Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 35 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, and the contact stated that there was heat coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the electrical gauges flickered. While attempting to pull off the roadway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a mechanic had discovered a minor oil leak coming from the engine. The contact called an independent mechanic who arrived at the scene and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the vehicle shut off upon arriving at the destination. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times after the failure; however, the vehicle failed to restart. …
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his partner was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake lights failed to activate or respond as designed. The contact confirmed that at night when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate; however, when the brake pedal was released the brake lights illuminated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brake light failure recurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). …
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. …
Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. GM has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which GM won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? We've had it fixed on our own which cost $200.00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the anti-theft lock warning light was blinking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle, and the security lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..
I have had trouble with my 2008 Chevy Malibu LS for the last 6 years I did not know that there was a recall on it back in 2008 I called GM I spoke to Chevrolet service representative and she said that it was repaired in 2008 this is what year my car was made so it is impossible for it to be prepared I asked her for where she gave me two the beginning of a name and then she changed her mind and said they are no information or when or where it was repaired this car has had a previous owner and this car stutters and jerks I cannot drive it it needs to be fixed and repaired I have wasted money before I found out this recall she said the recall was closed in 2014 I asked to speak to someone else and she would not give me a number or a name and said that she was the only person who could talk to the manager so I need help with this situation because I have two small grandchildren one seven …
The electrical power steering every time it's driven so often, car is used for school yes the vehicle was inspected by several mechanics the vehicle was like this when i brought it in september of 2022 i was told by chevrolet that my vin is not accepted in the recall which i don't understand how if it's the same car and same issue that the recall entails, i replaced the rack and pinion but it didn't fix the eps sometimes when turning the car on the steering wheel is locked as in it cannot be moved/turned either way and other times it's extremely hard to turn. the steering wheel will become extremely hard to turn at random times while driving at any speed and while stalled. when it locks while stalled a grinding noise can be heard
The wiring harness in the 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid has a open ground somewhere in the wiring harness it is draining the 12 volt battery and affecting the starter and the alternator generator in the hybrid it will not let the starter engage all fuses appear to be good after checking all of them majority of the solenoids fuses relays and sensors have been replaced diagnostics test show that the wiring harness has an open ground throughout the car please call us about the open recalls that are on this car it appears to be five of them my number is [redacted] it is very important it just gets through to somebody and you give me confirmation back
Electrical complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 233 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of the model year's 989 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to electrical system 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.