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).
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.
I am a owner of a 08 Chevy Malibu lt 2.4 liter. When I first got the car from the dealer (used) for about two years it was running fine with just little maintenance. When the third year comes around I start having problems with the traction control and engine reduce power light. I've looked up fixes for these problems and I'm currently invested over 5,000 on fixing this problem and it's still not fixed the dealer didn't fix it other auto shops couldn't fix it and it the engine reduce power light on the car sometimes n shuts off where it sits (like in busy traffic). I have a [redacted] son and I dont trust putting him in my car because of this problem of stalling out and not being able to start back up. My car is a daily driver so it cuts off in traffic, when stopped at redlights, takes about 2 to 3 minutes to get it started and idling properly. …
Just took possession of a 2008 Chevy Malibu ltz v6 3.6 with on 36K original miles on it. Have had for only 5 days and got a dash notification of check ESC soon, traction control, eng power reduced warning with the check engine symbol. I pulled in my driveway home from work and immediately notified my local dealership. Backed out of driveway to take to the dealership and had no power to go anywhere so pulled back in drive and shut the car off to go inside my house, came back out turn the car back on and put in reverse, all seemed find with power, then proceeded on to the dealership with no power failure, but engine light stayed on. With only 36K miles and lots of reviews I am reading on the internet about this problem seems to be an issue and recurring that no one can seem to find a fix for. How many complaints before there is a recall on this issue. …
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. …
I have had nothing but problems with my electronic power steering amongst other things as well. The steering wheel locked up on me for the first time while parked. I turned the car off then back on & it went back to normal. I've been having issues with it making a sound in the steering wheel column & the steering wheel will move on it's own & will stick while I'm driving which makes it hard to control my vehicle. Also there is other electrical problems causing security light to come on & my car will lock up & I can't start it. The "service ESC" light came on around the same time as well. The seatbelt light will come on when everyone has their seatbelt on too. There is obviously something going on with wire connections or something. …
Brake lights remained illuminated even if brake pedal was not pushed, both while stationary and in motion. Traction control was disabled while in motion. Body control module was malfunctioning and had to be replaced. Brake lights remained illuminated on all roads, in all conditions, and at all times. Traction control was disabled primarily on city streets but sometimes on highways. The Chevrolet dealer service department said the cause was a malfunctioning body control module and had to replace it. The problems with the car are the same as those in NHTSA campaign number 14V252000, although a search by VIN reveals no outstanding recalls. The vehicle is currently undergoing repair and I will have repair invoices after the repairs are completed.
As I'm driving down the freeway going about 70 MPH I hear about 3 or 4 dings go off all at one time. The service ESC , engine pwr reduced, service traction, and ESC off warnings came on my 2008 Chevy Malibu lt dash as well as the traction warning light and check engine light. My car almost instantly starting to decelerate at an exceptional speed. I had to "floor it" to make it stop and then it slowly accelerated. Once I got home I googled the problem and a lot of people were saying it has to do with the fuse box or throttle body or both. I don't know what is wrong with it and I don't have a lot of extra money right now so I'm kinda stuck driving it like this for awhile since it is not under any type of warranty and I have to go to work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at various speeds, the ESC and traction control warning lights illuminated. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed but the brake lights failed to illuminate. The brake lights illuminated independently without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Update 01/15/16 ma
When driving brake light continue to stay on. When pressed they go off and pressing to floor they come on but when released around 6 seconds later they come on again. Was taken to dealer ship to be fixed for a recall . Worked for less than a month and it continues again. Had brake pedal switch replaced and it still continues. Now I'm getting the lights coming on saying ESC off and also a traction light. In my opinion all Chevy Malibu's should be recalled and done right. Worst car I ever owned. Fix your mistakes please. These things I'm describing happens anywhere I'm driving constantly
My car's check engine light has been on and flashing for the past two weeks. I have had my car repaired several times by autobody shops. A diagnostic test have never been done before today. My car is pulling to the right. The rack and pinion was replaced last year. I hit a deer and according to the repair shop I only had body damage. Six months later they are telling me I need to replace my engine. I have replaced the brakes on this car more than seven times. I am in the process of getting the rotors replaced. Then every four months I have to get my tires replaced.
Traction Control complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the model year's 989 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury and 1 death to stability & traction control 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.