Hi, All

This a poll about an issue that seems to exist in 08-09 Chevy Malibus.
The problem is prominent and annoying vibration/shudder on light acceleration in 40-50 mph range of speed. It also may be accompanied with a rumbling engine tone.

Here is a long running thread with all the details available at this point: http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=906

GM has not acknowledged the problem yet. Typically people get a technician or service adviser to acknowledge the unusual vibration to the point of contacting the GM rep on the phone, but unfortunately it ends right there with "it's normal" type of response.

I am posting this poll the second time because the we decided to change the poll options to provide more info. So, if you already voted in the old poll PLEASE VOTE AGAIN. Please do that as a personal favor to those of us who have been stuck with a brand new car with a problem and no resolution in sight.

If you can, please also supply details about your vehicle such as trim level, plant it was build on (Fairfax or Orion), build date and the current mileage.

Thank you very much to all!

PS If case you own 2 cars and one of them has the problem, please vote for that car.

Mine does not shake. I only get a slight occasional vibe that is consistent with the overall feel of this drivetrain. It's hard to distinguish it from the bumps road surface, I would never pay attention if I didn't know about the problem others have.
I have over 5000 miles on the odometer.

See poll results/signature for vehicle details.

No vibrations recognised.

1) 2009 2LT 3.6L/6-speed, Orion 08/08 build, 2,900 miles (Voted)
-Has a physical shudder that reverberates through the car from the driveline often, mostly from 40-50mph while accelerating and most notable under light-moderate acceleration. Sometimes it continues a bit more and is met with a growlier than normal engine note and/or bogged down power. The "rumble strip" sensation, to varied degrees, describes it well.
-When cruising normally at speed, when the throttle is lifted off to allow deceleration, the downshifts are accompanied by a shudder/jiggle that can go from light (apparently is a normal characteristic of the tuning) to obnoxious, making it feel like the car is sputtering but it's still over 1000rpm and running "smoothly" otherwise.
-The growling shudder can go from light to obnoxious to oddly gone, in a variety of mixtures.
-Dealer drove, duplicated and agreed on the shudder but, like others, called GM TAC for information on what to do & were told it's normal and to test another car. They did and apparently it was similar, at least compared to whatever "version" mine was throwing off and nothing was done.

2) 2008 2LT 2.4L/4-spd, Fairfax 12/07 build, 11,800 miles
-Runs smooth, shifts smoothly, rides and handles steady and perfectly, driven lightly or hard, without any notable flutter, vibration, or shudder.

EDIT: Apparently, upon mentioning the issue to my father finally, he said "yeah, your mom's has been doing something like that too, at least that I've really been noticing more and more." This is the 2.4L/4-spd car, now a hair under 12k miles. I noticed what he mentioned, certainly not like my car at times, but a momentary drivetrain shudder mainly if you slow or coast lightly in the 40's and/or then step on it once again--feels like TCC confusion, or in the midst. My mother has yet to mention it, and it's her car, but my father has. Otherwise, still solid, steady, and clicks off shifts without notice.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ "Spring Special" (4 cyl./6-speed)

Built during 6/2008 @ Fairfax. Currently, car has 3000 + miles with no sign of any improvement with the vibration.

The car:

A) Vibration generally occurs around 37 MPH when the car shifts into 5th gear under lite acceleration. It clears a little, then vibrates again when the car shifts into 6th gear - can be noticed up to 60 to 70 MPH then it clears up.

B) The vibration is felt in the front floor pans under the driver's and passenger's feet. In addition, the vibration can be felt in the accelerator pedal.

C) There are times, depending on the speed, that the vibration/wobble can be felt in 4th gear under medium acceleration.

D) The vibration/wobble/shake can also be felt a little in 1st, 2nd and 3rd under certain loads and different conditions.

Basically, the car is annoying to drive and I don't care to drive it anymore. The only relaxing time is when I'm driving 70 MPH + on the highway.

2008 LTZ V6 with 15,000 miles. No vibrations

Great to see votes rolling in, thank you all !

Let's keep the poll going.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ "Spring Special" (4 cyl./6-speed)

Built during 6/2008 @ Fairfax. Currently, car has 3000 + miles with no sign of any improvement with the vibration.

The car:

A) Vibration generally occurs around 37 MPH when the car shifts into 5th gear under lite acceleration. It clears a little, then vibrates again when the car shifts into 6th gear - can be noticed up to 60 to 70 MPH then it clears up.

B) The vibration is felt in the front floor pans under the driver's and passenger's feet. In addition, the vibration can be felt in the accelerator pedal.

C) There are times, depending on the speed, that the vibration/wobble can be felt in 4th gear under medium acceleration.

D) The vibration/wobble/shake can also be felt a little in 1st, 2nd and 3rd under certain loads and different conditions.

Basically, the car is annoying to drive and I don't care to drive it anymore. The only relaxing time is when I'm driving 70 MPH + on the highway.

My experience is identical to what is described above, however I'd add that in my case, I also feel the vibration in the base of the seat. I have also had instances where I feel no vibration/shudder no matter what speed/gear.

I agree that it is very annoying!!

No vibration from mine. It's got 8400 Km on it at this point.

Mine shakes slighty at about 60mph when the engine is not fully warmed up. Then it goes away. 2.4 with 4spd.
Escapemax

I was just at my dealer yesterday trying to negotiate a transaction for a Traverse for my wife to replace her Equinox and mentioned my vibration issue. My salesman said that the owner has a 2LT 6 Speed with the same issue that he calls a "rumble" in the seat...

Maybe it would also help to add a second piece to the poll. For those with issues what year and plant their vehicles are. Maybe that allows the issolation of a certain build time frame.:confused:

Maybe it would also help to add a second piece to the poll. For those with issues what year and plant their vehicles are. Maybe that allows the isolation of a certain build time frame.:confused:

It's already quite complex, that's why we ask for this information in your post description, if you care to add one. Given that people with a problem are doing so, we're getting such info in this way.

Wow the votes rolled in overnight :) Thank you for voting.

Ihave 2 malibu's and they both do not shake one is a 08 v6 six speed and the other is 4 banger witrh 4 speed.

Wow the votes rolled in overnight :) Thank you for voting.

Yes, with the mass email thanks to Pizza Man, the numbers should be picking up nicely soon.

2008 LTZ built at Orion on 2-25-2008 v6 6 speed with 8600mi. No vibrations

08 LTZ V6, never noticed shaking. Bought in April of 08, 8500 miles on odometer.

It's interesting that there are some 4 speed cars with the shaking problem. Can owners of those elaborate perhaps? Is it consistent with the description of of the problem? I.e. pronounced shaking on light acceleration in 40-50 mph range?

Hey guys, I have the 4 cyl 4 speed and have not noticed any vibrations, but before I vote, I will try and see if I notice anything in the 40-50mph range.

I have 25k miles on my 2008 LTZ V6 6 speed. I do notice a slight vibration from time to time. It changes when I have the tires balanced and rotated so I believe it is a tire issue. I wouldn't say it was anythiing significant for me. I do notice it at 60-80 range more so than the 115 range. It's pretty smooth and quite at the higher speeds. But then again I would say I am extremely sensitive to car vibrations. I can tell if there is a rock in the tire.

2008 Malibu Hybrid 16,015 Miles....No Vibration

Yuri,

09 2lt v6

The problem started out as a vibration around 50 mph. Now, after 1600 miles, the car will shake when there is an automatic downshift. To duplicate the issue on my car, drive to 50 mph, coast and let it downshift.

Yuri,

09 2lt v6

The problem started out as a vibration around 50 mph. Now, after 1600 miles, the car will shake when there is an automatic downshift. To duplicate the issue on my car, drive to 50 mph, coast and let it downshift.

I've always commented on that too, the shuddering as it downshifts coasting especially in the 50-40 range again. This, in some form, I was told, from one side, is a designed in programming thing but given how the same downshifts are barely noticeable sometimes and then obnoxious with strange RPM jumps and dives at other times--same driving conditions--like the acceleration shudder, it's strange.

Well, that, and it's an odd enough action that if others noted it, we'd be discussing it more too. So, good notation of this here, in your car too;)

None with a v6 and 6 spd,,, and I m picky too , so I would notice.

I have the 4spd 4cyl, 2008. I have noticed no vibrations, though something that has concerned me is that at higher speeds (35mph +) whenever I engage the throttle more than just a light push, it feels like it "catches" (my own word) something in the transmission or engine. There is an unusual jerk involved, but it was almost unnoticeable to me since I drove a 5spd ECHO and this would be my first automatic. I was told by my father that this is not normal and I brought it up to a technician at my dealer. They told me it was the lean/rich mixture causing a jerk in the lines.

I am no mechanic - but that does not add up to me.

I have the 4spd 4cyl, 2008. I have noticed no vibrations, though something that has concerned me is that at higher speeds (35mph +) whenever I engage the throttle more than just a light push, it feels like it "catches" (my own word) something in the transmission or engine. There is an unusual jerk involved, but it was almost unnoticeable to me since I drove a 5spd ECHO and this would be my first automatic. I was told by my father that this is not normal and I brought it up to a technician at my dealer. They told me it was the lean/rich mixture causing a jerk in the lines.

I am no mechanic - but that does not add up to me.

I get the jerk sometimes...I think on low speeds. It does feel normal for an auto.
At any rate, it's something we can discuss in a different topic if you wish....

08, V6-6spd, REd Jewel paint/ cashmere ultralux interior, 2LT, fairfax (KS)
bought 3/31/08. so far...so good...no problems.

