2009 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
121 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 8% of all complaints for this year and the 6th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 60,000–118,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
121 complaints 8% of all 2009 complaints 88,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (98 of 121). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by Malibu year
Related recalls
Gear position indication (PRNDL)
On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate. If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Recall 12V460000 · Sep 2012Column shift
These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and fmvss 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park". The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge.
Recall 09V073000 · Mar 2009Get an email when your 2009 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
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Other 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Common questions
What are common 2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, gear position indication (PRNDL) and column shift.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 60,000–118,000 miles. The middle value is about 88,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems?
Yes: 12V460000, 09V073000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Malibu year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2018 Malibu, with 171 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.