Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and manually steered the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering wheel and alignment had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred increasingly while reversing. The contact notified the independent mechanic of the failure and he advised her to drive the vehicle for about 15 miles and the steering wheel would loosen up. The contact drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the steering repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). …
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Randomly when I press the brakes the brake lights don't turn on. Other times they work fine. All of the light bulbs are good. All three brake light don't turn on randomly. I have almost been rear-ended on numerous occasions.no dash lights came on. And I have not had it inspected yet just my girlfriend pushing the brake pedal to test the lights. One day they work another they don't then another day they work again.
The car starts to violently shake and the the engine service light starts to flash. The ABS light stays on and the car runes terribly. The system says a spark plug coil has burned out. Locate the ba coil and replace it, car runs great until another coil burns out and the process starts over again. During each occurance the steering is affected by pulling hard to one side or the other when the brake is applied.
I was driving my Chevy Malibu and started to fell my car start to shake violently and then my service ESC was populating on the dash and traction control had been lost in the car. I was having difficulty breaking as if the ABS break system was not working in the car.I got the car to the side of the road and ended up hitting a guard rail. I then found out that it was multiple recalls issued on my vehicle and I called the Chevrolet customer support to discuss the current recall which appeared to be the issue. I was instructed that I could drop my car off at best Chevrolet service center and they were aware of the recall and would assist me. I dropped my car off, explained the situation. They called me to let me know the recall wasn't the issue even thought everything I experienced was listed in the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to function. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags deployed however, the contact sustained minor cuts and bruises to the hands that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) and 14V224000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu 260 miles purchased on 7-21-08 on 7-22-08 received warning light "service traction" and "service sce" pulled to the side and look in manual description of problem. Manual said service as soon possible. Car was running very sluggish and ABS brakes were chattering when applied. Car seemed like it would not shift gears. Took to dealer asap. Dealer said the problem was from a low charge on the battery. Dealer had car for 2 days. Did not drive car again until 7-28-08. Drove 4-5 miles and "service traction and service sce" warning lights came on. Drove to dealer approx 2 miles. When I got to the dealer, the left front ABS brake was smoking was very hot, almost seemed like it would burst into flames. Hubcap had wilted on wheel. …
On Sunday March 8th, 2015 I turned my car about 7 pm in the evening to realize that the engine light was on, service ESC was populating on the dash and traction control had been lost in the car. I was having difficulty braking as if the ABS brake system was not working in the car. I drove it immediately home from work and parked it at my home address. On Monday morning at 7:30 am I called the Chevrolet customer support to discuss the current recall which appeared to be the issue. I was instructed that I could drop my car off at best Chevrolet and they were aware of the recall and would assist me. I dropped my car off, explained the situation, I also asked them to quote a price on a leak and left. They called me to let me know the recall wasn't the issue even thought everything I experienced was listed in the recall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the ignition key was turned to the start position, the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving at various speeds, when the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the brake pedal vibrated and hesitated to respond without warning. On a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked forward independently without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,734. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Upon purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed oil all over the front rims and tires. The dealer reassured her that the oil came from the brakes and there was nothing to worry about. She also stated that she would not get ample gas mileage as stated at the time of purchase. While driving less than 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal would not depress and the vehicle would not gain speed. On-star performed a diagnostic and found that the traction system malfunctioned. The gears would not change, there was a loud, persistent screeching noise, and smoke was coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway and take it back to the dealer for repairs. However, the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was less than 8,000.
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of the model year's 989 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.