2008 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

Filed Jan 3, 2020 · Engine · 97,000 miles · OH

At 97000 miles, following all service and oil changes, engine blew out. It sheared off head bolts, broke the timing chain, large amounts of metal both before and after the oil filter. I have talked to many mechanics, as well have talked to numerous people that own these vehicles. They all say the same thing. There is something going on with the build of these engines that is causing failure. Car was stationary after a 45 minute drive. The next day there was no response from turning the key. Chevy has been getting away with these type of engine problems for years and I believe should be held accountable in their quality control department. There is absolutely no reason this should happen with such low miles, let alone all the other people with the same proble.s.

Filed Mar 14, 2019 · Steering · 171,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power assist warning indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to carter chevrolet (175 hartford turnpike, vernon, ct 06066, (860) 646-6464), but it was not diagnosed because the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2019 · Steering · 143,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving 45 MPH. The steering wheel became difficult to turn and the electric power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Driver assistance, Lights · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the electronic stability control, electric power steering, and traction control warning indicators illuminated intermittently. The contact felt a strong vibration coming from the steering wheel and the steering wheel frequently seized. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and back on to reset the computer. In addition, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14e044000 (steering) and 14v153000 (steering). The contact felt that the vehicle exhibited the same failure as listed in the recall campaigns. Ocean city chevrolet (2366 ocean hwy w, shallotte, nc 28459, (910) 364-9917) was notified of the failures, but did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who was to provide further technical information concerning the diagnostic trouble codes and recommendations. The independent mechanic indicated that the failures needed to be addressed by the manufacturer to receive repairs from an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures to determine their guidelines to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving in reverse at 2 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle seized. The contact placed the vehicle into drive, depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle seized. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall and provided case number: 8-4540543149. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2018 · Steering · 143,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle became very difficult to steer and the steering wheel seized. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 27, 2017 · Steering · 140,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. When the vehicle was started, the steering seized. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken to gordon chevrolet (6301 e roosevelt blvd, philadelphia, pa 19149, (215) 537-2377) where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a month later. The contact stated that the steering shaft was replaced by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 93,723 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the air bag was deploying from the driver seat and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that a sensor failed, but it was not a concern. In addition, the contact observed a leak coming from the vehicle and took the vehicle back to the dealer. It was diagnosed that the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, one month later, the contact observed a leak again, the check engine warning indicator illuminated, and an abnormal clicking noise was heard. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to the head gasket being previously repaired improperly. The engine was replaced. One month later, the vehicle would not start and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring was done improperly and not up to safety standards. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 93,723.

Filed Feb 23, 2017 · Steering · 159,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer diagnosed that the power steering module and sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2016 · Steering · 128,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. When turning the vehicle left or right, the steering wheel seized. The dealer diagnosed that the power steering was failing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2016 · Steering · 150,101 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. The contact had not experienced a failure before the vehicle was repaired per a manufacturer recall for the power steering. The dealer completed the recall repair, but the steering wheel seized without warning several times months later. The contact turn the vehicle off and back on to reset the computer, but the failure progressed. The contact was to check with the manufacturer to determine if they may be able to provide a repair solution. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,101.

Filed Jan 20, 2016 · Steering · 88,328 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,328.