Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power door locks do not work. I bought this beautiful 2009 Chevy Malibu used w 48,000 miles, I had it only 2 months before problems started with the locks. All locks will not open or close using the interior switch nor the key fob. If you manually open the lock by pulling it up and then start the car and put it in gear, the locks will engage automatically and lock the door properly. I checked online and everyone says the problem with the locks is the BCM connection and lack of dielectric grease.GM needs to also fix the power lock issue, it is very much well known on the internet. Anyway, checking forums it seems GM is aware of the locks failing consistently. We all owners of Chevy Malibu's have this issue with 2008, 2009, 2010 power locks that malfunction. This is a safety issue since the doors can lock and unlock at random times. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the gear automatically changed and the engine stalled. The electronic stability control, service traction, and check engine indicators illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, restarted the engine, and the vehicle returned to normal. The contact also stated that the door locks automatically locked and unlocked while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front passenger side door was unable to open and close. In addition, the latches failed to function on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The front passenger had to exit through the front driver side door due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Ma 10/25/15 the consumer stated the inside door lock switches failed to operate from the inside.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the rear passenger door failed to lock and unlock on the interior and exterior. In addition, as the failure progressed, the front passenger door experienced the same failure. The contact and various passengers were unable to exit the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failures and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided no remedy. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 04/20/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that all the door latches were defective, which resulted in the door locks having to be locked and unlocked manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the door actuator malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, but did not consider it a safety issue. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the doors would sporadically become locked and unlocked independently. Additionally, the contact noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection and the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 90,000. The current mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the rear interior power door locks failed to unlock when the key fob and power lock module were activated. The doors failed to unlock manually. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Whether the vehicle was turned on or off, all the doors unlocked intermittently without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the door locks would independently lock and unlock without warning. The contact stated that the doors would not unlock to allow exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 88,269.
The car door locks cycle on and off at any given time. Mostly stays unlocked, although the other day it did lock me in the car this was just as frightening as them not being locked. I can be stopped a stop light or driving 70 MPH and the locks are cycling on and off. The unlock/lock bottom in the door panel does not work. I feel very unsafe with my door locks cycling on/off. I work downtown by the county jail and I feel very unsafe driving anywhere down there with my doors unlocked. I park in a parking garage that has had some theft, I hope my car does not get robbed. I also have small children that ride in the car and feel unsafe driving around the city or highways with the doors unlocked. I hope the doors don't fly open or if in a wreck there would be nothing preventing the doors from opening. …
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 1,509 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 5 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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.