2009 LTZ 4 cyl. 6 speed trans. 2900 kms.,
No vibration.

Oh, good i thought it was just my car that did that shaking. When ever i lightly accelerate it feels like its struggling to drive. I have a LS trim. Its kinda jerks a little. People have told me that something is wrong with my car, but i told them that is normal. And they look at me like "wtf?" o.O

I even had the car checked and the guy used the computer thing. And he said that everything is fine. But he would not take it for a test drive so that i could show him the jerking.

2009 Fairfax 2.4L 6A

Just turned 6,000 miles last week, no driveline issues yet. Smoothest/quietest car I've owned (of 37 cars).

2,000 miles on a 2008 LT 2 2.4 with a 4 speed. Have no vibrations issues so far at all. All is running smooth in the cold Michigan winter weather conditions. :)

Very smooth Spring Edition 4 with 6 auto. Doesn't get driven much, but it has spoiled my wife with the smooth ride. She has not been in my Z06 since getting her Malibu!

Nice going with the mass e-mail idea, guys. The vote count surpassed 100. :)

I wonder if the vibration and the shudder are 2 different problems.

The poll shows some 4 spds with the shakes, didn't expect that.

I wonder if the vibration and the shudder are 2 different problems.

The poll shows some 4 spds with the shakes, didn't expect that.

There have been some, or at least a few mentions on the Aura board of such cases, albeit slim.

As for the vibration & shudder being different, I doubt it, but based on descriptions it sounds like we're all talking about one and the same thing...sometimes with slightly unique oddities. We'll discuss elsewhere, still.

I have the 4cyl 6sp LTZ. I've had two occasions of feeling vibrations at medium speeds. Though on both occasions I quickly found the problem. So I voted no in the poll.

The first time was just a few weeks back. I had just pulled out of the driveway and started accelerating. Around 35mph there was a definite shaking. I slowed down and it subsided. Going back to 30+ it started again. I stopped the car and checked my tires. As soon as I saw the tires I knew the cause. There was thick ice build up on one side of each tire. This was because late the night before there was a snow and ice storm. Then in the morning I had cleaned the car up just enough for good viewing in the windows. I didn't clean the ice that had built up on the lower parts of the tires and wheel rims. After a few highway miles the shaking stopped. It seems that most of the ice and snow had fallen off after this short time.

The second time this happened it was a Monday and sure enough that Friday before there was a snow storm and I didn't clean up the car until Monday morning. By that time the snow was frozen into the wheel rims again. Same as before, after just a few miles the shaking disappeared.

If some of these drivers are a bit further north might they have some perpetual ice build up on their wheel rims? Is one type of wheel rim more susceptible to build up of dirt and such? A good wheel cleaning might help.

I remember my dealer claiming that the wheels are specifically matched to the M'bu. So maybe the drive system is ultra sensitive to out of balance tire conditions.

DrD

I remember my dealer claiming that the wheels are specifically matched to the M'bu. So maybe the drive system is ultra sensitive to out of balance tire conditions.

Very true, and the wheel/tire vibration with muck build up is common, but not the problem here. This is a shudder/vibration coming from the drivetrain, in some form, varied by throttle, speed, etc. Such as the discussed shudder throughout the car under power from 40-50, shaky downshifting when decelerating, etc.

The main member who originally started our now large thread on a 40-50 vibration went through a few rounds of wheel & tire checks, balances, replacements, etc. only to eventually realize it didn't have anything to do with the rolling stock. Such vibes are a valid occurrence, but not the case here.

I have an 09 4 cyl. 4 speed with 3600 miles on it and have noticed some bad vibration as described. I thought that I may have some snow/ice build up, but after cleaning I'm am still getting bad vibrations. With the temps staying very cold, and snow on the roads, here in Michigan its hard to tell. I will continue to update, and keep an eye on this thread - Thanks

...
The main member who originally started our now large thread on a 40-50 vibration went through a few rounds of wheel & tire checks, balances, replacements, etc. only to eventually realize it didn't have anything to do with the rolling stock. Such vibes are a valid occurrence, but not the case here.

and I run 215/60R16 aftermarket rims with winter tires as opposed to OEM 18 inchers and there's no change at all, no vibration.

I'm getting the seat/car vibration. However I have attributed it to snow or ice build up on the inside of the rim or wheel well rubbing against the tire or brake assembly. There were no issues before it started snowing.

2009 LTZ V6 4400km. 09/08 Orion

Cheers

I'm getting the seat/car vibration. However I have attributed it to snow or ice build up on the inside of the rim or wheel well rubbing against the tire or brake assembly. There were no issues before it started snowing.

2009 LTZ V6 4400km. 09/08 Orion

Cheers

Is it constant or goes away after a bit of driving?

I'm getting the seat/car vibration. However I have attributed it to snow or ice build up on the inside of the rim or wheel well rubbing against the tire or brake assembly. There were no issues before it started snowing.

2009 LTZ V6 4400km. 09/08 Orion

Cheers

If such a thing only showed up with mucky weather and build up in and around the car, that's likely so.

Unless all is cleared out again and you feel a shudder from the engine/trans, lugging, or bogged power, or funny shifts as well, the car very likely is still fine. Typically, if it was fine before the muck, it will be after.

Hi all,
2009 Chevy Malibu Hybride, no problem so far.
At -30C, check engine hybride system-reset at garage.
I hope there is no serious problem with that vibration.

I doubt this will help but it s just a thought,, for the guys with the lugging/bog down shudder, check the trans fluid level. I remember the new Silverados having issues because the trans was very sensitive to improper fluid levels. Check the book for the proper way to check the levels.. Seems to me that some are mixing up wheel problems with this other issue making it confusing to diagnosis.

I'm showing 16,500 miles with no vibration. Great car!!

4cyl/4spd auto ,2LT

I doubt this will help but it s just a thought,, for the guys with the lugging/bog down shudder, check the trans fluid level. I remember the new Silverados having issues because the trans was very sensitive to improper fluid levels. Check the book for the proper way to check the levels.. Seems to me that some are mixing up wheel problems with this other issue making it confusing to diagnosis.

Maybe so. One thing I have--possibly noticed--is depending on how cold or warm the transmission is, it sometimes can vary. Or, depending on how long it has sat to be warmed up in remote start mode (in which the trans defaults to full line pressure to speed its warm up), if it was just driven or has sat overnight, etc., there's a difference. Sometimes at least.

It's always seemed like a trans issue, but especially with the intermittence, was never clear what. Confusing THIS with a wheel/tire issue is clouding what we're talking about--this is powertrain--so great addition, cerbomark.

good point about the trans temp and line pressure. That s why I say check the fluid levels..

good point about the trans temp and line pressure. That s why I say check the fluid levels..

Yeah, I've been trying to really figure out if there was any connection between how long it has sat, how cold, how warm, if it was just drive, etc. has and have noticed some things, but not with 100% consistency. Something like this is a very strong possibility, at least to check.

Maybe a good dealer suggestion, possibly, too.

Excuse me if this sounds insane....Beach, have you thought to ask your dealer,just for the sake of asking, for an estimate of what they would charge to replace the Torque Converter(Well into the four digits, I'm sure)...To go through their "official" hands and see if it remedies the issue.

08 LTZ V6 6speed tranny, runs like a Champ :D
04/08 Lake Orion

Excuse me if this sounds insane....Beach, have you thought to ask your dealer,just for the sake of asking, for an estimate of what they would charge to replace the Torque Converter(Well into the four digits, I'm sure)...To go through their "official" hands and see if it remedies the issue.

You know how not insane that sounds? I HAVE thought about it, just to "see." They'd never actually do such a thing and charge for it on a new car in barely into warranty, but I concur with your thought.

On my first/last visit regarding this shudder where it was duplicated, I went it calling it "torque converter shudder", titled the notes I gave them as such, etc. This was my intention, at least based on hunch, past experience, and research to spur them to lean that was in doing diagnostics even if that wasn't it.

Hey guys, just tested it yesterday and nothing abnormal here, smooth as a baby's bottom for me.

I haven't been paying attention to these 40-50mph vibration posts because I haven't had this problem in my (08 LTZ V6 Orion built) car.

Yesterday, during a long drive. I stopped and bought a bottle of Coke, put it in my first cupholder closest to the shifter, drove off with my hand hovering on the bottle - when I hit 40mph, I noticed the bottle was transmitting vibration as my hand touched it. It went away quickly as I accelerated past 50. I tried it again at the next light, sure enough, it transmitted vibration up.

I am a believer now.

I haven't been paying attention to these 40-50mph vibration posts because I haven't had this problem in my (08 LTZ V6 Orion built) car.

Yesterday, during a long drive. I stopped and bought a bottle of Coke, put it in my first cupholder closest to the shifter, drove off with my hand hovering on the bottle - when I hit 40mph, I noticed the bottle was transmitting vibration as my hand touched it. It went away quickly as I accelerated past 50. I tried it again at the next light, sure enough, it transmitted vibration up.

I am a believer now.

I think what you felt is the very normal faint "something" that comes up in any automatic vehicle as the TCC is locking, if all is normal and you're REALLY looking for it.

I could lend you mine for 5 minutes to see this isn't a faint thing, but rather can shake so much and shudder hard at times--and then not the next--along with feeling boggy that it's immediately apparent, without trying to feel or detect a thing. It's just obvious, in a bad way...some of the time. Other times, it manifests as a lighter shake. And all the time it has oh so nice wiggles and kicks as it downshifts when decelerating, in the same range.

But the typical automatic trans car faint, faint flutter of the TCC locking up under light-moderate throttle is not comparable. Oh, I wish...

