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2008 CHEVROLET Malibu

5 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #14E044000 Plain English
Component

STEERING

Manufacturer
Dorman Products, Inc.
What Happened
The intermediate steering shaft is like a strong, flexible rod that connects the steering wheel to the front wheels. In some replacement shafts made by Dorman, the joint that connects the rod to the wheels may wear out too quickly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the joint fails, you could lose control of your steering, which means you won't be able to turn or steer your vehicle. This could lead to a serious accident.
Free Fix
Your Dorman dealer will either give you a refund for the faulty part or replace the steering shaft with a new one at no cost to you. They'll contact you about the repair once it's scheduled to start.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V224000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's transmission shift cable is a crucial part that helps your car know when to shift gears. In certain 2004-2008 Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn models, the cable can break while driving, causing gear shifting issues.
Risk if Unfixed
If the shift cable breaks, your car might shift into the wrong gear unexpectedly, making it harder to control. You could also put the car in 'PARK' but the transmission might not actually lock in place, which means the car could roll away when you exit the vehicle. This could lead to injuries or accidents.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty shift cable and mounting bracket with new ones, free of charge. You'll be notified when the repair is ready, and you can call GM at 1-800-553-6000 for more information, or reference recall number 14152.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 recalled is now 1,131,113.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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 to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V153000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The electric power steering system in your vehicle is a complex part that helps you steer at the turn of a wheel. In certain older models, this system can suddenly fail without warning, making it harder to steer the car.
Risk if Unfixed
If the power steering assist fails, you'll need to push harder to steer the vehicle at slow speeds, which could increase the risk of an accident. This could happen at any time while driving, making it harder to control the car.
Free Fix
Your dealership will repair or replace the faulty part, free of charge, as soon as the necessary parts are available. You'll receive a notification letter with instructions on what to do next.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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 from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #12V460000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The gear position indicator in your vehicle is the part that shows you whether you're in park, reverse, drive, or neutral. In certain 2007-2010 Saturn Auras, 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibus, and 2008-2010 Pontiac G6s, the cable that connects this indicator to the transmission can break, causing the display to show the wrong gear.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you might think your car is in park, but it could actually be in a different gear. This could cause the car to roll away unexpectedly when you exit the vehicle, potentially leading to a crash without warning.
Free Fix
Your dealership will install a protective cover over the cable or replace the cable itself, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible when you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #14V252000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The Body Control Module in your vehicle is like the brain of your car's electrical system, controlling various functions. In some 2004-2012 Malibu, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx, 2005-2010 G6, and 2007-2010 Aura models, the connection to the Body Control Module might be loose, causing problems with the brake lights, cruise control, and other safety features.
Risk if Unfixed
If the connection fails, your brake lights could turn on without pressing the brake pedal, or they might not come on at all. This could lead to a crash if you're not aware of your surroundings or if other drivers don't see you slowing down.
Free Fix
Your GM dealer will tighten the wiring harness connection to the Body Control Module, apply a special coating to prevent future problems, and reset the brake pedal position. This repair is free of charge, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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