2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU Electrical System Problems

358 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU

358 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. Of these, 5 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.

358
Complaints
5
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11716287 |
Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display ESC OFF, Power Steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the battery and hard restart and it would be fine for a little bit but happen again. Fast forward 2 weeks later and now completely out. This is extremely dangerous and a recall was already conducted for this year, make and model, but not on ALL VINs associated. This recall needs to be reinstated covering all VINs of this year before someone is seriously hurt or possibly killed.
#11710398 |
So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “ESC OFF”. The turn to merge onto the highway is a pretty sharp turn over a very steep hill. I had to force the steering wheel to the right, and crush on the brakes to get on the side of the road, where I could stop and inspect. I inevitably ended up giving up, because it’s freezing outside and I am not a mechanic. But it didn’t happen the rest of the way...
#11669989 |
The power steering keeps going in and out and the vehicle only has 85,000 miles on it. I also keep having weird electrical issues. I had to replace my headlight wiring harnesses as well as my taillights harnesses. But the power steering issue is coming from the rack and pinion. The steering wheel will shake while sitting still and the power steering will completely go out basically every other time I turn the car on.
#11656586 |
Experiencing power steering issues, Power steering goes off randomly and airbag light has come on and won’t go off.
#11628018 |
Had a recall repaired yet it still randomly my brake lamps still don’t function correctly
#11627060 |
I've been trying to fix the car I've put alternator new starter wires everything you can think of new fuses and the esc light burnt out 2 brand new battery's I've lost my job because it's unfixable almost killed after the power steering went out because of what's going on with this problem I can't fix it I've spent over 1000 trying to find the problem.
#11622953 |
While driving at night with the lights on, the rear taillights are bright all the time. when you press the brake pedal, the rear taillights go dim or completely dark. brake lights are working opposite what they should be doing. Fixed once with local mechanic. Fixed second time at dealership with a 'technical service bulletin' and now it is having the same problem for third time.
#11606468 |
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the lights became inoperable. When the brake pedal was released, the lights returned to normal functionality. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to engage as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The dealer informed the contact the recall repair was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
#11575379 |
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light failed to illuminate intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light would randomly illuminate while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light was defective. Additionally, the local dealer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) was previously performed on the vehicle and that the repair was one-time free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
#11573159 |
I brought car told dealer of air bag light on to service and tire monitor light I had my steering lock and ESC light on dealership did nothing to comply to safety of this called don't return calls
#11556239 |
Having problems with my rear stop lights, traction control/ indicator light, ECS/ indicator light. When driving center brake light remains on but when I need to apply brakes they go off, lights on dashboard have been on since I purchased the vehicle which were never addressed the only light addressed was the check engine light. All other issues were voided being that they let me drive down to N.C. knowing it would void my warranty with them after putting 1 thousand miles on the vehicle without notication to me.
#11551880 |
Per GM July2014 recall 13036 This issue with the BCM has caused my rear window break lights to function the opposite of how they are to work. I continue to experience Service ESC and Traction Control messages while driving the car. This is the second issue I have had since the recall. Per the recall, it is for the owners safety. I cannot take this chance and I need to have GM revisit the original recall and note it has not resolved the issue for my car. I fear I will be hit from behind because the brake light is not illuminated. I drive children!! Please look into why the break pedal position sensor is faulty.
#11545541 |
My car is having issues driving over 60miles per hr, I have to keep pressing the gas to get the car to move, the car battery is dead and won’t turn on, I got the car repaired twice and the second time I got it repaired, it just was even worse then before . The car smells like gas , the salesman only told me that I needed a value cover gasket and he had someone repair it , but when I went to auto zone , it was still cracked, I have a oil leak and my car eats up gas.
#11532030 |
My vehicle can overheat at times and the thermostat won’t work. That’s during the summer and winter so the temperature could rise above normal and I wouldn’t know because of the electric problems. It’s happened too many times to count. The ESC sign comes on across the dash for me letting me know there are issues with power steering and traction. I can drive on my way to work and on the highway and it happens randomly. It’s dangerous and scary I have to pull over on the side of the road to turn it off and on. Sometimes more than three to four times before it acts normal again. I tried to go to GM because my car has the symptoms of the cars being repaired in the recalls. But I’m told there are none for my car but yet the car still locks on me. It jumps too...