If it becomes obnoxious or bothersome, let us know;)

I haven't been paying attention to these 40-50mph vibration posts because I haven't had this problem in my (08 LTZ V6 Orion built) car.

Yesterday, during a long drive. I stopped and bought a bottle of Coke, put it in my first cupholder closest to the shifter, drove off with my hand hovering on the bottle - when I hit 40mph, I noticed the bottle was transmitting vibration as my hand touched it. It went away quickly as I accelerated past 50. I tried it again at the next light, sure enough, it transmitted vibration up.

I am a believer now.

As beach stated we're researching an obvious and annoying vibration. Like you, I can feel a bit of of a shake too, but it's so minor it'd never occur to me to complain. It sounds like you're really should've voted that you do not have the problem.

I think we should have your vote revoked if it all possible, I will ask Pizza Man about it.
Sorry, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't sound like you have the issue....

Thank you for participating.

As beach stated we're researching an obvious and annoying vibration. Like you, I can feel a bit of of a shake too, but it's so minor it'd never occur to me to complain. It sounds like you're really should've voted that you do not have the problem.

I think we should have your vote revoked if it all possible, I will ask Pizza Man about it.
Sorry, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't sound like you have the issue....

Thank you for participating.

No problem Yury, (you too Beach). If you can yank my vote it's fine. Although I have to mention this is one of my five vehicles now and many before that did not have the automatic transmission shudder as Beach had described that is common. Sadly, it's the only American Brand car I have out of all the cars that have this issue.

I think we should have your vote revoked if it all possible, I will ask Pizza Man about it. Sorry, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't sound like you have the issue.

If you can yank my vote it's fine.
I can only change the vote count, which I did. I cannot, however, remove Amge63's name from the list of voters.

I can only change the vote count, which I did. I cannot, however, remove Amge63's name from the list of voters.

Thanks Pizza Man, this is good too, at least the results are accurate.

I have begun forwarding this poll and background information regarding it officially to GM through several different ranks, so please continue voting all and posting descriptions of your issue(s) and ANY resolve, reply, denial, etc. you get from your dealer or GM if you have such a problem.

Further, as I will soon be doing after getting mine in again despite the dead end reply last time, despite duplication, filing complaints with GM for those with an issue if you haven't done so already--some have--is the next step. We may also file with NHTSA and others, depending on your case, amount of dealer trips, and what, if anything, is being done.

Otherwise, if you're smooth, crisp, and purring away daily...continue to enjoy your Malibu's;) If not, stay tuned and try everything possible regarding this problem.

No vibration or shudder problems for me. :D

As I posted in our other main shudder thread HERE (http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15364&posted=1#post15364), after forwarding on the information specific to my car, this poll and the response, our shudder thread, etc. to GM on Sunday, Monday I was contacted in reference to the issue having been turned over to the Engineering department and that they would soon be working with me directly.

Next week, mine goes in for review with whoever from GM (I've yet to get specifics) is coming to my dealer service department, and we'll go from there.

That said, everyone PLEASE keep voting if you have not already and posting! The more numbers and solid information, the better.

The only thing I want to add, is that my car has this shudder, hesitation, vibration on light throttle input at all speeds, not just the 40-50 mph range. I also feel the hesitation on de-acceleration. And NO, it is NOT a Wheel/Tire related issue. I know the difference. As an engineer, and a car guy, I've been around, built enough cars to know the difference.

Rob.

Thanks for the vote, return to the forum, and PM's Rob J;)

For all, my '09 is going back to the dealer tomorrow and via my contact from GM regarding forwarding this poll and such, a "regional service engineer" is scheduled to attend and review the car. We'll see how it goes.

Keep voting and posting!

Hello all. I am new to board. I have an 09 LTZ V6 with similar vibe/shaking issues. A recent trip to a dealer found 3 tires that couldn't be balanced. Replacement tires should be installed this week.

In addition to the shudder around 40-50mph, I have also noticed erratic tach movement on decel. From 65mph, when I lift completely off the gas, the tach moves from 1500 to below 1000 then back up to 1500. 2 different dealers have told me this is normal operation. I'm not buying it. I took a cell phone video of this and posted it here:

http://s689.photobucket.com/albums/vv252/malibu36/

The resolution is crappy, but good enough to get the idea of what's going on.

Has anyone else seen this "normal" behavior? It happens when cruising at a steady highway speed, 60-65, after the converter has locked, then getting completely off the gas.

In addition to the shudder around 40-50mph, I have also noticed erratic tach movement on decel. From 65mph, when I lift completely off the gas, the tach moves from 1500 to below 1000 then back up to 1500. 2 different dealers have told me this is normal operation. I'm not buying it. I took a cell phone video of this and posted it here:

http://s689.photobucket.com/albums/vv252/malibu36/

The resolution is crappy, but good enough to get the idea of what's going on.

Has anyone else seen this "normal" behavior? It happens when cruising at a steady highway speed, 60-65, after the converter has locked, then getting completely off the gas.

One of the things mine did EXACTLY, though the strange part was how it--like the shudder under acceleration from 40-55'ish that varied from light to harsh--would change from time to time. When the acceleration shudder was worst, the accompanying deceleration and downshifting would be strangely sputtery feeling with bizarre falls and jumps in the tach, as the trans and engine seemingly just flutter all over the place.

But then, too, on the days the car ran smooth as could be, even the deceleration or slowing was similarly smooth. Not a good feeling, eh? No...and after my drive with engineers and data recording, albeit on a smooth as glass kind of a day, not "normal" no, at least base on description.

Hello all. I am new to board. I have an 09 LTZ V6 with similar vibe/shaking issues. A recent trip to a dealer found 3 tires that couldn't be balanced. Replacement tires should be installed this week.

In addition to the shudder around 40-50mph, I have also noticed erratic tach movement on decel. From 65mph, when I lift completely off the gas, the tach moves from 1500 to below 1000 then back up to 1500. 2 different dealers have told me this is normal operation. I'm not buying it. I took a cell phone video of this and posted it here:

http://s689.photobucket.com/albums/vv252/malibu36/

The resolution is crappy, but good enough to get the idea of what's going on.

Has anyone else seen this "normal" behavior? It happens when cruising at a steady highway speed, 60-65, after the converter has locked, then getting completely off the gas.

In regards to tach movement on decel. I've been watching my 'no shudder' car yesterday. It most decidedly does not do that. When I let off the pedal it goes down gradually as the car slows down.

I've tried many times to "make" my car do this if you will and I've never seen such a problem. However, I do experience a shudder quite a bit at idle. It happens both when I start the car cold and let it warm up (though not when really cold and on fast idle) as well as when I'm driving and come to a stop. I'll come to a dead stop, say waiting for a stop light, and while the car is in gear and idling it will shudder and drop RPM for a moment. It almost feels like it would if I would manually downshift at low RPM/speed, but it's been stopped for a few seconds. Any possible relation?

I've tried many times to "make" my car do this if you will and I've never seen such a problem. However, I do experience a shudder quite a bit at idle. It happens both when I start the car cold and let it warm up (though not when really cold and on fast idle) as well as when I'm driving and come to a stop. I'll come to a dead stop, say waiting for a stop light, and while the car is in gear and idling it will shudder and drop RPM for a moment. It almost feels like it would if I would manually downshift at low RPM/speed, but it's been stopped for a few seconds. Any possible relation?

Anything is possible, but if you're not getting any kind of shake under power, cruise, or deceleration that seems powertrain related, it could be just a normal little idle vibe from time to time.

My '09 idle was always glass smooth from day one, except for a little jiggle it let out on cold mornings with the idle boosted up over 1k as it warmed sitting in park--there it did, but otherwise, smooth. If you don't have a shake or vibration in motion, and that's pretty obvious, yours is likely A-ok.

I cant change my vote but I am starting to notice the vibration, It was really noticeable this morning around the 45mph mark. I just rolled over 5K miles on my 09 V6 / 6spd

I have a 2009 LTZ V6 6speed. It has a shudder/vibration most notably during deceleration through the 55-40 MPH range. Also very suttle during accelleration in the same range. The dealer mechanic agrees there is a issue. GM tech support say it the way it is. They recomend "reteaching the adative transmision shift points". They say the transmission is taught by driving patterns? The service manager also said the drove one off the lot and it was similar but not nearly as noticable as mine. It goes next friday for transmission reteach. Hope it fixes it.:mad:

I have a 2009 LTZ V6 6speed. It has a shudder/vibration most notably during deceleration through the 55-40 MPH range. Also very suttle during accelleration in the same range. The dealer mechanic agrees there is a issue. GM tech support say it the way it is. They recomend "reteaching the adative transmision shift points". They say the transmission is taught by driving patterns? The service manager also said the drove one off the lot and it was similar but not nearly as noticable as mine. It goes next friday for transmission reteach. Hope it fixes it.:mad:

"The service manager also said the drove one off the lot and it was similar but not nearly as noticable as mine." - I think that this describes the situation well. My car has a little bit of vibration in a very narrow speed range and it seem to recover pretty quick. Not nearly enough to complain about, whereas the cars affected exhibit the same behavior but it's amplified to the point of being annoying.

Your dealer seems to be good at what they do. Keep up posted, I think many people would like to know if the reteach works.

The Only time I get a shudder is when the engine is about 1/2 way warmed up. Going about 60MPH down the highway. But goes away when fully warmed. Asked my dealer. He asked if my tires had flat spots? How could they? I drive from Trenton to McGuire AFB every day. About 20 miles each way. Bought my 08 Malibu May 3 08. I now have just over 11,000 Miles.

Not sure if I would call what I get is a vibration but there is a VERY noticeable noise that comes from the front of the car when travelling between 40-50 in 6th gear under slight acceleration. It basically has ZERO movement and its pretty annoying.

