Two problems related to transmission slip out of gear 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.
Stopped behind another vehicle, when I started moving again there was a severe shudder or vibration. Then my car did not want to start moving again. Once it did start moving it would not shift out of first gear.
Ongoing issue that dealership cannot diagnose or repair -- transmission will slip out of gear, resulting in a loss of power; car behaves as if it is in neutral. If pressure is removed from accelerator, transmission will re-engage. Since incident is intermittent and unpredictable, dealer has not been able to replicate. I have asked them multiple times if other 2009 Malibu have the same problem and have been told no. Given recent events I am skeptical now of that answer. Because power to the vehicle is lost, this can be very dangerous and I would like to know if other gms with the six-speed transmission (new on the 2009 model, I believe) are experiencing this problem.