#11531230 |
My power steering continues to go in and out while driving. There is a “service esc” light on the dash along with multiple other lights. I see this among thousands of other 2009 Chevrolet Malibus, yet they are not recalled. I feel this is a serious safety warning for everyone who has one or might get one in the future.
#11527652 |
The fuse box is faulty. It’s not giving power to the starter when the car heats or if it is hot outside. My car has been showing “reduced engine power” and it will no longer turn on. I have researched online and on YouTube from mechanics that the fuse box is the problem. I have taken the car in multiple times and my mechanics never get a code for electric issues. There is a brand new radiator, alternator and battery that has been put into my car. There is no problem with the actual starter itself. When the car is jumped it comes on but turns off while driving when it gets hot. Multiple cars similar to mine have been having this problem and it was never made public.
#11520247 |
The car suddenly turns off while driving shutting down the power steering making it difficult or impossible to maneuver. It is a death trap. This happened 3 times today May 5, 2023 Losing power while driving is a major safety issue that is putting innocent people's lives at risk.
#11517536 |
Loss of power steered. Power steering esc code appears. Steering wheel locks when I first start vehicle.
#11516256 |
My steering wheel shakes and jerks while driving and when I start the car. Also, my car steers and pulls to the left while I’m driving until the electric power steering light comes on and then the steering locks up and I am unable to turn the steering wheel to make a turn which can lead to a crash because I have to force the wheel in order to turn. I was driving on the highway and my steering locked and I pulled over safely and tried turning the car off and on. This has turned the electric power steering light off and I was able to turn the wheel but my steering wheel still shakes and jerks and the car pulls to the left. To add, a few minutes later my steering locks up and the electric power steering light comes on again and I am unable to turn...
#11509468 |
Electric power steering failure, while driving service ESC and power steering came up on the dash along with a traction control indicator. The only symptom prior was a Shakey steering wheel which was assumed to be mechanical. Problem persists on and off even with resetting system powering off and then back on.
#11499745 |
The power steering just stopped working. Not really safe to drive. I did research and found that many GM cars have had this problem. No warning messages came on prior to the problem happening. I think this is a sensor problem with this car.
#11498605 |
Bought a 2009 Malibu (2.4 engine with electric power steering) a few weeks ago. Pulled into my driveway today and the power steering goes out and the traction control light comes on and service ESC message comes across the message center. Turn the car off and back on and the light goes out, power steering comes back for a second then the light trips again and it's out again as soon as I turn the wheel. It’s absolutely insane and I can’t even drive it half the time. I’m a nurse and a mother of two. This is the same recall in many of the same year and vehicle type, and we have snow. Severe snow. It can kill me. The ESC LIGHT TRACTION CONTROL ABS POWER STEERING AND CHECK ENGINE LOGHT ARE ALL ON BECAUSE OF THIS DEATHTRAP OF AN electronic steering system you have
#11492633 |
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the starter and PCV hose were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.
#11491102 |
my transmission is slipping when there was a recall and my car went in to get fixed for both my power steering and my transmission and my power steering does not work and my transmission is slipping.
#11490852 |
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that in 2017 the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the brake lights would illuminate randomly without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who added di-electric grease to the harness, replaced the brake harness, replaced the position sensor, and inspected the brake light. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer approximately 7 times since the recall repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
#11490288 |
when It gets colder my cars power steering goes out and my no traction light turns on, I can’t turn my vehicle properly and have no traction it’s dangerous in the winter time. I have noticed other malibu’s from 2009 were recalled for the same exact issue yet mine was not. If i can’t turn or break properly it puts others on the road in risk especially in the snow. The problem always appears when it is cold.
#11479904 |
There is a recall that was preformed on my vehicle before I bought it for brake light issues NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000. The issue has come back I just bought the car. I called the dealer and they said it had been fixed in 2014 but it has started doing the same thing and they said that they can fix it but I will have to pay. I have tried to call the corporate gm office but keep getting sent back to the dealer near me
#11467952 |
My brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed and fails to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This issue is part of a previous recall and has not been repaired.
#11466522 | Fire
The headlights continually burn out and melt connectors on multiple malibus around this year model, myself, my friends and many online have all been effected, the issue seems to have started as early as 2014 and still continues to this day. I have been fighting this issue myself for many years now. I once had a connector smoke so bad I had to run to turn everything off and make sure it wasn't burning.