I have a 2009 LTZ V6 6speed. It has a shudder/vibration most notably during deceleration through the 55-40 MPH range. Also very suttle during accelleration in the same range. The dealer mechanic agrees there is a issue. GM tech support say it the way it is. They recomend "reteaching the adative transmision shift points". They say the transmission is taught by driving patterns? The service manager also said the drove one off the lot and it was similar but not nearly as noticable as mine. It goes next friday for transmission reteach. Hope it fixes it.:mad:

Tomorrow is the big day for the reteach. I don't think it will fix it. I think GM needs to offer a new firmware update to have the transmission down shift sooner and upshift later to fix the problem. This will hurt the gas mileage but i prefer the car run smooth all the time. I try the recomendation of an earlier post and here is what i found. Driving in town when the subtle vib occurs I put the car in manual and note what gear it's in. I noticed at 35-40 MPH the car is in 5th gear which seems to high for the speed. The car slightly vib's and if you click the paddle shift down a gear it smoothes out nicely. I repeated this at differnt speeds and it seems to always smooth out. It is like the post said. It's like driving a manual transmision in to high of a gear. I think this is for fuel millage but,it stinks. Could someone else try this and see what you think. If they would fix this issue this would be an absolute great car. It is absolutely the only thing I don't like about the car. I like it much better than my 07 Camry. I would just like it fixed.

Tomorrow is the big day for the reteach. I don't think it will fix it. I think GM needs to offer a new firmware update to have the transmission down shift sooner and upshift later to fix the problem.

Basically, decelerating and the downshifts that go with it give a jiggly, sputtering feel? If so, yes, had that. BUT, and this is the big but, it did it a lot but not all the time--and the times it didn't, my 40-55 acceleration shuddering would vanish as well and the car just felt smoother. The smooth vs. shaky/vibrating/shudder on-off-slight-a lot transitions are what, myself and others included, has added to the "what is it?" question.

The rough downshifting, with RPM dives and spikes and physical kicks as the gear changes dropped and the TCC unlocked always struck me as not normal, but so did the acceleration shudder. I got to the point of GM engineers driving, datalogging, inspecting, etc. the car but, of course, on a "smooth" day. Then had a datalogger to drive with so I could flick it on to take readings at a time something--as reported before--was happening, and did so as well as I could with it changing so much (surges, shakes, etc. like this shouldn't come and go), before turning it back in. Too bad I jumped the gun and traded the car in before ever getting an answer back on if anything looked strange with the readings, but that's life and I'm happy.

Let's keep the poll going on and on, and I will continue to work as much as I can on helping everyone get the results we need.

Tomorrow is the big day for the reteach. I don't think it will fix it. I think GM needs to offer a new firmware update to have the transmission down shift sooner and upshift later to fix the problem. This will hurt the gas mileage but i prefer the car run smooth all the time. I try the recomendation of an earlier post and here is what i found. Driving in town when the subtle vib occurs I put the car in manual and note what gear it's in. I noticed at 35-40 MPH the car is in 5th gear which seems to high for the speed. The car slightly vib's and if you click the paddle shift down a gear it smoothes out nicely. I repeated this at differnt speeds and it seems to always smooth out. It is like the post said. It's like driving a manual transmision in to high of a gear. I think this is for fuel millage but,it stinks. Could someone else try this and see what you think. If they would fix this issue this would be an absolute great car. It is absolutely the only thing I don't like about the car. I like it much better than my 07 Camry. I would just like it fixed.

So, did the reteach change anything?

I have a 2009 LTZ V6 6speed. It has a shudder/vibration most notably during deceleration through the 55-40 MPH range. Also very suttle during accelleration in the same range. The dealer mechanic agrees there is a issue. GM tech support say it the way it is. They recomend "reteaching the adative transmision shift points". They say the transmission is taught by driving patterns? The service manager also said the drove one off the lot and it was similar but not nearly as noticable as mine. It goes next friday for transmission reteach. Hope it fixes it.:mad:

The reteach didn't improve anything. I have even had noticeable shudder/vibe at steady speeds. Maybe because I am more observant of the issue. It still appears not to be noticable when shifting manually. I haven't called the dealer with the bad news yet but I will this week. I will post there responese after I talk to them. I really like the car but they need to fix it. If they have no plan B I will be calling Chevy directly this week.

To update on mine.. mine vibrates on deceleration.. if you go up to 40-50 then let off the gas it shudders like if you had bad brakes or something (Even though im not hitting the brakes) When you start to apply the brakes to stop it goes away

While I don't really notice this vibration on mine, it makes me wonder what is happening for the others that are experiencing this vibration/shudder issue. If someone has access to a dyno, it would be interesting to watch engine movement while spinning the driveline up to 40 - 50 mph without load. It's a WAG, but maybe it's possible there is a sympathetic oscillation being set up between the lugging engine pulses, locking/unlocking torque converter, and the driveline isolation bushings. One thing in particular to check would be the torque damper strut on the top of the engine. If defective, it can allow the engine to rock back and forth excessively. There are aftermarket dampers that folks with manual transmission cars install to reduce engine movement because it messes up shifts. On our cars, the torque damper is mounted at the top front of the engine sort of tucked under the air intake box and can be seen easily by popping the hood. It looks like a little shock absorber. I've seen some on the Pontiac G6 site modify their stock dampers by replacing them with aftermarket versions. Attached is a pic of a typical aftermarket part for a Japanese car.

2.4 4speed i have had this since about 5000 miles, between 40-50...... now i can make my car do it between 30-40........ time to trade in for a g8.........

After 1000 miles on the new car, I now feel the vibration others are describing. Can the polls be modified? If so, I'll change my vote to yes I feel it.

I think it just took me awhile to notice the vibration with all the other new car things to get used to. It feels like a tire balance issue between 40-50mph but it comes and goes. At first I thought it was rough road surfaces but it vibrates on smooth roads too. I wonder if it's from the super soft motor mounts letting the engine setup a low frequency vibration under certain conditions. This is on top of the crazy surging on high speed decelleration with the lock up torque coverter kicking on and off. Tuning should take care of some of this. Perhaps motor mount inserts might help with the low frequency vibrations? Either way a trip to the dealer is in order to at least complain about it and get it on record. GM must be aware of the problem by now.

BLUE-BU, shoot a pm to Pizza Man about changing your vote.

BLUE-BU, shoot a pm to Pizza Man about changing your vote.
Count changed, but I cannot include the screen name.

I have noticed this is my LTZ (6-speed) going about 45mph -- particularly if I release the accelerator somewhat. This morning it was really bad... but went away after I had driven 10-15 miles.

I have a 2009 LTZ 4-cyl, 6-speed with 1,500 miles on it so far. Haven't noticed anything, but if it starts, I'll update my post.

Finally, as promised, to those of you with the issue as posted in this thread and the other, I've sent out a PM with more details and information from my specific case and my contact info should you need it.

It's still clear something is going on and still not getting resolved, and though I gave up and moved on, I'm remaining here and hopefully some of my info will at least be something worth referring to, in basics.

To anyone else new who didn't get a PM from me, just send me a message and I'll forward you the same.

Otherwise, anyone else or any updates to this issue?

We have two 2008 Malibu's. One is totally fine I think, aside from the alarm going off on it's own, once...and it was jus today. The other, however, is doing exactly what the majority of you describe. We had it checked at the dealer, and they 'fixed' it with an update...now it's worse. The RPM gauge jumps up and down while it is being driven between 45 and 55...but everything is fine once it hits 60. They suggested I have MY car flashed also and I said 'no thanks', it's fine.

I'm not sure where our cars were built, but I can only guess it was in the US somewhere. We live in Smiths Falls, Ontario and my car was delivered from Quebec somewhere, while my spouses came from Toronto area.

I'll check the VIN to see if it tells me where they were built. If it could be narrowed down to a plant at a specific date then maybe we can get a recall going.

We have two 2008 Malibu's. One is totally fine I think, aside from the alarm going off on it's own, once...and it was jus today. The other, however, is doing exactly what the majority of you describe. We had it checked at the dealer, and they 'fixed' it with an update...now it's worse. The RPM gauge jumps up and down while it is being driven between 45 and 55...but everything is fine once it hits 60. They suggested I have MY car flashed also and I said 'no thanks', it's fine.

I'm not sure where our cars were built, but I can only guess it was in the US somewhere. We live in Smiths Falls, Ontario and my car was delivered from Quebec somewhere, while my spouses came from Toronto area.

I'll check the VIN to see if it tells me where they were built. If it could be narrowed down to a plant at a specific date then maybe we can get a recall going.

There should be a sticker at the driver's door somewhere saying at which plant it was made.

Btw, on the subject of flashes. I had a PCM updated a couple of months ago for a different minor issue, no change at all in terms of shifting/shudder - it was fine before and it is fine now. In fact I can feel no difference at all.

Hey guys - I have had my 2LT Malibu 3.6 just over 1 week so far and it does not shake at the 40-50 mph range under slight throttle.

I have noticed that the Trans is a little touchy though - I feel that the Torque converter is a little 'loose' when coasting and getting into the gas ever so lightly - it 'hits' the gear kinda hard.

I will keep in touch with this thread to see if anything changes as I build up the miles.

2009 Malibu LT2 V6, made in Orion.

This car definitely has a vibration problem. I found this forum after researching the vibration problem on the web. My best guess that this is a suspension calibration/geometry issue. The car has a fairly firm suspension that seems to be tuned in a way that transmits vibration from irregular road surface geometry into the cabin. Even roads that appear smooth undulate and have irregularities. This car seems to magnify them and transmit them into the cabin.

