Most common 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Malibu Hybrid years: 2008, 2018, 2009. Compare all years →
What 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid owners say
Stability & traction control
Beginning in dec/jan of 2016/2017 I began having major issues with my power steering where it would stop while I wasn't driving but also when I was driving. The steering wheel will start to aggressively shake and my traction control would cut off. It got to the point I couldn't even drive my vehicle. I then contacted GM after researching that this was a known issue. They then told me that the warranty was extended. I got it fixed and everything was fine until this week January 2019. I contacted GM to let them know of the issue, and that it was the same issue I had before. They then proceed to tell me to drive my unsafe vehicle with my 7 month old infant to the dealership for them to look at it (with no power steering), even though the issue isn't an all the time its just in its beginning stages. I have to turn off my car to have it reset the power steering.
Takata recall: I don't know if I'm doing this right but my car's warning system alerted me that the ESC was turned off and to "service ESC", this always happens while driving my car, never stationary.it's an intermittent problem but one that is mentioned as a recall for my make, model and year. When I search my VIN I get no alerts on recalls for my specific vehicle but wanted to be sire it wasn't skipped or missed. My vehicle is currently being worked on so if I did need recall work then I would need to be reimbursed for the work done on my car since a dealership wouldnt do the work for free without a recall notice.
Steering
Beginning in dec/jan of 2016/2017 I began having major issues with my power steering where it would stop while I wasn't driving but also when I was driving. The steering wheel will start to aggressively shake and my traction control would cut off. It got to the point I couldn't even drive my vehicle. I then contacted GM after researching that this was a known issue. They then told me that the warranty was extended. I got it fixed and everything was fine until this week January 2019. I contacted GM to let them know of the issue, and that it was the same issue I had before. They then proceed to tell me to drive my unsafe vehicle with my 7 month old infant to the dealership for them to look at it (with no power steering), even though the issue isn't an all the time its just in its beginning stages. I have to turn off my car to have it reset the power steering.
Power steering goes out and traction control light and service ESC message comes on. If I turn car off and back on the error message goes away and power steering is restored till it happens again. Happened yesterday on highway suddenly I had no steering. Looked online and saw numerous complaints with others having same problem. Stating that steering column needs to be replaced. Others mention a special extended warranty on power steering failure for 10 years and 150,000 miles. I inquired at dealer and so far they don't recall warranty problem happens sometimes usually when starting but yesterday it happened when driving on highway. Scary feeling
Electrical system
Beginning in dec/jan of 2016/2017 I began having major issues with my power steering where it would stop while I wasn't driving but also when I was driving. The steering wheel will start to aggressively shake and my traction control would cut off. It got to the point I couldn't even drive my vehicle. I then contacted GM after researching that this was a known issue. They then told me that the warranty was extended. I got it fixed and everything was fine until this week January 2019. I contacted GM to let them know of the issue, and that it was the same issue I had before. They then proceed to tell me to drive my unsafe vehicle with my 7 month old infant to the dealership for them to look at it (with no power steering), even though the issue isn't an all the time its just in its beginning stages. I have to turn off my car to have it reset the power steering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The contact stated that while parked and starting the vehicle, the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V382000 (air bags) and had the vehicle repaired by the dealer. While driving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact noticed the air bag warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Malibu Hybrid rates average: 17% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Malibu Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Malibu Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?
The stability & traction control — 7 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (6) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2018 and 2009. See the full Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.