#11465246 |
Just bought the car and it started acting funny. The windshield wipers haven't worked almost the whole time we've had the car. We have attempted to fix them and we think the problem is fixed all for them to stop working again. So needless to say we either can't drive while it's raining or we attempt to risk ours and others lives by driving with no windshield wipers at all. Now the temperature gauge, and ac are randomly deciding to stop working. Plus the check engine light would randomly come on and off. Found that there was a recall out for these exact problems. So we took it to the dealership and they told us there's nothing they can do the recall has expired almost 3 years ago. Now we just bought the car and all this stuff started and now we're being told it's pretty much our problem because...
#11457581 |
The power steering light comes in every time car is turned on and I don’t want to be driving like this
#11457593 |
Service traction light/ service esc / esc off has come three times replace what was told to be to problem three times
#11456806 |
My car keep showing the engine reduced light and esc service light I have paid to get a new computer and gas petal and a throttle body from the Chevy computer and it’s still doing the same thing
#11454884 |
Steering affected, unable to control direction of vehicle. Luckily I was not on highway driving at high speed ....it very well had caused a serious accident. Warning lights on : dashboard monitor messaged " power steering " traction control light First time it happened was on December 22, 2021 . The most recent time was on February 21, 2022.
#11453194 |
I started to smell a slight burning smell, as I pulled off the road to investigate at the gas station my power steering failed upon restarting the vehicle. On the message center it says power steering, service ESC, ESC off. This could have caused an accident if i had not pulled off the road. Upon research, it shows a recall bulletin has been issued for 2008-2009 Chevy Malibu for a torque sensor, which appears to be the same issue. Bulletin No.: 14116B Date: October 2014 GM recall search returns no results for this VIN#, so we were not notified of a recall. This appears to be a mistake, as the recall is for the same issue as what we have experienced.
#11453058 |
well it all started at one, i fixed the electrical myself after inspecting 6 months worth of it sitting , finally found electrical problems that i got it running afterwords 2 fuel pumps later knowing pumps werent the issue then, now I almost have it paid off, its really began to just be a piece of junk after dearly taking care of it when i bought the car I loved it, now I found on it, no steering, comes and goes, like I know how to put a steering asst. in... i pulled one from the J yard, its in the backseat now, airbags indicator saying it needs servicing, tires I bought brand new last summer, they are baby butt smooth now, the car cant even squeal the tires so whatever on that, 5 days ago I threw a new alternator in it, similar to every alternator when they go...
#11451804 |
I couldbt turn tge car out of nowhere an nout ran off the road
#11451723 |
My cars power steering failed while making a right turn the steering wheel locked up and wouldn’t move I turn the car off and the issue went away but I know it will come apparently there has been a recall on this cars EPS but there’s no open recall on my vehicle
#11450252 |
Power steering will stop working while driving. EPS Light will start blinking. Once you shut off car and turn it back on it works again.
#11448394 |
Power Steering and ESC both failed at the same time randomly, no warning lights or signals until after the incident. Can get it to turn back on by starting car and jerking wheel, steering wheel shakes back and forth, power steering and ESC goes back out once wheel is turned even slightly. Electronic power steering is constant, so I am fighting my car just to drive it, and I have no electronic stability control in snow/ice. Impossible to react/turn quickly enough to prevent an accident in the worst case scenario. Most likely torque sensor, extremely common issue with 09 Malibu’s, no recall issued.
#11447567 |
Power steering failed when turning from a stop and/or low speed into traffic. Steering was nearly impossible and required great effort from driver. A brief message flashed on the Driver Information Center and a unique chime was heard. The safety of the driver was affected by oncoming traffic. The failure has not been inspected by a mechanic as of yet, but the vehicle is available for inspection at any time.
#11447133 |
Steering failed when driving on freeway, abruptly stopped and had to restart on the road to can control of steering. Spent several hundred dollars, replacing breaks and to fix the check engine light error. Despite service, ABS, service tire pressure, service + passenger air bag and other controls flash in and out when driving at various speeds/times. Breaks seem not to work right when stopping and speeding up is strained. Now cruise control is not disengaging consistently.and power steering issues are returning this winter. Dashboard lights are in and out and I can't read speed. Do not purchase!
