Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2012
7th generation · GM Epsilon LWB (GMX386)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20269,047 complaints, 6,843 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 6,843
- Median of reported failures
- 87,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Steering (23.1%)
- Recalls
- 6
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 53,013 and 122,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2012 · 6,843 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 307 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 150 complaints (2.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 24,354
- 25%
- 53,013
- Median
- 86,687
- 75%
- 122,000
- 90%
- 155,500
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 307 | 4.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 84 | 1.2% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 96 | 1.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 116 | 1.7% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 90 | 1.3% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 90 | 1.3% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 129 | 1.9% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 193 | 2.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 189 | 2.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 187 | 2.7% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 278 | 4.1% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 223 | 3.3% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 211 | 3.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 295 | 4.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 282 | 4.1% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 254 | 3.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 269 | 3.9% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 291 | 4.3% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 303 | 4.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 268 | 3.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 291 | 4.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 168 | 2.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 215 | 3.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 149 | 2.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 213 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 157 | 2.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 194 | 2.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 145 | 2.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 166 | 2.4% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 120 | 1.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 164 | 2.4% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 87 | 1.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 107 | 1.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 58 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 93 | 1.4% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 60 | 0.9% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 87 | 1.3% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 26 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 13 | 0.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 25 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 150 | 2.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 9,047 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008–2012 Chevrolet Malibu, and 6,843 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 53,013 and 122,000 miles. The median is 86,687 miles.
The most-reported areas are the steering (23.1% of complaints, typically around 104,000 miles), the electrical system (15.7% of complaints, typically around 86,000 miles), electronic stability control (esc) (9.4% of complaints, typically around 96,000 miles).
6 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2008–2012 Chevrolet Malibu last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2008–2012 Chevrolet Malibu were filed by 87,000 miles and 90% by 156,000 miles — figures drawn from 6,843 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
150 reports (2.2%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Malibu reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2008–2012 Malibu: the 3-minute check
Generated from 6,843 mileage-tagged complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2011–2012 cars. 2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA) excessive oil consumption. Low-tension oil control rings lose tension and let oil past into the combustion chamber; consumption of roughly a quart per 1,000 miles is common. Repair is replacement…
- Check engine on 2011–2012 cars. 2.4L Ecotec timing chain premature wear/stretch, typically traced to the tensioner and upper guide, setting cam/crank correlation codes.
- Check transmission on 2008–2012 cars. 6T40/6T45 6-speed wave plate fracture in the 3-5-reverse clutch, causing loss of 3rd, 5th and reverse.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 53,000 and 122,000 miles, with a median of 87,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the steering and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 86,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2012
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Brakes490 reports72,00042,000–110,000Brakes: 490 reports, median 72,000 miles, middle half 42,000 to 110,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline507 reports80,00045,000–105,000Transmission and driveline: 507 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 105,000 miles.
- Engine496 reports80,00058,000–120,000Engine: 496 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 58,000 to 120,000 miles.
- Electrical system1,417 reports86,00054,000–120,000Electrical system: 1,417 reports, median 86,000 miles, middle half 54,000 to 120,000 miles.
- Electronic stability control (esc)853 reports96,00061,000–134,000Electronic stability control (esc): 853 reports, median 96,000 miles, middle half 61,000 to 134,000 miles.
- Exterior lighting806 reports98,00066,000–130,000Exterior lighting: 806 reports, median 98,000 miles, middle half 66,000 to 130,000 miles.
- Steering2,089 reports104,00070,000–142,000Steering: 2,089 reports, median 104,000 miles, middle half 70,000 to 142,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,089 | 23.1% | 104,000 | 70,000–142,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,417 | 15.7% | 86,000 | 54,000–120,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 853 | 9.4% | 96,000 | 61,000–134,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 806 | 8.9% | 98,000 | 66,000–130,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 507 | 5.6% | 80,000 | 45,000–105,000 |
| Engine | 496 | 5.5% | 80,000 | 58,000–120,000 |
| Brakes | 490 | 5.4% | 72,000 | 42,000–110,000 |
| Airbag system | 467 | 5.2% | 67,000 | 33,000–97,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 373 | 4.1% | 73,000 | 42,000–107,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 269 | 3.0% | 91,000 | 68,000–121,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2012 · 6,843 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 29% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 52% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 73% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 98%: the remaining 2.2% of reports (150) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
29% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Electrical system — middle half 54,000–120,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 45,000–105,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 58,000–120,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 42,000–110,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Steering — middle half 70,000–142,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 61,000–134,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 66,000–130,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
52% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 70,000–142,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 54,000–120,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 61,000–134,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 66,000–130,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 45,000–105,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 58,000–120,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 42,000–110,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
73% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Electrical system — median 86,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 80,000 mi
- Engine — median 80,000 mi
- Brakes — median 72,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 70,000–142,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 61,000–134,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 66,000–130,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 86,687 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The steering accounts for 23.1% of complaints (2,089 reports, 1,628 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 104,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 70,000 and 142,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 15.7% of complaints (1,417 reports, 994 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 54,000 and 120,000 miles.
Electronic stability control (esc) accounts for 9.4% of complaints (853 reports, 714 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 96,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 61,000 and 134,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 8.9% of complaints (806 reports, 532 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 98,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 66,000 and 130,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 5.6% of complaints (507 reports, 420 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,000 and 105,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 5.5% of complaints (496 reports, 412 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 58,000 and 120,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2009 model year drew the most — 2,356 complaints — while 2012 drew the fewest at 1,472. The median year sits at 1,526.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 6 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the transmission and driveline (2), the airbag system (1), the seat belts (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 9,047 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 354 (3.9%)
- Fires
- 88
- Injury reports
- 238
- Fatality reports
- 11
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2011–2012
2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA) excessive oil consumption. Low-tension oil control rings lose tension and let oil past into the combustion chamber; consumption of roughly a quart per 1,000 miles is common. Repair is replacement of all four piston assemblies. Subject of multiple class actions over the 2010-2015 build window.
Engine 2011–2012
2.4L Ecotec timing chain premature wear/stretch, typically traced to the tensioner and upper guide, setting cam/crank correlation codes.
Transmission 2008–2012
6T40/6T45 6-speed wave plate fracture in the 3-5-reverse clutch, causing loss of 3rd, 5th and reverse.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1,489 | 1,165 |
| 2009 | 2,356 | 1,833 |
| 2010 | 2,204 | 1,700 |
| 2011 | 1,526 | 1,122 |
| 2012 | 1,472 | 1,023 |
Recalls (6) — is your car included?
Feb 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air BagsIf the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
What can happen. If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
Nov 2015 · 2011–2012 · Seat BeltsIf the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
What can happen. If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.
Aug 2014 · 2008–2012 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or
What can happen. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Jul 2014 · 2008–2009 · SteeringIf power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
What can happen. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built fr
Jun 2014 · 2008 · Power TrainIf the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being r
What can happen. If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Jan 2013 · 2008–2010 · Power TrainIf the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear…
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
What can happen. If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
What owners reported
A police officer pulled beside me and said my brake lights were not working at all. Brake lights will come on and stay on or will not come on at all. Took this vechicle to a mechanic and it has to do with the connection with the bcm. Thought this was recalled but there is no recalls on my vechicle. I asked some other…
2008 · 3 miles · Brakes
Transmission 123 gear slips changes on own try to accelerate stalls downshifts stalls also transmission control module been told will happen when trying to speed up or complete stop or reverse the turning signals will have to be manually stopped interfering with driving barley make. Sound sometimes forget the are on…
2008 · 15 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 6,843 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page