general problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

83 problems related to power train 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.

36 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2017

Lost the 35r gears in my 6t45 transmission just as the 6t70 & 6t75 transmission which are under TSB 14404 but as gm noted it's only for the v6 engines (high output) and not the 2. 4l engines. Same issue but not covered. I only have 107,000 miles on the car, engine runs great, body is in great shape just have a bad transmission. Looking to get a TSB to cover the 6t40 & 6t45 transmissions. Dealership even tried to contact gm about this with negative results.

37 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2017

Driving the Malibu down the country road and some code flashed on the dash and then said power reduction and now its making a weird noise and car only drives slow, if this happens on a highway their will be a crash as when the power reduction kicked on it turned off traction control and power steering making it hard to move the steering wheel thank goodness I was in the country with little traffic.

38 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/22/2017

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 12v460000 (power train). When the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into drive, the display on the instrument cluster indicated that the vehicle was in drive; however, the vehicle remained in neutral. The failure recurred various times, in various gears, and while driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to copeland Chevrolet (955 pearl st, brockton, MA 02301) where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and failed to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

39 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2017

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While idling at a stop, the vehicle lost power without warning. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and it returned to normal. The contact was able to drive home and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and received case number: 8-2921520333. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

40 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/07/2017

I recently bought this car at a buy here pay here and after one say the power steering went completely out on the vehicle. I researched and found a recall on the power steering unity but dealership said it was expired?.

41 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2017

Failed NJ dmv inspection, engine icon,po714,715 emissions codes. Corrected and icon went off. 5 days later, while stopped at light, transmission lost forward, 2 days later, lost reverse. Codes po716 came up. Car is a California pvec covered for a long list of failed parts, 53,000 miles, 8 yrs old, covered I thought for 15 yrs/150,000 for trans failure due to exactly this history. Dealer new trans $4000, denied it was due to covered parts. Removed and examined trans, showed metal, "from wave plate likely". Therefore not covered, per dealer. Service mgr said has seen failures in lower mileage than this. I am asked to pay for break down of trans to diagnose uncovered repair, admittedly a 2-3 hour job. Decided to not repair, sell for salvage. Lease another car from dealer hoping for a better outcome down the line.

42 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2017

I have had the same issue as others (see complaint ids below for reference). Mine started at at 104,740 miles - very similar to ever other person. The dealer says they too believe exactly what I describe below fits the problem with the transmission clutch wave plate service bulletin (which I hope will be covered but do not think it will based on what I see on my gm owner center account and my VIN number�hope I'm wrong, I take it into the dealer in the morning again!) when I accelerated from a stop around third gear the vehicle's rpms slammed up to around 7k and then around fifth gear (I think around 55 mph) it slipped again, when I went to slow down it hung on the way down. Then, when I pulled into the left turn lane the car went into "limp" mode (think michigan uturn). I then thought to myself, I should try shutting it off when the cars in front of me stops because I don't want more issues with the transmission. So, I did and that's when it wouldn't shift again into drive nor go into reverse (wasn't expecting that). When I was in the left hand turn lane it caused traffic to backup onto the highway (55mph), not only putting myself in danger but every person behind me that attempted to pass me (I was on my way to church�and so were 2,500 other attendees). Thankfully a police officer came until the wrecker arrived (1 hour later)�but until the officer arrived (took about 20 min. )�folks were making some very �gutsy� moves to get around me. Reference complaint NHTSA id number: 10909571, 10806366, 10749558, 10712799, 10824378, 10611131, 10267834, 10290424, 10617224, 10654655, 10837023, 10726704, 10852752 reference service bulletin: https://www-odi. Nhtsa. Dot. Gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/ucm507769/sb-10057961-2162. Pdf.

43 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2017

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 45 mph, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The steering wheel began to severely vibrate, which made it difficult to control the vehicle. The dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

44 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the gear automatically changed and the engine stalled. The electronic stability control, service traction, and check engine indicators illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, restarted the engine, and the vehicle returned to normal. The contact also stated that the door locks automatically locked and unlocked while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

45 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2016

Vehicle shut off while I was driving on city street to pick up my daughter from school, and has not started since. No traction, service esc and power loss messages appeared on the dash display. The dealer was unable to communicate with the onboard computers.