I've compared the same roads in my BMW (I know, not a fair comparison) but I can feel the road irregularities in the BMW if I look for them, but that car filters them much better of course.

I also think it could be related to the Eagle LS2 tires. They are very bouncy. I've tried increasing air pressure, which seems to help a little. At the recommended 30 psi, the problem is most noticeable. I may just swap out the tires since OEM tires are usually mediocre any way.

After doing so research on the transmission "shudder", it appears to be related to the shift tuning. The tranny is designed to increase fuel economy and it's very slow to down shift. I think it's a little too slow because it allows RPM to drop too low before it downshifts when stopping quickly. So I feel some engine shake/shudder.

After doing so research on the transmission "shudder", it appears to be related to the shift tuning. The tranny is designed to increase fuel economy and it's very slow to down shift. I think it's a little too slow because it allows RPM to drop too low before it downshifts when stopping quickly. So I feel some engine shake/shudder.

The issue we're discussing here is not whether it has the vibration but how much of it. For instance, in my 08 it's very very minor, i.e. not beyond what seems to be generally acceptable for automatics and not noticeable unless you really try to detect it. But for many people it is obnoxious and annoying.

Yuri states: The issue we're discussing here is not whether it has the vibration but how much of it.

Thanks for the clarification, but you should go back and read the title of the poll and the questions in the poll. The poll asks the questions "How Many Cars Affected?" and "Does your 08-09 Malibu vibrate on slight acceleration in 40-50 mph range".

Those are yes or no questions, not severity questions. So your assertion that this site only should be used to discuss the severity of the vibration is not consistent with the questions being asked.

Thanks for stifling the discussion.

You're both suspended without pay until further notice due to this foreseeable argument.

Yuri states: The issue we're discussing here is not whether it has the vibration but how much of it.

Thanks for the clarification, but you should go back and read the title of the poll and the questions in the poll. The poll asks the questions "How Many Cars Affected?" and "Does your 08-09 Malibu vibrate on slight acceleration in 40-50 mph range".

Those are yes or no questions, not severity questions. So your assertion that this site only should be used to discuss the severity of the vibration is not consistent with the questions being asked.

Thanks for stifling the discussion.

There is a detailed description in the initial post:

"This a poll about an issue that seems to exist in 08-09 Chevy Malibus.
The problem is prominent and annoying vibration/shudder on light acceleration in 40-50 mph range of speed. It also may be accompanied with a rumbling engine tone."

So, this poll is about a vibration that is qualified as abnormal, as opposed to some amount of vibration that is generally within norm for automatics and that was my point. You only stated that you have "some engine shake/shudder" which can mean an acceptable amount.

If you have the problem as it was described than disregard my comments.

The reteach didn't improve anything. I have even had noticeable shudder/vibe at steady speeds. Maybe because I am more observant of the issue. It still appears not to be noticable when shifting manually. I haven't called the dealer with the bad news yet but I will this week. I will post there responese after I talk to them. I really like the car but they need to fix it. If they have no plan B I will be calling Chevy directly this week.

Well TMF, anything new to report? I was hoping that since you had a mechanic that seemed to at least acknowledge there was an abnormal shake in your car that you may be the key to getting further action. Let us know.

The dealer had the car again about 4 weeks ago and clam the hooked test equipment up and captured data while the problem occured. They said they would send the data to GM. They also again said maybe GM will come up with a shift pattern update. I have notice this on accelleration before the engine is at full temperature on occasion and that feels like slight engine misfire. I have heard nothing on the results of the data captured and don't really expect to. I think it seems to happen more regularly lately. Warmer weather?? Next Friday I'm going back to the dealer to discuss the issue and have them order a new visor mirror cover mine broke. They need to fix it. It's very irritating.

You're both unsuspended and may resume your normal activities. Please see Human Resources regarding your salary.

Even though my Malibu has not had any vibrations or shudders at the aforementioned speeds, I have been having a major hassle trying to get rid of my 60-75 mph vibrations on it. The car got 4 new tires from the dealer because the original Goodyear Eagle LS2s had severe tread problems when they were roadforce balanced after I complained. Now I am being told that 2 of the new tires appear to be having the same problem, and they need to order 2 other tires :eek: :eek:

I took my 09 in because of the vibrations, felt like the gears were having a hard time shifting. Dealership took apart the transmission and found nothing wrong. I still get a slight 'studder' (for lack of a better term). The service techs said it may have to do with my tires, but seeing how I'm not the only one with the problem I am guessing that is an incorrect conclusion.

Hey guys, I haven't voted yet since I have a few questions observations I wanna make ask before.

1-I do notice some slight "shudder" around 40 mph under very light throttle. I to think this is the shift programing due to trying to gain mpg's. The tranny wants to get into/hold the highest gear possible. Changing to manual mode and dropping a gear is a good way to see what I mean. So I don't think this is what you guys are talking about, it just doesn't seem severe enough, correct?

2-Once I hit around 70ish I do get some minor vibrations through the car. They are minor enough that only I really feel them, but I do notice them. I had a 2007 G6 GTP before this car that did the same thing, only worse. It ended up being the tires. Seems that the Eagle LS2 tires are pretty crappy. My car has only 4900 miles on it, and I'm not gonna leave with it for two years before I need new tires, minor or not. So I will take it to the dealership later this week. Maybe some good Road Force balancing can fix it, if not maybe a tire is bad. Google "Goodyear Eagle LS2" and you will read TONS of bad reviews about these tires. So again, I don't think this is what you all are refering to.

So I think I will be voting no, since I do not get any "prominent and annoying" vibrations.

Well, got the car back from the dealer. Took it in for the vibration. They drove it and agreed something was up. They Road Force balanced all the tires, they were all good. BUT, I have a bent rear wheel. It's on the inside, so they said that is the cause. Where it came from, who knows. The wheel is getting sent out to be fixed next week (I need the car this weekend). So that should take care of the slight vibration I'm getting. It actually even seems a little better after they Road Force balanced all the tires already....so I voted NO.

My drivetrain was not listed, so I couldn't vote, but I haven't noticed any vibrations. In fact the car has been VERY smooth and quiet so far...

BTW, I have a V6 with 4speed...

I have an 09 with V6 and 6 speed auto. I noticed the vibration at about 55 MPH and took it in. They did a road force balance and said 1 tire was bad. They replaced that 1 and rotated front to back. I got it back and it's NOT any better. In fact, feels worse. I called service mgr and took it back the following week. They drove it, felt it and have no clues. They told me to call Customer Svc which I did, they opened a problem ticket and I am waiting. I am surprised to see this post - pisses me off that there are problems like this that appear to have been going on for a long time and I feel GM is screwing its customers around. It appears that there is a problem but they are not correcting the issue, just putting band aids on them as long as they can. Mine has the 18 inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear LS2 tires which I read on here are junk. My opinion is that GM should replace them then with tires that work better. Also wanted to point out that when they rotated my tires/replaced that 1, the bone-head mechanic was not careful and scratched every wheel around the lug nut holes in the wheels - dealer was not really willing to do anything yet on this - another thing that really burns me up - incompetent mechanic and hasty too since it's not his car.

Has anyone really figured out what the vibrations are? I loved this car when I test drove but then after driving it a long distance, it's like driving a bongo-board!!!! I am so disappointed that I paid good money for the car - trying to buy american to help us all out and got screwed. I am going to push GM to get mine fixed but have not seen anyone saying they got theirs fixed? Have you?

I had a case # with customer service. They insisted on closing it after talking to the service manager even though the car was not fixed. They opened another case and asked to take it back and demonstate the issue to the sevice manager. Unfortunatly it was very low humidity and cool. The car appears to be much worse in humid and rainy weather. The car ran fine that day and the following two day. Bummer. CS closed the case again. The dealer closed so next friday it goes to a differnt garage. They said they will see what they can do. I now have over 15000 miles on the car, its been to the garage numorous time and not a single part has been changed to fix this problem.

I have an 09 with V6 and 6 speed auto. I noticed the vibration at about 55 MPH and took it in. They did a road force balance and said 1 tire was bad. They replaced that 1 and rotated front to back. I got it back and it's NOT any better. In fact, feels worse. I called service mgr and took it back the following week. They drove it, felt it and have no clues. They told me to call Customer Svc which I did, they opened a problem ticket and I am waiting. I am surprised to see this post - pisses me off that there are problems like this that appear to have been going on for a long time and I feel GM is screwing its customers around. It appears that there is a problem but they are not correcting the issue, just putting band aids on them as long as they can. Mine has the 18 inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear LS2 tires which I read on here are junk. My opinion is that GM should replace them then with tires that work better. Also wanted to point out that when they rotated my tires/replaced that 1, the bone-head mechanic was not careful and scratched every wheel around the lug nut holes in the wheels - dealer was not really willing to do anything yet on this - another thing that really burns me up - incompetent mechanic and hasty too since it's not his car.

Has anyone really figured out what the vibrations are? I loved this car when I test drove but then after driving it a long distance, it's like driving a bongo-board!!!! I am so disappointed that I paid good money for the car - trying to buy american to help us all out and got screwed. I am going to push GM to get mine fixed but have not seen anyone saying they got theirs fixed? Have you?

Even the NEW tire might be bad. On my old G6 GTP it took them 3, yes 3, tires before they got a "good" one. Just because they got you a new tire doesn't mean they got you a good tire. The Eagle LS2s are junk. Also, did they check you wheels on the Road Force balancer? One of mine was a little bent and once they had it fixed it rides nice and smooth now. Good luck..

