2008 Chevrolet Malibu: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 21, 2021 · Acceleration · TX

My 2008 malibu ltz does a hard jurking then the RPM gage rises without shifting. When the car is shut off completely it has a burning smell. Also my check engine light is on but doesn't show on the dashboard.

Filed Aug 13, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 89,000 miles · FL · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the door lock switch operated independently without warning. After parking, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The contact sustained a back injury attempting to put the fire out that did not require medical attention. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Brakes, Lights · VA

About a month ago I noticed that my brake lights were stuck on. I didn't pay it any mind since then until yesterday 07/01/2013. A friend of mines was following me home and advised me that my brake lights were on the entire time. I checked to make sure I wasn't riding with the emergency brakes on. Now my car seems like it is pulling and there is a burning smell under my car. I'm not quite sure if this is a known issue or not. I did find an article from the huffington post that stated that there were a few complaints/issues regarding that. What could be causing this to happen. Why hasn't then been considered a recall?

Filed Jul 1, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 86,000 miles · KY

I am having similar issues as others with wiring/electrical. Latest incident involved loss of AC/defrost/level controls. Prior to this loss, there was a very strong burning smell coming thru the vents when the control level was set to 1-4. There were no visible sparks or fire; however, the wiring under the glove department was extremely hot. Although there wasn't a fatality or visible fire other risks were involved. My family was in the car (adults & children) & we were 500 miles from home (returning from vacation). Being on the road, narrowed options on identifying the root cause. The air remained off & windows were down for the remainder commute in 90 degree rainy weather. There are other issues of concern. The engine light is now on??? The same issue occurred in nov 2012 with the heater. At this time, when the wires were examined it "magically" started working. In january 2012, the door chime became very faint, the seatbelt chimes when in use, & the front door speakers do not work. In 2009, the door locks began to malfunction. Sometimes they will lock sometimes they will not. I find it very disturbing that a recall has not been issued; it is very clear there is a safety hazard. I hope you take this issue seriously!

Filed Nov 17, 2008 · Airbags · IL · crash · fire

Tl*the contact rented a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving at an unknown speed on the expressway, the contact swerved to avoid debris from another vehicle. As a result, she struck a guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle caught fire and exploded, but there were no injuries. The fire department was called to the scene. The VIN and mileages were unknown.

Filed Jul 30, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 210 miles · CA · fire

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. Car was running very sluggish and ABS brakes were chattering when applied. Car seemed like it would not shift gears. Took to dealer asap. Dealer said the problem was from a low charge on the battery. Dealer had car for 2 days. Did not drive car again until 7-28-08. Drove 4-5 miles and "service traction and service sce" warning lights came on. Drove to dealer approx 2 miles. When I got to the dealer, the left front ABS brake was smoking was very hot, almost seemed like it would burst into flames. Hubcap had wilted on wheel. Left car a dealer, received call from dealer saying the problem was probably due to steering wheel being adjusted to the lower position, causing the steering assembly to press against the brakes. If this is the case it sound as like a design flaw. Since people always lower the steering column to a lower position. Dealer was ordering parts and would car for 4-5 days. Parts to be ordered was a pad for the steering column (band aid) new hub cap.