Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 5/23/2022, we were involved in a crash where a loaded asphalt dump truck pulled out in front of us on major highway. Vehicle was totaled from front end impact. Air bags did not deploy!!
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact's vehicle was stationary, it was rear ended by another vehicle. All of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel upon impact. The air bag did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained significant injuries to the head and a temporary loss of orientation. The passenger sustained injuries to the back. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic repaired the vehicle by resetting the air bag indicator, and the driver's seat belt and gear shift assembly were replaced. Ed bozarth Chevrolet (5501 drexel road, las vegas, nevada 89130, [phone]) was made aware of the crash. In addition, the contact referenced several occasions of becoming locked out and locked in the vehicle. …
A few weeks ago my wife was driving here 2008 Malibu and she smelled a slight burning and very strong chemical odor in the car, shortly after that the service warning light came on for the air bag system. Windows had to be opened for the remainder of the 30 minute trip. Sometime later my wife removed something from the front passenger seat and notice a color change to circular pale yellow with a central charred mark in part of the cover material, upon touching seat cover material disintegrated and disappeared into the seat. A picture is attached of the passenger seat. Later I investigated the service light and found b0081 symptom 71 was set. I believe the seat sensor shorted out causing the seat cover and foam to smolder possibly on its way to an open flame before the power source failed. The VIN number [redacted]. A copy of this letter will also be send to the NHTSA.
Driving downtown des moines my message center started dinging, the message output was: "power steering" the steering wheel began moving on its own back & forth, jerking and grinding. At one point jerked out of my hand. It became almost impossible to continue. I pulled into a convience store, bought power steering fluid and started the vehicle. The steering seemed normal. The car was not low on fluids, I didn't travel far before it happened again. By the time I made it home my ribs were hurting from trying to manauver the car home. This malfunction is the EPS system and recalls of the 2008 began in 2014. My VIN# wasn't included on the list. However, my car has the same problem. At one point my steering wheel jerked so hard it yanked steering wheel away from my grip and I came close to hitting another vehicle. …
While driving down the road at about 20mph on city streets my power steering went out while I was turning left into a business and I was unable to turn the steering wheel. I had to turn the car off, then back on, and it would drive for a short while before power steering would shut off again, usually while making a left or right turn. The steering wheel also turns on its own while sitting still. I am unable to drive the car. Also, the steering wheel is making a grinding, popping noise and flashing "check airbag" messages when the car is turned on. I have researched this problem and found the power steering issue to be a broad GM vehicle problem. Chevy malibus from 2004 to 2010 I believe were all covered for a recall. My VIN however is not on this list and I am suffering the same problems as all of these other Chevy Malibu owners. My vehicle has 128,[redacted] miles.
My "service air bag" sign lights up on my dashboard at random. I had it looked at by a local Chevrolet service center last summer (2014). They came up with several scenarios that added up to more than 1,700 dollars. The problem is still not fixed. I wrote the chief executive officer of the general motors corporation to try to get any further fees associated with the air bag problem waived, because I thought 1,700 dollars was enough, and they did not agree to my request. In the meantime, I'm hoping that I don't have a seriously dangerous problem with my air bag. Thank you for your time.
Driving on straight road and car suddenly pulled right onto the shoulder. It felt like the car lost its steering capacity. Tried to correct the steering onto the road and then car spun 180, then hit ditch. Car rolled over 100 ft. In air and landed on wheels. The front, nor side air bags deployed even when car struck the side on the ground. Canada has recalled 67,000 vehicles due to power steering motor control module defective. GM needs to recall these in the us before someone gets killed. (it almost killed us if we didn't have our seatbelts on!)
Bought my car 3 months ago from a Chevy dealership, 3 days later my service airbag lights came on. I took it back to the dealership and was told I would have to pay to get it fixed, they said that my airbags would not deploy if this light was on. Why should I pay for a safety feature that should not have problems? Its like selling a car with a passenger seatbelt only. I do not feel I should have to pay for my airbags to be worked on. With all of the recalls for airbags I think they missed my year make and model. Its rediculous
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the steering column spontaneously locked up. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy until minutes after the crash. The contact has pictures and a police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 88. Updated 10/14/08 updated 10/16/08.
Airbag complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the model year's 989 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Malibu airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 1 fire and 13 injuries and 2 deaths to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.