Two problems related to brake master cylinder have been reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2009 Malibu.
On 28 February 2020, my 2009 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a total loss of hydraulic braking as a result of a loss of hydraulic brake pressure due to corrosion-induced failure of both the primary and secondary hydraulic brake pipes that supply brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake pressure modulation valve (bpmv), which would not have occurred but for a defect in the design of the primary and secondary hydraulic brake pipes. Both hydraulic brake pipes failed within an hour of one another after traveling about 50 miles, fortunately without resulting in an accident. Each of the primary and secondary hydraulic brake pipes had failed due to severe corrosion. These pipes were not nylon coated as were the remaining brake lines in the vehice, and each extended downwards about 8 inches from the master cylinder, to a corresponding elbow defining a corresponding low point, from which each line extended upwards � via a flexible link portion � to the bpmv. The elbows � being located about 8 inches below the master cylinder � are in proximity to the bottom of the vehicle body, and are therefore exposed to road splash, include salt spray during winter months. With the elbows defining low points of the associated hydraulic brake pipes, any water or salt-water sprayed onto those pipes will gravitate, and then cling, to those elbows until being evaporated therefrom, leading to corrosion thereof at a substantially accelerated rate relative to what would occur if the hydraulic brake pipes did not extend below � or at least so far below � the master cylinder; or if at least the elbows had been otherwise coated with nylon as are all the remaining steel hydraulic brake lines from the bpmv to the wheel cylinders.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph he tried to activate the abs but the vehicle did not stop and proceeded through a traffic light. He took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that he needed a new master cylinder for the braking system. The vehicle was repaired under the warranty for that failure. He spoke with the manufacturer and was offered two years of maintenance service which the contact declined. He asked the dealer for a related service bulletin but was denied the bulletin. The current mileage was 11,829. The failure mileage was 3,481.