Check a VIN

2009 Chevrolet Malibu: complete transmission failure

8 of the 1,511 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
88,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 73 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 24, 2018 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked when the gear was switched and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted. The vehicle was taken to steve rayman chevrolet (678‑269‑7886, located at 2155 cobb pkwy se, smyrna, ga 30080) where it was diagnosed that a new transmission was needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2018 · Transmission · 94,700 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While the vehicle was stationary, the transmission failed. The contact stated that the reverse gear could not be engaged and that the vehicle would only perform in first and second gear. In addition, the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 20 MPH. Burt watson chevrolet in freeland, michigan was made aware of the failure and diagnosed that the flex plate within the transmission had failed. In addition, the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,700.

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Transmission · 8,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. When the vehicle was shifted into reverse, it failed to reverse without warning. The vehicle was towed to springfield mitsubishi (313 baltimore pike springfield, pa 19064, (484) 574-8434). The diagnostic results were unknown, but the ECM was replaced. The vehicle still failed to reverse and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer stated that the transmission repairs would be covered under the warranty and was awaiting parts. The vehicle was then towed to reedman toll chevrolet of springfield (840 baltimore pike, springfield, pa 19064 (484) 472-6290) for the transmission replacement. Upon reaching the dealer, the contact was informed that the transmission repairs would not be covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and found the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v460000 (power train). The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or included in the recall. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2016 · Acceleration, Lights · 70,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While the cruise control was activated, it randomly deactivated. Also, when the brake pedal was depressed, the center brake light would not illuminate and the rear brake lights illuminated very dimly. The contact also indicated that the transmission was replaced due to failures that prevented the vehicle from accelerating normally. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2016 · Transmission · 103,399 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wave plate in the transmission had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,399. Updated 04/11/16

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Electrical, Transmission · 86,000 miles · MD

While driving the car at 55 MPH it started jumping/skipping while I was driving on a 3 lane highway and then it just died. I couldn't get it in reverse and it wouldn't shift at all. The electrical information on the dash went out as well. I had to arrange a tow. I'm being told it needs a new transmission and there is electrical failure as well. The car has 86,000 miles on it and has been serviced routinely. How does a transmission go from working to dead in seconds?

Filed Jun 22, 2015 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · NY

Driving in traffic, vehicle suddenly lost power and I had to pull out of traffic, nearly causing an accident. Engine revved, rpms were high. Shut car off, restarted and car would not get out of second gear. I had the car towed to a chevrolet dealer, who told me my transmission failed due to a wave plate issue. Although 6t70 transmission warranty was extended to some 6 speed 2009 malibu's, I was told mine was not, even though the problem is known to exist in all gm 6 speed transmissions. This transmission is a definite safety hazard and the 10 year 120k mile extended warranty should be offered to every automobile with this transmission....updated 09/22/15

Filed Aug 16, 2009 · Transmission · 27,000 miles · GA

Purchased new 2009 chevy malibu 6/16/09 at john thornton chevrolet. Took car back on 6/20/09 due to malfunctioning brakes; rotors were rusted and had to be skimmed. On 7/27/09, on way to work, car kept stalling in traffic; put foot on gas, would hesitate; heard whizzing noises. Because moving the car was getting worse, I decided to turn around and head to the dealership. When I got on the freeway, the car would not accelerate enough to proceed, it would not go past 20 MPH and I knew it was too dangerous to keep going. I pulled off freeway and found a lot to pull over. Called onstar who tapped into my diagnostic and informed me there were two problems indicated in the transmission. I had to have the car towed to the dealership. Since then john thornton gave me a rental. Said they were going to replace a part and last week advised me they have to install a new transmission; it will be coming from the factory and offered to reimburse me the amount of my first car note. As of 8/17/09 they have had my car 3 wks. As of 8/26/09 it will be the 30th day and I will be eligible to either get a refund or replacement vehicle. My complaint is that I have a faulty transmission.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported September 18, 2012 · 426,240 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 12V460000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 6, 2009 · 276,729 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and fmvss 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".
Risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2009. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V073000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?

8 of 1,511 owner complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?

There are 2 recalls and 73 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Power steering loss 244Loss of power 106Headlights 94Door locks 85Steering lock-up 84Adaptive cruise 59Engine failure 48Jerking 43Check engine light 42Stalling 39ABS 25Won't start 22No deployment 18Airbag light 16Fuel pump 16Fuel smell 16Key fob 15Fuel leak 12Fire or smoke 11Won't shift 11Pulling 10Harsh shifting 9Hesitation 9Grinding brakes 8Wipers 8Steering noise 7Warning lights 7Ball joint 5Brake failure 5Overheating 5Slipping 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Malibu

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history