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2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

233 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,000. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
233
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
82,000
crashes
7
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    2
  • Ignition: switch
    2
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    2
  • Ignition
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Key fob 13Fire or smoke 6Warning lights 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MO

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 fuses relays and sensors have been replaced diagnostics test show that the wiring harness has an open ground throughout the car please call us about the open recalls that are on this car it appears to be five of them my number is [XXX] it is very important it just gets through to somebody and you give me confirmation back INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · IN

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 steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a mechanic had discovered a minor oil leak coming from the engine. The contact called an independent mechanic who arrived at the scene and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the vehicle shut off upon arriving at the destination. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times after the failure; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NE

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 pedal to test the lights. One day they work another they don't then another day they work again.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · PA

Unknown

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · GA

The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · GA

The electrical power steering every time it’s driven so often, car is used for school yes the vehicle was inspected by several mechanics the vehicle was like this when i brought it in september of 2022 i was told by chevrolet that my vin is not accepted in the recall which i don’t understand how if it’s the same car and same issue that the recall entails, i replaced the rack and pinion but it didn’t fix the eps sometimes when turning the car on the steering wheel is locked as in it cannot be moved/turned either way and other times it’s extremely hard to turn. the steering wheel will become extremely hard to turn at random times while driving at any speed and while stalled. when it locks while stalled a grinding noise can be heard

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · AZ

UNKNOWN - Steering is too tight and unable make turns without using force - occurs always

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · 245,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Electrical · OH

Interior electrical system right left passenger door will not lock, front speakers stop working and signal handle does not work will not turn on when engaged handle to turn left or right. Temperature gages stop working dial stays on C.. causing air conditioner to blow out warm air never get cool.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · KY · crash · 1 injury

The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..

Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 233 complaints about the electrical of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (376 complaints), 2009 (368 complaints) and 2010 (295 complaints).

Other 2008 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 460Lights 106Brakes 89Transmission 86Driver assistance 74Engine 74Locks 71Airbags 64Fuel system 54Acceleration 42Body 21Suspension 15Wheels 10Seats 8Tires 8Visibility 8Seat belts 4

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