46 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/22/2016

The wave plate had fractured at 114,000 miles according to the repair shop and my transmission needs to be completely replaced. The vehicle will not go over 30mph and will not go in reverse. I cannot afford a repair of this magnitude and everyone I have talked with said this should not have happened with this many miles. I have had this car for less than 3 years. I see there are many complaints. How do I find out if my car is covered for the 10yr/120k warranty?.

47 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2016

I put my car in reverse it backed out of my driveway fine but as I shifted gear from reverse to drive my engine would rev but I wouldn't go anywhere and as I took my foot off the gas it would roll back even after I put it in park it would act like it wanted to roll back. Also the window locks wouldn't open if the car was in park and key out of ignition. . . . .

48 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2016

2009my Malibu, timing chain broken. Other issues including valves, both front outer tie rods, alignment, a/c compressor, both sway bar links, right front axle seal, and rea brake pads.

49 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2016

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at various highway speeds and braking, the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 mph. The contact stated that the acceleration would be delayed and the vehicle would jerk prior to accelerating from a completed stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wave plate had fractured and the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

50 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2016

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the check engine, traction control off, and stability control off warning lights illuminated. While the vehicle was parked on a hill, it independently rolled backwards without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The contact stated that the passenger side headlight failed to operate intermittently. The contact mentioned that the bulb was replaced multiple times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 09v073000 (power train) and 12v460000 (power train). The failure mileage was 95,000.

51 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2016

Hard shift developing between 4th & 5th gear as well as reverse beginning to slip. There is a 10 year/120,000 mile campaign issued by gm concerning the 6t45 as well as the 6t70 / 75 transmissions concerning defective 3-5-r wave plates, but does not include the 6t40 transmission which my vehicle has. The defective internal parts in question are shared between the 6t40 as well as the 6t45 so I dont understand how my model transmission is not included in this campaign to solve this known issue.

52 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to slow down independently and came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a wave plate within the vehicles transmission had disintegrate resulting in the failure of the transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,500. Wh.

53 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2015

October 23, 2015, my wife was driving the 2009 Malibu to work when, all of a sudden, the transmission would not shift. She was able to get to the side of the road and stopped. She tried to go forward and the car stayed in first gear. She stopped tried to back up and it would not go. She called me and, I was able to get the car home slowly in first gear. We knew the warranty was done as of the 5 years but only had 65,000 miles on it. So, after reading on line about dealerships using used parts to fix the transmission, we chose atlas transmission to do the work. We were told the wave plate broke basically taking out the trans and needed a new trans. $2808 later we had the car fixed. I contacted Chevrolet anf gm about this since I read the coverage on the 6 speed automatic was extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I was told my car was not in that recall and they couldnt do anything to help me since it was a government mandated coverage because it was a safety issue. Really?-- my wife breaking down in traffic on the highway was not a safety issue? --really?-- I am very dissappointed in Chevrolet and general motors. I have driven their cars for 40 years! --a known problem with the wave plate, a transmission replaced at 65,000 miles because of the known problem. $2808 cash out of my pocket because of a known problem and they cant do anything for me ? I think that sucks! I was offered a gift card for the service department or to buy accessories for my car as compensation for the problem. --really?--- wow, I thought gm would step up to the plate on this one, especially because they were covering other transmissions with the same problem. --well, they definately lost me as a future customer. I traded it in om a new Ford escape for my wife. A much better choice as I see it. Im sure they will take better care of their customers,---as they did in the past.

54 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2015

While driving the car at 55 mph it started jumping/skipping while I was driving on a 3 lane highway and then it just died. I couldn't get it in reverse and it wouldn't shift at all. The electrical information on the dash went out as well. I had to arrange a tow. I'm being told it needs a new transmission and there is electrical failure as well. The car has 86,000 miles on it and has been serviced routinely. How does a transmission go from working to dead in seconds?.

55 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2015

One October 5, 2015 owner was driving at or around 35mph when the vehicles, esc, check engine light, and brake dashboard icons came on. Then car then lost engine power, and would not accelerate. Owner then cruised the car to the side of the road, where turned the key to the off position and then tried to restart it. Owner tried turning the key to restart the vehicle multiple times over the course of 15 minutes and the vehicle would not start. Finally, the vehicle restarted and the owner was able to drive off the freeway and contacted the gm customer service number to report the incident.

