2008 Chevrolet Malibu Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has to reach across five engines in a single four-door sedan body: a 2.4L twin-cam inline-four of 145 cubic inches, a 3.6L twin-cam V6 of 217, a full hybrid version of that 2.4L four, the 2.2L inline-four of 134 and the 3.5L pushrod V6 of 213, all naturally aspirated on gasoline. Six trims are covered, including two Classic designations and the Hybrid, each with its own equipment to diagnose.

Engines covered

• 2.4L inline-four (145 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 3.6L V6 (217 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.4L inline-four full hybrid (145 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.2L inline-four (134 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 3.5L V6 (213 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan

Trims covered

• Classic LS
• Classic LT
• Hybrid
• LS
• LT
• LTZ

Known issues on the 2008 Malibu. Five recalls apply to this model year. Electric power steering assist can disappear without warning, making the car heavy to steer at parking speeds. Two involve the transmission shift cable: one where the cable fractures and one where the tabs at the cable end break away, in both cases letting the lever read a gear other than the one engaged. A replacement steering shaft with an unsupported u-joint bearing can separate entirely. Owners have filed 1,015 complaints, 467 on steering, 168 on the electrical system and 70 on the power train.