Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu has significant concerns with steering and electrical components, with 6 recalls and 977 owner complaints. Steering issues are notably predominant. Prospective buyers should pay attention to these, but otherwise, evidence of widespread issues is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 977 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V064000 Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E044000 Steering Shaft Inadequate Support of U-Joint NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V252000 Brake Lights may or may not Randomly Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V224000 Transmission Shift Cable may Fracture/Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11E009000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 667 complaints
- Electrical System 113 complaints
- Air Bags 75 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 47 complaints
- Power Train 47 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 36 complaints
Of the 977 complaints on file, 37 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 977 complaints, owners report 34 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of power steering assist
How to check: Turn the steering wheel while stationary and note any excessive effort required.
Wiring issues potentially affecting systems
How to check: Inspect wiring visibly accessible for wear and tear, especially under the hood.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Monitor for any hesitation or rough idling.
Red flag: Engine struggles to start.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud or unusual engine noises.
- 03
Steering assessment
What to check: Turn wheel fully in both directions, assessing ease.
Red flag: Steering feels heavy or inconsistent.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and transmission shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifting.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Brake firmly and check for any abnormal vibration.
Red flag: Pulsating or grinding brakes.
- 06
In-motion electrical check
What to check: Operate all electrical systems, like windows and lights.
Red flag: Any non-functional electrical component.
- 07
Parking ease
What to check: Steering response during parking maneuvers.
Red flag: Steering binds or feels difficult.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the power steering been serviced or repaired?
- Have there been any electrical system issues?
- Has the fuel pump been replaced or serviced?
- Have there been any recalls performed on this vehicle?
- Is there a history of transmission problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Repair and service records
- Recall completion paperwork
- Accident history report
- Ownership history
- Warranty documentation (if applicable)
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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