I had a case # with customer service. They insisted on closing it after talking to the service manager even though the car was not fixed. They opened another case and asked to take it back and demonstate the issue to the sevice manager. Unfortunatly it was very low humidity and cool. The car appears to be much worse in humid and rainy weather. The car ran fine that day and the following two day. Bummer. CS closed the case again. The dealer closed so next friday it goes to a differnt garage. They said they will see what they can do. I now have over 15000 miles on the car, its been to the garage numorous time and not a single part has been changed to fix this problem.

That's a bummer and I feel your pain because I got caught up in the same BS. You need to find a good service manager that will eliminate all the normal causes of shaking/shudder and then test ride it on the proper roads to evaluate. I find that the vibration can only be detected on smoother roads and at certain speeds. On rough roads the technician won't be able to seperate road surface from car induced vibration. If your dealer is located in an urban area, they will likely need to drive out to a more rural area with smoother roads and less traffic to properly evaluate for vibration. Chevy engineering has begun to unofficially admit there is a problem with some Malibus according to my service manager. Unfortuneately at the moment, GM is only recommending the service dept reprogram the ecm/tcm to current cal and replace the LS2 tires with a different brand tire. That might solve some peoples problems with out of round Goodyears but I have already eliminated tires as the cause of this problem a long time ago. I have the latest programming and the shaking/vibration is worse than ever. Too bad as I really like the car otherwise. Don't give up and keep trying even if you need to find another dealership.

Friday at 8 am its going to a diffent dealer. For a test drive again. I'm hoping for humid wet weather. It tents to be worse in those condition. Tires won't fix it but I'm willing to take a new set for free.

Tires won't fix it but I'm willing to take a new set for free.

I would recommend just replacing a defective tire if needed. It's easy enough to have the mechanic check for excessive tire run out or balance issues. If you have them swap all four with a different brand tire, you might not like the ride anymore. You might end up with the original probelm plus a harsh ride. The cars suspension was tuned for the soft sidewall Goodyears and most of the other tires that fit the 18" rim ride harsher.

Inside the wheels may be the problem. I had NO problem w/ my V6 '08 (now 15k miles) til I got parked in a field w/ a hidden water leak for an airshow. Stuck in mud up to axle when I got back.
The shimmy was incredible driving I-40 at 70 mph. I'd washed it 3x. Alot of mud had fallen loose while driving hitting holes but shimmy was there. Finally I looked again at wheels and there was little patch of dried mud stuck on inside of front wheel. A putty knife got it off and she's smooth again. The car might be very sensitive to that part of wheel ?? Maybe getting bent after balance at factory?

17000 miles on my 09 LT2, Fairfax assembly. I have the vibration around 50 mph, the hard/very noticeable downshifts, and the 1-2-1 shifting that drives me up the wall!!

I have some pretty good ammunition to bring in when I approach the dealer about it, thanks everyone!!

Now at 13 months of ownership, 18,000 miles, and zero vibrations or service lights or anything. So far so good, fingers crossed knock on wood! ;)

And I still love this car! As an ex-Toyota driver for 20 years, thanks GM for building a decent lower-priced car

Update on the hard shifting - fixed!!! Dealer reprogrammed TCM and the car drives much much better. For those with the same problem here is the code from my service ticket:

"Test drove. Vehicle has all gears and is engaging OK at this time. No DTCs. 2 updates for TCM. Reprogrammed TCM with latest calibrations with shift quality updates/improvements. E.
Programming code 404D6."

Hope this helps!

Update on the hard shifting - fixed!!! Dealer reprogrammed TCM and the car drives much much better. For those with the same problem here is the code from my service ticket:

"Test drove. Vehicle has all gears and is engaging OK at this time. No DTCs. 2 updates for TCM. Reprogrammed TCM with latest calibrations with shift quality updates/improvements. E.
Programming code 404D6."

Hope this helps!

So your shifting issue caused your vibration at 50?

From the beginning of the thread, mulitple posters commented on drivetrain shudder at 40-50 mph. Mine used to do the same thing, and now it doesn't after reprogramming.

From the beginning of the thread, mulitple posters commented on drivetrain shudder at 40-50 mph. Mine used to do the same thing, and now it doesn't after reprogramming.

Great news indeed :)
Too bad it's too late for those who traded-in their cars because of that.
But, better late than never...

From the beginning of the thread, mulitple posters commented on drivetrain shudder at 40-50 mph. Mine used to do the same thing, and now it doesn't after reprogramming.

Wow, great news. My car does it a little sometimes in that 50ish range. Above and below it is smooth. But I think I will bring this info to the dealer next time I go there.

Is there an actual TSB number for this?

Wow, great news. My car does it a little sometimes in that 50ish range. Above and below it is smooth. But I think I will bring this info to the dealer next time I go there.

Is there an actual TSB number for this?

Don't know about TSB number, however I didn't get any flack at all from the dealer about my transmission complaint and they went right in and installed the two updates. That tells me that GM is aware of the problem (see code description in my earlier post). The car drives much better now...it seems to stay in first gear a little longer, which helps with the 1-2-1 clunky shifting when in traffic, etc. The 40-50 shudder I was experiencing I attributed to transmission going into 6th gear too soon. The reprogramming seems to have eliminated this. Now that I've driven the car for a few days after the fix, I'm pretty convinced the downshifting is improved (faster). I was also experiencing a delay when hitting the gas and the car responding...this is also gone. I wonder if the paddle shifters are any more responsive now...

Don't know about TSB number, however I didn't get any flack at all from the dealer about my transmission complaint and they went right in and installed the two updates. That tells me that GM is aware of the problem (see code description in my earlier post). The car drives much better now...it seems to stay in first gear a little longer, which helps with the 1-2-1 clunky shifting when in traffic, etc. The 40-50 shudder I was experiencing I attributed to transmission going into 6th gear too soon. The reprogramming seems to have eliminated this. Now that I've driven the car for a few days after the fix, I'm pretty convinced the downshifting is improved (faster). I was also experiencing a delay when hitting the gas and the car responding...this is also gone. I wonder if the paddle shifters are any more responsive now...

Well you sound pretty happy! I have a early build 2008 so I'm sure my car could use the updates. I'll be calling the dealership after the holiday for sure....

I haven't been on this board in a while, as I've been frustrated with this car. My wife mainly drives it. I drive the car maybe once or twice a month now. I am going to take the car to the dealer to see if this latest programming update will solve the issue. I am about ready to trade this one off, and go back to an import.
I love the looks of our car, but the driving experience has been disappointing at best. The car has also developed a steering/suspension issue as well. Going over bumps, the front suspension feels "loose", and as you turn the steering wheel from left to right at a standstill, you feel a looseness in it, as well as a clanking sound. Something isn't right.

We only have 15k on the car. It's an early 08 LTZ V6 6 speed.

I'm giving the dealer one last chance to resolve the issues, before I decide to trade it. I really do hate to trade it, as I know we'll loose a good chuck of change on it.

I haven't been on this board in a while, as I've been frustrated with this car. My wife mainly drives it. I drive the car maybe once or twice a month now. I am going to take the car to the dealer to see if this latest programming update will solve the issue. I am about ready to trade this one off, and go back to an import.
I love the looks of our car, but the driving experience has been disappointing at best. The car has also developed a steering/suspension issue as well. Going over bumps, the front suspension feels "loose", and as you turn the steering wheel from left to right at a standstill, you feel a looseness in it, as well as a clanking sound. Something isn't right.

We only have 15k on the car. It's an early 08 LTZ V6 6 speed.

I'm giving the dealer one last chance to resolve the issues, before I decide to trade it. I really do hate to trade it, as I know we'll loose a good chuck of change on it.
Your two issues sound fixable. They new transmission programing should help or cure the 50ish drivetrain vibrations and the steering issue sounds like the "common" rack and pinion or intermediate shaft problem. I'd think about trying another dealership. Both issues sound fixable to me....

I wonder if those updates change the 6-4 shift at highway speeds that I experienced with my 3.6. That was a pronounced annoyance for me.

I wonder if those updates change the 6-4 shift at highway speeds that I experienced with my 3.6. That was a pronounced annoyance for me.

It shouldnt shift to 4th. Ours did it as well (ecotec though) but we got the TCM update and it helped out a lot. It still shifts to 5th but it upshifts much faster after a hill now and has helped with the driveability of the car in slow traffic as well.

I had the steering issue at 43k miles on my 08 LTZ. The dealer charged me $75 to lube the intermediate shaft. They say that it is regular maintenance, yet you don't see it listed in the manual do you? I complained to Chevy customer service and while they would not pay for the repair they did send me out a letter giving me a $100 discount on any future service. So go figure no wonder they are having trouble. An $18 part and about ten minutes of labor is going to cost them $100 down the line. You would of thought it was better to fix it, not charge me and make me happy. I do not have the vibration problem. I put yoko's on the car and it is pretty damn smooth.

It shouldnt shift to 4th. Ours did it as well (ecotec though) but we got the TCM update and it helped out a lot. It still shifts to 5th but it upshifts much faster after a hill now and has helped with the driveability of the car in slow traffic as well.

Good to hear.

It shouldnt shift to 4th. Ours did it as well (ecotec though) but we got the TCM update and it helped out a lot. It still shifts to 5th but it upshifts much faster after a hill now and has helped with the driveability of the car in slow traffic as well.

Any idea when the firmware was released? I'm going in on Friday to have my car checked out. Hopefully I'll be able to go with the technician on the test drive to show him the 5th/6th gear problem. That way they can't say "Didn't find anything wrong so we didn't flash it."