#11443951 |
December 25th, 2019- Driving home from work, steering wheel twitched then began to shake. Thought it was just needing alignment or tires. Drove on highway (70mph) 8.5months pregnant and then abs light, Traction off/service traction, service ESC and Power steering pop up on cluster panel and then steering became hard and my car shut off on its own. Wouldn't start back up. For 2 days. After it being look at by 4 DIFFERENT mechanics they all seem to have no idea except one. Complete Steering Column replacement. This is extremely unsafe for anyone and I have 2 kids I can't risk to drive in this vehicle AND just paid off.Recalls shouldn't expire and they should be honored if a new owner has the same issue. This is deadly and if I wasn't as strong as I am, I doubt I'd be able to steer it like I did.
#11440704 |
There is a clicking noise in the steering wheel column while it jerks both left and right while driving. Happening every time it is driven hard to turn steering wheel both left and right.
#11439782 |
UNKNOWN I was driving to work last week on Thursday and when I attempted to make a right turn my steering wheel was difficult to turn and a few seconds later it locked and the car turned off and on the dash board the battery light turned on and the words that appeared were Service Traction, Service ESC, and Power Steering.
#11437325 |
I started my vehicle and began to drive it as I normally would. After stopping at a stop sign, I began accelerating and turning 90° left onto the street. Mid-turn my power steering completely shut off and I almost got into an accident. Luckily there was a turn around right there I was able to veer to. Turning this vehicle without power steering is nearly impossible. I'm a strong guy and it was pretty tough for me. This issue happened completely out of the blue without any warning whatsoever. When it happened, the ESC light came on as well as saying something about power steering. I turned the car off and then back on and noticed that the ESC light and power steering message were now gone and the car drive as it should. But it decides to go out randomly at any given time while driving and that is...
#11434246 |
Electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control
#11432061 |
Occassionally and unpredictably, the service ESC, power steering, traction control and anti theft light come on and the car goes on limp mode, unable to shift past first gear. Also power locks do not work (all four doors) and tire pressure sensor is on and service tire sensor pressure light is on all the time. Took car to an independant mechanic who stated that when using his diagnostic tool, no code or fault indicated for ESC, power steering, traction control or anti theft device. It should be noted that these reset themselves when car is turned off and then go back on unpredictably, once you start driving the car. This mechanic then tried fixing the powerlocks, and stated that after replacing two of the powerlocks, he realized that they still did not work. This mechanic contacted GM and was told that the issue with the powerlocks came from the the...
#11431313 |
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake lights, service traction, and ESC warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. While driving the brake pedal was depressed however, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pedal switch and calibration needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake pedal switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was 98,514.
#11413851 |
THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN WHILE IDLING. IT GETS HARD TO STEER WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON. THE LIGHT ABOVE OUR HEADS DON'T WORK. THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE WE'RE DRIVING WHEN I'M NOT PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. THE TIRE PRESSURE DON'T WORK TO LET US KNOW HOW MUCH AIR IS IN THE TIRE AND THE TIRE CAUTION LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE FRONT FENDER ON THE BOTTOM IS BROKE. WE JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE LAST MONTH

Other 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU Problem Areas

Steering 759 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 255 complaints Exterior Lighting 154 complaints Service Brakes 142 complaints Power Train 103 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 71 complaints Engine 61 complaints Air Bags 60 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 54 complaints Unknown Or Other 53 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 29 complaints Seats 29 complaints Structurebody 22 complaints Traction Control System 22 complaints Wheels 19 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 17 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 13 complaints Visibilitywiper 12 complaints Suspension 9 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 7 complaints Seat Belts 7 complaints Structurebodydoor 7 complaints Visibility 6 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 5 complaints Tires 5 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 4 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 4 complaints Electrical Systemignitionswitch 3 complaints Structure 3 complaints Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 3 complaints Electrical Systemignition 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 2 complaints Equipment 2 complaints Equipment Adaptivemobility 2 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 2 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signal 2 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 2 complaints Suspensionfront 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 2 complaints Wheelsrim 2 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Electrical Systemseat Heaterwiring Harness 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 1 complaint Power Trainclutch Assembly 1 complaint Seatsmidrear Assembly 1 complaint Service Brakes Electric 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages 1 complaint Steeringcolumn 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Suspensionrear 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle 1 complaint Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint
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