2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has a complaint index of 50, ranking 2nd worst of 3 model years with data. It has 21 complaints, no recalls, and its top problem area is the electrical system, cited in 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #2 of 3 Malibu Classic years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
Top 2008 Chevy Malibu Classic problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System12 (57%)
- Steering6 (29%)
- Structure & Body5 (24%)
- Brakes3 (14%)
- Fuel System3 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Engine1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electric power steering fails intermittently at low speeds, sometimes fixed temporarily by turning the car off and on.
- Steering wheel produces a loud clunk or clicking noise when turned sharply, reported around the intermediate shaft area.
- Fuel gauge readings are erratic, sometimes triggering a check engine light and raising concern about running out of fuel unexpectedly.
- Rear door locks break and cannot be opened from outside, requiring dealer replacement.
- Dashboard warnings like 'ice possible' and traction control appear together with a loss of engine power while driving, including on highways and hills.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2008 compared with other Malibu Classic years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic reliable?
- NHTSA lists 21 complaints for the 2008 Malibu Classic with a complaint index of 50, ranking it 2nd worst among the 3 model years with data. The electrical system, especially electric power steering and fuel gauge issues, is the most reported problem area.
- Does the 2008 Malibu Classic have any recalls?
- NHTSA shows zero recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic.
- What is the most common complaint on the 2008 Malibu Classic?
- Electrical system complaints make up 57% of all reports, at a median mileage of 61,100 miles, with steering issues close behind at 29%.
- How does the 2008 Malibu Classic compare to other years?
- The 2008 model has a complaint index of 50, worse than the 2007 model's index of 0 but better than the 2005 model's index of 100.
- Did the power steering recall cover the 2008 Malibu Classic?
- Owners reported that GM issued a power steering recall for other vehicles in March 2010, but the 2008 Malibu Classic was not included despite similar symptoms reported to NHTSA.