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2009 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

368 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
368
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
5
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    3
  • Ignition
    2
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    1
  • Seat heater: wiring harness
    1
  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

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

Key fob 15Fire or smoke 11Warning lights 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · IL

Power steering went out

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Electrical · 234,000 miles · OK

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 120,000 however, the contact researched and discovered in a Carfax Report that the mileage was approximately 234,000. The contact stated that the vehicle had several issues, leading the contact believe that the odometer had been tampered with. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage on the vehicle was 141,000, which the contact believed to be inaccurate.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · VA

Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display ESC OFF, Power Steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the battery and hard restart and it would be fine for a little bit but happen again. Fast forward 2 weeks later and now completely out. This is extremely dangerous and a recall was already conducted for this year, make and model, but not on ALL VINs associated. This recall needs to be reinstated covering all VINs of this year before someone is seriously hurt or possibly killed.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · MO

So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “ESC OFF”. The turn to merge onto the highway is a pretty sharp turn over a very steep hill. I had to force the steering wheel to the right, and crush on the brakes to get on the side of the road, where I could stop and inspect. I inevitably ended up giving up, because it’s freezing outside and I am not a mechanic. But it didn’t happen the rest of the way to my home. Since then though, it happens every time I drive the car. Turning the car off and on, while moving the steering wheel from left/right seems to temporarily fix the issue. Until the cars is idling again, and then it clicks off. I have a video of my steering wheel shaking and moving on its own, but this website only lets you upload pics or files. This started the next time I drove the car. Which was the day after the incident. I have not had any service done to it, as I can’t afford it. It is available for servicing upon request. I have had an check engine light and ABS light on for sometime. But I think that’s because the warning lights weren’t reset after my dad changed my oil, and my brake pads.

Filed Jun 28, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · SC

The power steering keeps going in and out and the vehicle only has 85,000 miles on it. I also keep having weird electrical issues. I had to replace my headlight wiring harnesses as well as my taillights harnesses. But the power steering issue is coming from the rack and pinion. The steering wheel will shake while sitting still and the power steering will completely go out basically every other time I turn the car on.

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Experiencing power steering issues, Power steering goes off randomly and airbag light has come on and won’t go off.

Filed Nov 30, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · NE

Had a recall repaired yet it still randomly my brake lamps still don’t function correctly

Filed Nov 24, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · SC

I've been trying to fix the car I've put alternator new starter wires everything you can think of new fuses and the esc light burnt out 2 brand new battery's I've lost my job because it's unfixable almost killed after the power steering went out because of what's going on with this problem I can't fix it I've spent over 1000 trying to find the problem.

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

While driving at night with the lights on, the rear taillights are bright all the time. when you press the brake pedal, the rear taillights go dim or completely dark. brake lights are working opposite what they should be doing. Fixed once with local mechanic. Fixed second time at dealership with a 'technical service bulletin' and now it is having the same problem for third time.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · 85,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the lights became inoperable. When the brake pedal was released, the lights returned to normal functionality. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to engage as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The dealer informed the contact the recall repair was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 368 complaints about the electrical of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 769Driver assistance 264Lights 172Brakes 153Transmission 121Acceleration 73Engine 70Airbags 63Locks 56Fuel system 34Body 31Seats 30Visibility 23Wheels 21Suspension 11Seat belts 7Tires 6

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