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2009 CHEVROLET Malibu

6 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 the middle joint that connects your steering wheel to your wheels. In certain replacement parts, this joint can break down too quickly, causing steering problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the joint fails, your steering wheel could become detached from your wheels, making it impossible to steer, and increasing the risk of a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will either refund the cost of the faulty steering shaft or replace it with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible.
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 #14V153000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The electric power assist system in your vehicle is what helps you turn the wheel with less effort. In some 2004-2009 models, this system could fail without warning, making it harder to steer your car at low speeds.
Risk if Unfixed
If the power steering assist fails, you'll need to use more force to turn the wheel, which could make it harder to control your vehicle, especially in tight spaces or when stopping. This could increase the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Your dealer will perform a repair on your vehicle once parts are available, free of charge. You'll get a notification letter with instructions on when to schedule the repair, which will include replacing the faulty components to restore your power steering assist.
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 a small mechanical part that helps the transmission shift smoothly. It's located in the transmission and can break if it's not properly secured, which could lead to some serious problems on the road.
Risk if Unfixed
If this component fails, you could move the gear shift to 'PARK' and take the key out, but the transmission might not actually be in 'PARK'. This means your car could roll away when you're not expecting it, and may not restart when you try to drive it again. This situation can happen without warning, and could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will fix this for you at no charge. They'll either add a protective cover over the gear position indicator or replace the entire shift cable, depending on what's needed.
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 →
Critical #09V073000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
The transmission shifter cable in your vehicle connects the gear selector to the transmission. In some 2009 Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, and Saturn models, this cable's adjustment clip might not be fully engaged, causing the gear selector and the transmission to get out of sync.
Risk if Unfixed
If the shifter clip isn't secure, you might think you've shifted into 'Park' when the transmission is actually in another gear. This could cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly when you exit, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect and adjust the shifter cable clip. If it's not working properly, they'll replace the cable with a new one at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
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 wiring in your vehicle connects your computer system to various parts, like the brake lights and cruise control. In some 2004-2012 Malibu, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx, 2005-2010 G6, and 2007-2010 Aura models, the wiring can develop a fault that causes electrical fluctuations.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you might see your brake lights on even when you're not pressing the brake pedal. Or they might not turn on when you do press the pedal. This could lead to a crash, especially if you're not able to stop your vehicle properly.
Free Fix
Your dealer will fix the wiring by adding a spacer, applying lubricant, and relearning your brake pedal position — all free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
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 →
Moderate #08V634000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is what blows air through your defroster and vents. In some cases, this system might not work right and the blower could stop working.
Risk if Unfixed
If your windshield fogs up or frosts over, the air flow might not be strong enough to clear it. This could make it hard for you to see while driving, increasing the risk of a crash without any warning.
Free Fix
Your Chevrolet dealer will update the computer that controls your HVAC system, and this will fix the issue. The repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEM." THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIRCONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE BLOWER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE MODE SELECTOR WOULD REMAIN IN THE LAST KNOWN SETTING.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC CONTROL HEAD MODULE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

STEERING
2 recalls
POWER TRAIN
2 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall
VISIBILITY
1 recall

Other CHEVROLET Malibu Years

2025
1 recall
2024
2 recalls
2023
2 recalls
2022
1 recall
2021
2 recalls
2020
1 recall
2019
1 recall
2018
6 recalls
2017
4 recalls
2016
9 recalls
2015
3 recalls
2014
6 recalls
2013
10 recalls
2012
3 recalls
2011
4 recalls
2010
4 recalls
2008
5 recalls
2007
6 recalls
2006
9 recalls
2005
6 recalls
2003
3 recalls
2002
4 recalls
2001
4 recalls
2000
5 recalls

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