Ours was around Mar/Apr IIRC. Im not too sure of it. The tech said they couldnt find anything wrong with our car and I asked if they took it on the highway. Of course they didnt so the car never shifted into 6th. Idiots. I had to show them where it happens so they can feel how bad it was on a certain stretch of the highway. He understood after that drive.

Ours was around Mar/Apr IIRC. Im not too sure of it. The tech said they couldnt find anything wrong with our car and I asked if they took it on the highway. Of course they didnt so the car never shifted into 6th. Idiots. I had to show them where it happens so they can feel how bad it was on a certain stretch of the highway. He understood after that drive.

That sucks. My car was built in March. Hopefully it's got the old firmware.

I wonder if those updates change the 6-4 shift at highway speeds that I experienced with my 3.6. That was a pronounced annoyance for me.

What exactly is this?

From the beginning of the thread, mulitple posters commented on drivetrain shudder at 40-50 mph. Mine used to do the same thing, and now it doesn't after reprogramming.

After thinking about this (I haven't read the whole thread), but if the transmission reflash helped your 40-50 mph vibrations I wonder if there is an issue with the torque converters. If your car rides much smoother now after the reflash I think the drivetrain shudder might be the torque converter and when/where it locks up and doesn't. I am calling my dealership tomorrow and will make an appointment to bring my car in for the reflash. I seem to get some vibrations in the 50ish range, some days very little, some days more so. So maybe this will help?

After thinking about this (I haven't read the whole thread), but if the transmission reflash helped your 40-50 mph vibrations I wonder if there is an issue with the torque converters. If your car rides much smoother now after the reflash I think the drivetrain shudder might be the torque converter and when/where it locks up and doesn't. I am calling my dealership tomorrow and will make an appointment to bring my car in for the reflash. I seem to get some vibrations in the 50ish range, some days very little, some days more so. So maybe this will help?

Most people here agreed that that was likely a tq issue. "Torque converter shudder" was used quite often to refer to this problem.

Sounds like this fix may help you.

Most people here agreed that that was likely a tq issue. "Torque converter shudder" was used quite often to refer to this problem.

Sounds like this fix may help you.

I sure hope so. I mean it is kinda minor, but I do notice it and want it fixed. I know it isn't the wheels/tires since I have aftermarket 20's.

I just find it weird that some days it's not noticeable, and other days it's worse. That is what makes me think it's transmission programing. If it was a suspension component or something it would always be there. Not be day by day.


It seems to be more noticeable in the higher gears too, is that what you guys notice in the say 45-60 mph range? I'm really thinking this reflash will solve my issue....

What exactly is this?

Say you're travelling on a highway and want to pick up some speed for passing/merging. If you press the pedal somewhat moderately it keeps in 6th and accelerates too leisurely. You push more aggressively and it drops down to 4th and takes off too aggressively. Getting it to drop to 5th is hard...Sometimes you can do it, but you can't achieve it routinely, there seems to type or input (pedal position and/or how quickly you stab the pedal).

Just to compare, on an 07 Accord with a 5 speed auto I could reliably drop it to 4th with a quick stab. My 07 Endeavor seems to depend on the pedal position mostly, so the down shift is also more intuitive (perhaps a bit less so than on the Accord though).

Say you're travelling on a highway and want to pick up some speed for passing/merging. If you press the pedal somewhat moderately it keeps in 6th and accelerates too leisurely. You push more aggressively and it drops down to 4th and takes off too aggressively. Getting it to drop to 5th is hard...Sometimes you can do it, but you can't achieve it routinely, there seems to type or input (pedal position and/or how quickly you stab the pedal).

Just to compare, on an 07 Accord with a 5 speed auto I could reliably drop it to 4th with a quick stab. My 07 Endeavor seems to depend on the pedal position mostly, so the down shift is also more intuitive (perhaps a bit less so than on the Accord though).

That is pretty common on automatics with 6 and more gears though. My friend has a Lexus IS-F with a 8 speed automatic. You have to smash the throttle to get a good downshift. The advantage of the autos with more gears is better economy, but worse kickdown IMO.

That is pretty common on automatics with 6 and more gears though. My friend has a Lexus IS-F with a 8 speed automatic. You have to smash the throttle to get a good downshift. The advantage of the autos with more gears is better economy, but worse kickdown IMO.

Smashing the throttle is not really a problem. The problem is that there's not enough finesse so you have reliable input for both - kick down to 5th or mild acceleration with no kickdown at all.
It's can't good for fuel economy because the driver's instinct when there's no enough thrust is to mush pedal until there's a response i.e. 4th gear. I remember doing practically all of my highway passing aggressively on 4th because I pretty much had no choice - 6th was too weak. I would've gladly stayed in 5th for the same duration I had to be in 4th. It's just wrong, the 4 speed on the prev. gen Bu drove better than that.

I wonder if those updates change the 6-4 shift at highway speeds that I experienced with my 3.6. That was a pronounced annoyance for me.

I've got the 3.6L and have the latest and greatest transmission flash from GM for this drivetrain and still no improvements noticed for vibration issues or shift feel. It's interesting in that they must have flashed this trans at least 4 times over that last few months trying to fix my shudder complaints and none of the flashes made any apparent differences at all. In fact, shudder is worse than before. Now I feel the shudder at lower and higher speeds than before. It used to be 40-50 and now it's 25 to unlimited mph. There must be some tolerance issues that just can't be fixed with a flash. Either way, I'm just waiting for arbitration on this one. I drove a new 2010 V6 malibu the other day and it felt like a whole different car. No vibrations or shudder and it even seemed to shift better. It just goes to show, there are differences from car to car.

I don't know what to do with the reflash. Some seem really happy with it, others say it did nothing or made it worse. Mine isn't bad at all. I would like it totally gone, but I am starting to worry that the reflash might make it worse....I don't know what the heck to do.

Maybe I am off base here, but I had a tire shop mount my winter tires, the guy said they removed the clips which are only needed to hold the brake calipers in place, until the wheels are installed, otherwise they could come loose while shaking down the production line. These clips could cause the wheel to wobble. At first I wasn’t sure what he meant, but then I remembered when in installed my splash guards last spring; and had to remove the rear wheels, I noticed what I thought were washers to keep the wheel even, so I made sure the wheels were mounted exactly the same as they were before removing. My winter tires are smooth, but I never had a vibration problem with the summer steel wheels. So I wonder if any vibration problem would be solved by removing the clips, assuming they shouldn’t be there in the first place?

Maybe I am off base here, but I had a tire shop mount my winter tires, the guy said they removed the clips which are only needed to hold the brake calipers in place, until the wheels are installed, otherwise they could come loose while shaking down the production line. These clips could cause the wheel to wobble. At first I wasn’t sure what he meant, but then I remembered when in installed my splash guards last spring; and had to remove the rear wheels, I noticed what I thought were washers to keep the wheel even, so I made sure the wheels were mounted exactly the same as they were before removing. My winter tires are smooth, but I never had a vibration problem with the summer steel wheels. So I wonder if any vibration problem would be solved by removing the clips, assuming they shouldn’t be there in the first place?

I believe that has been been already explored by some people here.

No vibration.
Orion built Oct '09.
2.4 w/6sp

I plan to take in my 2010 LTZ 4 cyl. A6, and inquire about the 404d6 update. It seems kind of odd though that I don't find anything about it on the internet besides here.

I plan to take in my 2010 LTZ 4 cyl. A6, and inquire about the 404d6 update. It seems kind of odd though that I don't find anything about it on the internet besides here.

I have tried all speeds city and highway and get nothing but smooth smooth smooth. I would think that our 2010 modules are already at the latest firmware revision.

I plan to take in my 2010 LTZ 4 cyl. A6, and inquire about the 404d6 update. It seems kind of odd though that I don't find anything about it on the internet besides here.

I'm bringing mine in Sat morning for that....

I have tried all speeds city and highway and get nothing but smooth smooth smooth. I would think that our 2010 modules are already at the latest firmware revision.
Mine definitely has a few jerks, not counting me.

Well got my car back today from the dealership. I had two things addressed. My steering noise and the reflash. They replaced the steering rack and intermediate shaft and the steering noises I was getting are gone. They also did the reflash. My car was built in 3/08 and when they hooked it up about 5 updates came up for the 3.6/A6. Took like 80 minutes to upload all the updates. I also was told it might take about 50-100 miles for the car to "learn" all the changes. I only have put about 20 miles on it, but here is what I can tell....

The hard 1-2-1 jerking you sometimes get when you slow down and then go, is gone.

The car downshifts better now, not as much lag and you don't have to stab the throttle as hard.

When you get on it the shifts are much firmer then before. But still smooth when driven normally.

The drivetrain vibrations are better, but not gone. I get a slight vibration in two areas. One is when I get on the interstate and go from 40-80 I get some vibrations that sometimes take a few miles to clear up. It isn't that bad, but I can tell. That is not gone, but it seems to clear up quicker. Also I get the common 45-55 vibrations. That when I first left didn't seem to be any different but as I drove more and the car had a few times to go up and down the gears etc it seemed to get better and better. I just took is out again and stayed in the 40-65 range for miles and it is pretty smooth.

So all in all the reflash will not 100% eliminate the drivetrain vibration/shifting issues, but it does stop some and make others much better. So IMO it is worth it for sure.

Another update:

Have about 200 miles on it now. Shifting is MUCH better....as for the drivetrain vibrations, they are better but at some speeds still there a little. But not too noticeable. So I still would recommend the reflash. Will make the tranny shifting issues just about go away and will help with the drivetrain vibrations a little too....

On a side note, since they replaced my rack and shaft my steering is so much better too. No noises at all!