56 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2015

My car stopped being able to shift. I pulled over and lost the ability to reverse as well. The mechanic confirmed it was my transmission, and recommended I take it to the dealership b/c chevy consistently has problems with transmissions and there was a "special coverage adjustment". My particular VIN did not qualify to be repaired by chevy/gm although it was the exact same issues that the "special coverage" paperwork described. Do not buy a chevy or gm vehicle. They refuse to own up to any issues with their parts. Their poor quality standards don't stop at the assembly line, they go right on through to customer service as well.

57 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2015

Timing chain broke in 2015 totaling the motor of the car- had to have motor replaced cost thousands of dollars. Car stalled when putting it into park in a parking spot and would start after that- no previous issues.

58 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/19/2015

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shift failed to switch into the park position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable kit and bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The failure mileage was 130,000.

59 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the vehicle went out of gear, stalled and with the emergency breaks, the contact was able to pull to the side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shift cable was broken. The cable was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123, 000. Fe.

60 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2015

Door locks and windows stopped working in suspect due to some electrical problems. And when I'm on the gas it won't pick up any speed and I think that's due to the cam shaft. And I know im not the only one having the same problems with the same car. It's really becoming a problem.

61 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2015

When driving the power steering went out. This has happened 4 times in the past year.

62 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2015

Vehicle suddenly starting jerking while driving on main road barely made it home unable to put car in reverse had car towed to dealer wave plate disintegrated and had to have transmission rebuilt. General motors has issued a special service coverage for certain vehicles with this problem mine is not included and being that this is a known problem they really should include all vehicles affected by this known issue.

63 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2015

While driving on city street going maybe 35 mph my 3year old who was strapped into his car seat in the backseat began to choke. I immediately pulled over and got out to go to his aid but I couldn't unlock the back door. I panicked and had to try to climb through the small space from the front seat to the back but could not quickly get my choking child out of the car. Later that day I checked the door locks after calming down and I am not able to lock or unlock the doors. I noticed clicking noises but never paid any attention to it as it was not a concern until I could not free my chocking child from the back seat. I just purchased the car used last month. After review the locks on this car is a know'n common problem that is a safety concern . My helpless child was locked in.

64 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2015

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While the cruise control was activated, it randomly deactivated. Also, when the brake pedal was depressed, the center brake light would not illuminate and the rear brake lights illuminated very dimly. The contact also indicated that the transmission was replaced due to failures that prevented the vehicle from accelerating normally. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

65 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2015

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to switch into the park position and the parking indicator would not illuminate. The vehicle failed to start. The issue occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 12v460000 (power train) and service bulletin number: 12106, but the VIN was excluded. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 70,000.

66 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2014

I could not shift car into park. I could not turn the key to off. Car was stuck in drive. Had to call a towing service to pick up. The nearest auto shop had to put in park, and fix the shift cable. We were out of 165. 00 dollars, plus rental fees cost of 85. 00 dollars. They kept our car for five days.

67 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2014

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle was put into park and turned off, the vehicle would continue to roll and failed to restart. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in recall NHTSA campaign number: 12v460000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

68 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2014

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate on several occasions while driving at various speeds. In addition, the contact stated that the power steering, the door locks, windows and rear tail gate failed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000. Djr.

69 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/28/2014

I was trying to excelerate to go onto the high way and my car would not go, there was a truck behind be and he just missed me and my family. Took the car to rodgers Chevrolet and they said that the transmission needed to be replaced. I remember complaining about my car not wanting to excelerate before I think it was to gordon Chevrolet. I had to dish out $2,500 that I did not have, I also had to replace my tie rod, I think gm should have stood by their product and replaced this under warranty. This is my second complaint with you about this vehicle, I have had my front end worked on by gordon Chevrolet countless times.

70 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/28/2014

I had pulled into a parking lot and was waiting for customer to close their car door when my car would not move. The car was in drive and it felt like it was out if gear. It grabbed and I was able to pull in. When I was ready to leave the store I had gotten onto the highway and around 25mph the car did not want to shift into 2nd gear, I was also having trouble going into reverse. I decided to take my car home and I was unsure what was wrong with it. I took it to the dealership the next day where they ran a test on it. I was told the wave plate was broke in my transmission. Wow an 2009 with transmission problems. I was told the wave plate that was used for the Malibu's were bad. They really should have a recall for the Malibu's that are having transmission problems due to poor design using that style of wave plate.



Safety Ratings of Malibu Cars
Fuel Economy of Malibu Vehicles
Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations