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3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,929 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #7

Sep 222014

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 158,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving my 2009 Chevy Malibu, I abruptly got a warning message on my dash board which contained the phrase engine power reduction at which time my car completely shut off in the middle of a busy highway. The car had no response even though all the battery operated items were working the car still would not turn over. After further research it has come to my attention that a large group of individuals have had this happen and this error message come up.

- Moncks Corner , SC, USA

problem #6

Sep 012011

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
I have had so much trouble with the 2009 Chevy Malibu I bought it brand new no miles thinking I was going to be stress free but it has given me the most headaches ever. I have had to replace the shift gear and that my head lights have had to been replace at least once a year since I got it the headache about that is that the whole bumper has to be removed to have them replace. I also had to replace the catalytic converter. I don't think I will ever purchase another Chevy car.

- Grand Prairie , TX, USA

problem #5

Dec 042012

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
Odor from leaking cooling system. Car pulls to left. Driver does seat not adjust with the control. Front tires are worn down cords showing. Bought car at ourisman chev. Car dealer (34,523 miles) with platinum coverage. Car current (49,512 miles). They insisted that I should pay for new tires$295. Transmission flush $249. Fuel induction service $179. Coolant hose$10. That my plan only cover surge tank which I have to pay $100 deductible. I brought the car 5/17/12. Reading through complaints 2009 Malibu have similar car problem. I don't have the funds for all these problem for a car that own for this short period of time.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #4

May 042010

Malibu

  • 15,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Took car into shop over a year ago because bad odors were coming out of the cabin air supply. The Chevrolet shop cleaned out the A/C - took car back 8-9 months later, smelly odors coming from air vents in car. They cannot fix - these cars are not equipped with cabin air filters...in 2009 but - are now in 2012. I had bronchitis and near pneumonia for a year and a half. A month ago, I was told that I have asthma. These health issues are serious - I'm 64. I now need inhalers, etc. The car seems now to function okay with the inside A/C buttons but the fumes are there without these buttons. I'll again need heat in the winter and suspect the problem to return. Also, I don't always need A/C but have to drive with the windows up because of the horrid northern va traffic. There is no work around and I cannot afford to buy another car.

- Sterling, VA, USA

problem #3

Jan 012010

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 1,500 miles
This problem is very intermittent and impossible to duplicate by GM service technicians. It is very intermittent to me as the driver too, and I have to date been unable to know what triggers this. It seems totally random. Intervals have been as little as one week and as long as two months. The event is car engine has near complete loss of power; engine timing pings heavily, engine power surges then complete loss of power. This is the most severe symptom. The car also encounters moderate pinging, loss of power that causes the car to be very difficult to drive. I have to pull over to the side of the street every time due to the unpredictability of engine power. The car has died on the interstate freeway and when I push on gas pedal, engine power gets weaker and engine pinging is extremely strong. Coasting to side of freeway is only safe thing to try.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #2

Jan 012011

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Letter from senator burr on behalf of constituent concerning problems with her 2009 Chevrolet Malibu: She feels it a prime candidate for GM to reclaim under provisions of the North Carolina lemon law the consumer stated on second day of ownership, the vehicle had to be returned to the dealer for defective parts and remained there for approximately three weeks. Since then, the vehicle has been returned several times for defects relating to the engine, computer, and catalytic converter. The consumer stated while driving on mountainous or hilly terrains the engine would slow down dramatically.

- Glen Echo, MD, USA

problem #1

Jun 182009

Malibu

  • 10,000 miles
1. brakes squeak and are not as responsive as they should be a. the dealer has checked them several times and says there is no problem 2. on two occasions when traveling between 50-75 M.P.H, the car has not accelerated properly and has made strange grinding noise a. dealer indicated that another owner of the same model vehicle expressed the same complaint B. dealer said computer did not show anything wrong on my vehicle, or the other vehicle owner's vehicle 3. on 4-6 occasions, the car has surged... sometimes this happens @ slow speeds and other times when cruise control is engaged.... I am afraid to use cruise control anymore a. dealer says computer shows no problems.

- Coral Gables, FL, USA

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