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 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
UNKNOWN FUEL LEAK needs added to Recall list . It is currently at the Chevy dealership in Van Buren Arkansas getting looked at on the fuel leakage. I'm going to upload some documents for y'all to look at and consider. Everything that has been stated in these recall is exactly what my car is doing and has wrong with it. I'm just asking for it to be added on this recall list because it needs to be y'all will be able to get all the information at the Chevy dealership on the fuel leakage it is currently up there right now getting looked at in Van Buren Arkansas. I appreciate y'all and everything y'all do.
When I walk up to my car all I smell is gas and my gas tank doesn't last as long as it should the first half of my tank is gone within 2-4 hours the second half last a couple days . I just had a child and I wanna make sure I can get these things fixed . I just purchased this car like 3 months ago from a dealership .. he's been giving me the run around so I'm trying to see what I can do
I was driving the car was perfectly fine I only had it for 4 months it's only had two owners me and one other person and all of a sudden the power steering just went it immediately stopped working the gauges are bobbin up and down it's telling me to service ESC sometimes even the car won't start right away the lights on the gear stick won't turn on right away the engine light turned on the traction control turns off it's telling me power steering service tire monitor even though there's nothing wrong with it I don't know what's going on this car brands like brand new at first and then within a month of driving it it immediately just started crashing and that's when I read that there's been a lot of recalls on this model everything's electrical there's no power steering fluid nothing like that sometimes when the gears are changing they stick and it makes buffering sounds now it's …
While driving on a crowded freeway the car started to slow down on its own. I figured I was out of gas so I checked the gauge and it was at 1/2 tank. The message said service ESC, engine power reduced. There was no place to safely pull over so I had to continue to the next exit at the reduced speed. Needless to say this was very frightening as traffic was trying to pass me. I could have been rear ended but luckily nothing bad happened. I found a place to stop, shut off the engine and waited 5 minutes. I restarted the car and it ran normal as if nothing happened. The check engine light was still on. I reset the code ( something about a tps) when I got home. This scenario has happened several more times even at city speeds (35 MPH). I don't drive on the freeway anymore and have to take alternate routes that are safer to pull over when this happens. …
Fuel leaks/ignition fire; took vehicle to Chevy dealer to have recall items fixed and inform them the fuel leak problem with regards to NHTSA campaign #13e-043 and the article of 10/01/12 siting that GM was recalling 41,000 cars sold in warm weather states including ca, because of defective plastic part might cause "fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire." GM told NHTSA that it began investigating the problem in 2011 after a dealer reported fuel leaking and that it would notify owners and replace the fuel module free of charge including those who live outside the states affected by the recall. The offer is valid for 10yrs or 120,000 milesfrom the date the vehicle was sold, GM spokesman alan adler told the associated press. Chevy superstition springs, mesa, az will not honor this and wants to charge me $900 to repair their manufacture defect. …
Purchased a used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Very shortly after I could notice a strong odor of gas coming from the rear of the vehicle after driving it. I took it to a mechanic who removed the fuel tank and discovered that a plastic feed line on top of the fuel pump module had a severe leak. I contacted GM in regard to the fact that this specific issue has been recalled on the exact same year, make, and model as my vehicle. I was told that my VIN was not included in the recall was offered no additional resolution or support. My concern is that the only vehicles covered under the warranty were those bought and sold or registered in "warm weather" states, but kentucky has 100 degrees very humid summers. It's is considered part of the south , a region known for being very hot in the summer. …
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.
Upon entering the back passenger side seat of my daughter's car, I noticed a strong fuel smell. Upon returning to the car, I noticed the strong fuel smell outside the car, too. When we started looking around under the car, we saw fuel leaking onto the parking lot. The car has 68,000 miles. The independent garage she took it to said the plastic part of the fuel line was leaking and replaced the fuel line assembly and fuel pump. A $740 repair for a young woman in her first job after graduating from college. We also own a Chevy cobalt, which GM has issued a recall in warm weather states for this very issue. I called GM and a vice president told me this wouldn't be a covered repair. I shudder to think what would have happened if a cigarette had been thrown down by her car. She did take a picture, which I will get to upload.
We have had two issues. First broken fuel pump spilling gas on top of the fuel tank this has been an issue with this type of vehicle but not this specific vehicle. Cost to repair 400 dollars. Issue two. Bad torque sensor on electric power steering column. Causing power steering failure at will. Major safety issue as well. Chevy told me this specific part was not part of an earlier recall. Cost to fix 622 dollars at Chevy dealer. Power steering failure happened while driving on city streets in madison sd. Gas leaking issue was noticed by a strong smell of gasoline. We stopped driving until repair could be made. They are both recalll issues on the 08 Malibu. Talked to Chevy. With no offer to cover repairs being made.
Fuel System complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the model year's 989 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.