2009 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,507 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2009 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,507 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,507
- Crash-related complaints
- 41
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and ESC components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and ESC components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu are heavily concentrated in steering defects, with over half of all reports citing this component. Electrical faults and electronic stability control issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, though the low confidence level warrants caution.
- Steering defects account for the majority of complaints, with 767 reports.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue, with 368 complaints.
- Electronic stability control problems are noted in 255 complaints.
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
All 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 767 | 13 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 368 | 5 | 5 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 255 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 172 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 152 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 121 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 73 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 70 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 61 | 23 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 56 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 53 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 31 | 5 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 30 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
POWER STEERING WENT OUT
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the traction and power steering assist motor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken …
I was cruise control 80mph and my.power steering went out. Esc power steering warning on dash. Car is incredibly hard to steer. When I turn car off and back on it might go away for a few minutes but then come.back randomly in a scary scenarios. Thing is a death trap.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact noticed a vibrating and clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The “Service ESC” …
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 120,000 however, the contact researched and discovered in a Carfax Repo…
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The failure reoccurred e…
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. …
Power steering has failed. There are numerous complaints for these model and year cars. There has also been recalls for certain VIN numbers but not all. Very unsafe!
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…
Power steering went out and Esc warning came on the dash . This has happened multiple times mostly while sitting at idle. Turned off car and restarted and it was corrected. This is becoming more frequent.
The power steering fails and SERVICE ESC is displayed on the dash. This has been happening intermittently on my daughter’s car and she struggles to control the vehicle when it loses power steering. A quick internet search revealed is a known issue and is extremely dangerous. Plea…
power steering will shut off when moving at slow speeds or when stopped with car running such as at a stop light. warning lights will flash. Saw that there was a recall in 2014 for the same issue and was never informed. when checking recall alerts, i don't see my VIN however i a…
The power steering went out while driving and is available for inspection right now. The car has 145k miles. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and reproduced but has not been inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance. There were no indicators on das…
2009 chevy malibu i lost of Electric Power Steering it happened to me twice both when i was driving one was in the freeway the bad thing my car or vin wasn't included in the recall the dealer said its not included in the affected cars unfortunately it deed my vehicle has 40k mile…
My 2009 chevy malibu is 40k miles only! The Electronic Power Steering failed almost causing me into an accident they had a recall on this but unfortunately the dealer said my car was not on the list. I went to the dealer and had it diagnose for $240 i paid out of pocket a day lat…
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. T…
Experiencing power steering issues, Power steering goes off randomly and airbag light has come on and won’t go off.
While driving the car, the power steering suddenly goes out and a message displays saying something like "service ESC Power Steering". It seems completely random. Some days, power steering works all day and other days it is completely intermittent. There is a recall for this exac…
The steering recently failed in my 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN # [XXX] ) and I feel that my car should have been included in the October 2014 safety recall related to the Torque Sensor. I called General Motors/Chevrolet on [XXX] and they told me that my car would not be covered. H…
The power steering in my 2009 Chevy Malibu went out on . The car is available for inspection upon request. This is very unsafe because I am unable to turn the car quickly, if needed. This is a safety risk to not only me, but other drivers on the road. I took the car to Tire Ram…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,507 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Steering Defects (767 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (368 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (255 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 41 crash-related reports and 9 fire reports out of 1,507 total complaints. 43 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.