Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has several reported issues, particularly with steering and electrical systems, as indicated by numerous complaints and several recalls. While there's substantial data, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas. Other areas have received fewer complaints, suggesting minor concerns. It's crucial to verify operational integrity, especially related to steering, during an inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,511 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14E044000 Steering Shaft Inadequate Support of U-Joint NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V252000 Brake Lights may or may not Randomly Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V153000 Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V460000 The Transmission Shift Cable May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V073000 SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR/FMVSS 102 & FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V634000 FMVSS 103/HVAC SYSTEM INOPERATIVE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 769 complaints
- Electrical System 368 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 255 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 172 complaints
- Service Brakes 142 complaints
- Power Train 121 complaints
Of the 1,511 complaints on file, 41 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 1,511 complaints, owners report 44 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of power assist
How to check: Inspect steering for responsiveness and undue resistance.
Wiring faults
How to check: Check for electrical malfunctions and inspect wiring.
Gear position indication fault
How to check: Verify smooth gear shifts; inspect cable ends.
Defroster malfunction
How to check: Test HVAC system for full functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for difficult starts and electrical issues.
Red flag: Starter hesitates or fails.
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Ensure responsive steering without excessive effort.
Red flag: Steering is stiff or unresponsive.
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Steering should be smooth without resistance.
Red flag: Jerky or hard-to-turn steering.
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Slippage or delays in gear shifting.
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Notice any electrical drop-outs or warnings.
Red flag: Dashboard lights flicker or dim.
- 06
Stopping
What to check: Ensure brakes apply smoothly and fully.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or make noise.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the steering issues been addressed?
- Has the transmission recall been fixed?
- Any recent electrical problems?
- Are there any HVAC system issues?
- Service history, especially on recalls?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Title and registration
- Vehicle maintenance log
- Warranty documents, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Chevrolet Malibu? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.