF AND THEN BACK ON. HAPPENED 5 TIMES NOW...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Stability control
277 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, NEARLY CAUSED A WRECK IN PARKING LOT. IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER CAR DUE TO RESISTANCE IN WHEEL. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse stability control parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ10001 opened Nov 2010 | closed Dec 2015 | Unknown Or Other | Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V252000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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... | Normally free |
| 14V153000 | Steering | 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... | Normally free |
| 12V460000 | Power Train | 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. | Normally free |
| 09V073000 | Power Train | GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 08V634000 | Visibility | GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014173 2014-05-16 | Electrical | 194,314 | On certain vehicles, intermittent electrical connection faults may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without the brake pedal being depressed, or not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. |
| 2014104 2014-04-01 | Steering | 157,423 | Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. |
| 2012307 2012-09-18 | Powertrain | 40,045 | On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, shift cable locking tabs could fracture without warning. |
| 2010104 2010-04-01 | Other | 36,756 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102 - Transmission Control Functions. |
| 2009076 2009-03-11 | Other | 31,458 | On certain vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. Should this occur, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008434 2008-12-05 | Heater And Defroster | 14 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 103 - Windshield Defrosting and Defogging. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system may fail. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13598 Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH | |
| PIC5650M Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. | |
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| PIP5358D Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT5074Q Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| PIP4723J Oct 2024 | Electrical System | 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 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 04-06-04-051J Sep 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive. | |
| 08-07-30-026I Sep 2024 | Power Train | This 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. | |
| PIT5099H Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 02-00-89-002X Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| PIC5650L Sep 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle 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). |
| 05-03-08-002J Aug 2024 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak. | |
| 01-00-89-010S Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern. | |
| 05-06-04-022V Aug 2024 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This 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. | |
| 09-06-04-026Y Aug 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2. | |
| 01-06-01-011P Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 16-NA-158 Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process. | |
| 24-NA-141 Jul 2024 | Power Train | GM 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. | |
| 04-06-04-051I Jun 2024 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive. | |
| 16-NA-383 Jun 2024 | Engine | This 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. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This 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. | |
| 08-07-30-035H May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 16-NA-119 May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada. | |
| 09-00-89-008G May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This 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. | |
| 06-00-89-029V May 2024 | Seats | This 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. | |
| 10-08-110-001K Apr 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats. | |
| 13-08-116-001J Apr 2024 | Electrical System | The 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. | |
| 15-00-89-004G Apr 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage. | |
| 00-03-10-006P Apr 2024 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV). | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This 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. | |
| 07-00-89-037S Mar 2024 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This 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. | |
| 19-NA-044 Feb 2024 | Fuel System | This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy. | |
| 16-NA-338 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This 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... | |
| PI0281K Jan 2024 | Structure | This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jan 2024 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| PIP5601B Jan 2024 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. | |
| PI0592I Jan 2024 | Electrical System | This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961). | |
| PIT5074P Dec 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 23-NA-219 Dec 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 19-NA-256 Nov 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine. | |
| 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns. | |
| 01-06-01-011O Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 02-00-89-002W Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| PIT5099G Sep 2023 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 07-08-49-020R Sep 2023 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide. | |
| 23-NA-153 Sep 2023 | Power Train | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| PIP4112T Sep 2023 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| PIP5628G Aug 2023 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 15-00-89-004F Aug 2023 | Steering | This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage. |
Showing 60 of 1002 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Check the stability and traction control lights on startup.A lit warning after the self-check, or a system that triggers on dry pavement, matches this vehicle's stability-control cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Malibu →