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2009 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability
· 7th generationOne of the worst Malibu years.
One of the Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid. All Malibu years
3,043 owner complaints, most about steering. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Malibu?The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has 3043 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system. Owners most often flag timing chain stretch, rattle, and related failures on the 2.4l ecotec.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Malibu years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Malibu?
Across the 29 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 69 (2023) to 3,043 (2009). With 3,043 complaints, the 2009 Malibu sits above the model's median of 848.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2009 Malibu
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 14V252000General 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 14V153000General 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.
steering
Campaign 14E044000Dorman 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.
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 12V460000General 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.
Show 2 more recalls
power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Campaign 09V073000GENERAL 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".
visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system
Campaign 08V634000GM 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.
What owners report on the 7th generation Malibu
Owner sentiment for the 2008-2012 Malibu is predominantly negative, with the car widely described as mediocre, middle-of-the-pack, and not worth choosing over Japanese rivals unless the price is unusually low.
- Very frequentTiming chain stretch, rattle, and related failures on the 2.4L Ecotec
- Very frequentElectrical problems and gremlins, including body control module issues from moisture
- RecurrentTransmission failures or shift solenoid problems around 100,000-150,000 miles
- RecurrentHeadlight replacement requiring bumper removal
With reports of lights overheating and melting wire harnesses.
- RecurrentOil consumption and leaks on the 2.4L Ecotec
Owner insights for the 7th generation Malibu. Read the full 7th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Malibu listings typically run $13,498–$19,476 across 2016 to 2025 model years.
Other Malibu model years
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Malibu against its rivals
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