Model year record

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx recalls & problems

The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx has 3 safety recalls and 44 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (18 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints44filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringFeb 4, 2015

Electric power assist system

Recall 15V06400069,633 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

Electronic stability control (esc)May 14, 2014

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 14V2520002,440,524 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch; Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Electrical system › Wiring

Power trainApr 30, 2014

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 14V2240001,131,113 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ÂPARKÂ position, the transmission may not be in ÂPARK.Â If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Components: Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift; Power train › Automatic transmission

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 5-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Malibu Maxx

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Malibu Maxx

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	18	1	74,420 mi
Steering	10	0	64,000 mi
Electrical systemPropulsion system › Traction battery	8	1	104,654 mi
Seats	7	0	90,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	0	86,624 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump	2	0	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—
Power train	1	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	0	—
Engine	1	0	—
Seat belts	1	0	—
Service brakes	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the theft alert warning light flashed on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 120,947.
Feb 25, 2022 · 120,947 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,309.
Jan 1, 2018 · 113,309 miles
Air bags
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. UNABLE TO PASS SAFETY INSPECTION. WENT TO DEALERERSHIP AND THEY STATED I NEEDED A PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE AND THE PRICE ON THE PART IS $1348.16. MY CAR HAS 216,000 MILES ON IT. STILL RUNS WELL AND HAS BEEN PAID OFF FOR YEARS.
Jun 8, 2017
Exterior lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 8/10/2015 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE WIRES NEEDED TO BE CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,248. UPDATED 04/12/17 LJ *CN
Feb 16, 2017 · 91,248 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Nov 1, 2014 · 119,000 miles
Air bags
SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST COUPLE YEARS, A "SERVICE AIRBAG" MESSAGE HAS APPEARED ON DASH SCREEN AND AIRBAG TROUBLE LIGHT IS LIT INTERMITTENTLY. BY THE TIME I HAVE GOTTEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THOSE TROUBLE INDICATORS ARE NO LONGER ACTIVATED. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED SINCE THERE IS NO ACTIVE TROUBLE CODE, NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE HOT SUMMER SUN ALL DAY, BUT IT HAS OCCURRED UNDER OTHER CONDITIONS AS WELL. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND WHILE IT HAS BEEN IN MOTION. HOPEFULLY, I'LL NEVER GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS CAR AND FIND OUT THE AIRBAGS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY!
Aug 2, 2016 · 159,330 miles
Air bags
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON.... THEN WENT OFF. WENT TO DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO CODE TO DETECT PROBLEM. UNSURE IF ANY OF THE 8 AIR BAGS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. ON LINE I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MALIBU MAXX. UNSURE WHAT TO DO. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHERE IT COMES ON, STAYS ON, THEN DISAPPEARS. HOW WILL WE KNOW IF AIR BAGS WORK PROPERLY. TERRIFIED TO HAVE A ACCIDENT TO FIND OUT THEY DID NOT PERFORM. ALTHOUGH NO DEATHS MAY HAVE HAPPENED YET WITH THE MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE FOUND, I WONDER WHAT CAN WE DO?? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST TO DISCOVER THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE
Sep 15, 2015 · 67,000 miles
Seats
THE SEAT WARMER CAUSED THE CAR SEAT TO CATCH A FIRE. I WAS CRYING, SHAKING, AND JUST ALL AROUND NERVOUS. I HAD TO GATHER MYSELF TOGETHER TO EVEN THINK OF WHAT TO DO. THIS HAPPENED IN LIKE 3 MINUTES. AT 6:05AM I HAD WENT OUT TO CRANK THE CAR WHICH WAS PARKED TO WARM UP. I PRESSED THE SEAT WARMER WENT BACK IN THE HOUSE BECAUSE I HAD LEFT A CASE OF WATER ON THE BACK PASSENGER FLOOR. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT TO THE CARE THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. NOTHING OF COURSE IS OPEN AT THAT TIME IN THE MORNING AND THANKFULLY I DIDN'T STAY INSIDE THE HOUSE LONGER THAN THE LITTLE TIME WHICH I DID. AT AROUND 8:30AM I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET TO REPORT THIS. THEY OPENED A CLAIM REQUESTED PICTURES OF THE…
Feb 5, 2016 · 152,980 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.