Another update:

Have about 200 miles on it now. Shifting is MUCH better....as for the drivetrain vibrations, they are better but at some speeds still there a little. But not too noticeable. So I still would recommend the reflash. Will make the tranny shifting issues just about go away and will help with the drivetrain vibrations a little too....

On a side note, since they replaced my rack and shaft my steering is so much better too. No noises at all!
Do you have a programming code for us? Thanks for the good report!

Do you have a programming code for us? Thanks for the good report!

No sorry, the service ticket just said "installed updated ECU software"

When they punch in your VIN the computer will tell them what you car needs....

I'm hoping that down the road they do more updates to improve the drivetrain vibrations even more. I'm just happy that it is better now, and that my A6 shifts perfect now.

Well, I got my 2010 LTZ 4 cyl, A6 updated. I'm still getting some nasty jerks when driving slow and accelerating. Otherwise it seems better.

Maybe I am off base here, but I had a tire shop mount my winter tires, the guy said they removed the clips which are only needed to hold the brake calipers in place, until the wheels are installed, otherwise they could come loose while shaking down the production line. These clips could cause the wheel to wobble. At first I wasn’t sure what he meant, but then I remembered when in installed my splash guards last spring; and had to remove the rear wheels, I noticed what I thought were washers to keep the wheel even, so I made sure the wheels were mounted exactly the same as they were before removing. My winter tires are smooth, but I never had a vibration problem with the summer steel wheels. So I wonder if any vibration problem would be solved by removing the clips, assuming they shouldn’t be there in the first place?

I think you meant rotors, not calipers. Those thin washers that hold the rotor in place have little weight to them and being close to the axis of spin, they should not affect balance greatly.
But for them to cause the wheel to wobble, there is something different about that wheel design. The OE likely have an area around the stud hole that is able to slip over that washer. That removed area is not because of the washer but more to control the pressure point against the rotor once the nuts are tightened. And improperly tightening the nuts is the number one reason for warped rotors. Without applying the tightened nut pressure away from the edge of the stud hole in the rotor you would also see more warped rotor problems.

No sorry, the service ticket just said "installed updated ECU software"

When they punch in your VIN the computer will tell them what you car needs....

I'm hoping that down the road they do more updates to improve the drivetrain vibrations even more. I'm just happy that it is better now, and that my A6 shifts perfect now.

I'm glad you've seen an improvement.
Erratic TCC shudder seems to have been a GM problem for a long time. I remember testing a 80's Cutlass Cierra that when the TCC actuated it did it with a slam and shuddered, vibrated with decreasing impact till it ceased. It was so violent that the whole dash jumped like it was going to leave the vehicle. End of test drive.
There are a lot of factors used to calculate when the computer sends the signal to the tranny to engage TCC. There in the tranny a solenoid enables fluid flow that starts the rest of the process for engagement. The actual flow of fluid to the clutch is affected by pressure inside the tranny which also changes and can be modified/modulated inside the tranny by valving and port sizing as it flows to the clutch. And then there is the release side of the equation which can be handled differently by having one way flow valves forcing that release fluid through different circuitry.

Perhaps some of the variation as to speed that some are reporting could be connected to which transmission, 4 or 6 speed. Every 4 speed I've experienced seems to apply TCC at around 40 MPH. My experience with the 6 indicates that TCC usually occurs about 50 MPH, or slightly less if no acceleration is detected. But I don't have the exact patterns for 6 speed and could be misinterpeting a shift as TCC lock. That is why I'd really like to see specs concerning shift ranges and TCC lock patterns.
Silver, I have to wonder if the vibrations you still feel are at all related to shift or TCC issues.
You might want to ride as passenger to see if sensation changes. A slight vibration that would show up sometimes, I thought was coming from right front. As the passenger, I narrowed it down to the center of the vehicle. I strongly believe it is from one of the inner shaft joints. Some vehicles used a more expensive joint similar to the outer joint where there are several ball bearings riding in a cage. Many use what is called a tripod joint which only gives three points of contact for a full rotation.
The difference would be similar to the different versions in a RWD. Most Detroit vehicles used a simple U-joint at the front and rear. (There were some other types such as the shaft being fixed solid at the differential or even the shaft being enclosed.) Higher end vehicles used a double joint sytem with a special spider between which was know as a CV (constant velocity) joint to get rid of vibration caused by the constant acceleration and deceleration of the shaft at the joint because of the arch radius it was moving through. And there was another system used primarily on imports where the shaft was two sections. By keeping the angle at the tranny fixed and to a maximum amount the vibration and noise was kept to a lower level in the passenger compartment. Midway to the back was a bracket where a second set of U-joints were located and the shaft was mounted in rubber isolators. Either of those two better systems were great for quiet or vibration. If you sensed something you could bet a part was going bad.

I would like to know if you think the vibration could be the inner joints or if it is coming from farther out.

I just joined this group specifically because of this issue. I have a 2010 LTZ with the 3.6L V6, 6 speed AT, 18" wheels, and Goodyear LS2 tires. It was built in July 2009 in Kansas City, KS. My car definitely has this problem. I get vibration/shudder/shake starting at about 40 MPH and and peaking at 52 MPH. After that it fades away and is mostly gone around 60 MPH. It also shows the same pattern when deccelerating, again peaking around 52 MPH. I also have problems when driving in stop and go traffic. When I get back on the gas while traveling around 15 - 20 MPH the tranny slams into a lower gear instead of picking up again smoothly. Also when I back out of the driveway and shift from Reverse to Drive, I have to wait a few seconds for it to engage otherwise it will slam into gear again. Other than this, I really like the car. I should point out that I live in the desert and most of our roads are very smooth and undamaged by winter weather. It seems I may be a candidate for the reflash update but it seems that I should have a pretty current version on a 2010 model.

I have a 09 LT with 4cyl 6spd auto. It does shutter/vibrate/shake between 40-50 upon acceleration. Recently it was in the shop for something else and my brother who is a tech there said there is a update that was recently released for our tranny's. He did the update and I will say it's much improved overall, and the shutter is even less.

Talk with your dealers and let them know there is a TSB update for your car. See if it improves it.

I also have problems when driving in stop and go traffic. When I get back on the gas while traveling around 15 - 20 MPH the tranny slams into a lower gear instead of picking up again smoothly. Also when I back out of the driveway and shift from Reverse to Drive, I have to wait a few seconds for it to engage otherwise it will slam into gear again. Other than this, I really like the car. I should point out that I live in the desert and most of our roads are very smooth and undamaged by winter weather. It seems I may be a candidate for the reflash update but it seems that I should have a pretty current version on a 2010 model.
I had my 2010 LTZ, ecotec A6 re-flashed. Didn't help at all. Same problem as you have described. GM needs to do something!

Update on mine, I have done about another 1000 miles. I'd say it is 99% gone. I had the reflash done about 1500 miles ago, after it was better, but not near perfect. I guess it needs to relearn you driving techniques? But honestly, now it is amazingly better and almost perfectly vibration free, even with my 20's.

I have held an auto mechanics lisence for years but now I am an engineer, I build hot rod vehicles and I do have an above average sence for drive line issuse and feel.

My 2009 V6 6Speed LTZ does have noticable odd feeling vibrations when in higer gears with TCC engaged and light throtle. I have noticed it right from picking up the car from the dealer with 21 Km on it. Its now up to about 2000Km (1500mi) and still feels the same.

I had noticed it right from the start but though I just needed to get used to this new car. I havn't really paid too much attention to it but now that I am reading this post I just might.

Incedently I have a hot rod with V8 700R4 trans that acts the same (high gear, TCC engaged, light throtle +drive line vib. Fortunatly for that one I can add a device to keep the TCC from staying engaged when under light acceleration.

And thats exactly what I speculate about the malibu producing this vib when it does; is that the TCC should dissengage earlier with even the slightest throtle increase, the engine will be lugging or loading which will cause a resenance, Which I think is what you all describe as "a growning from the engine".

In the case of my hot rod it is a matter of a revised prom in the computer. In that year of 1988 there was 17 revised/updated proms from GM to fix "drivability" issuse like that. I see no reason why GM cannot come out with a revised prom to fix this issue in the malibu. I guess they will just have to have enough people complain about it before they do something.

In a few months time I will be running my malibu up on a dyno tester, I will see then if that produces any imformation on this problem and maybe the guys at the dyno shop can program it out.

thats my CND 2 cents worth

M1D

My 2009 V6 6Speed LTZ does have noticable odd feeling vibrations when in higer gears with TCC engaged and light throtle. I have noticed it right from picking up the car from the dealer with 21 Km on it. Its now up to about 2000Km (1500mi) and still feels the same.
M1D

I agree with you that what you are probably feeling is the TCC not disengaging when it should. Mine did the same thing but was much worse than most V6 Malibus that I drove. It would sometimes get so bad that it felt like the car was running out of gas from the bucking/shaking sensation. It would come and go in severity but was mostly felt during light acceleration or decel. The Chevy tech and I hooked up a techII controller and were able to manually control the TCC engagement. By disengaging the TCC when the car was shaking would make the shaking mostly stop. So yes, the TCC is contributing to the problem but I still think there is a deeper root cause of the problem. The drive train is very susceptible to any vibration inputs. It is very intolerant of tires that are the slightest out of round or imbalanced. It is sensitive to certain road conditions. The TCC engagement seems to be the worst contributor but all of these vibration inputs seem to feed a sympathetic resonance somewhere in the drive train. Could be as simple as a bad shock or rubber bushing in the suspension or engine mounting being out of spec. They tried the transmission reprogramming and a better brand tire that was meticulously balanced and checked for less than .020" out of round. All this helped reduce the severity but did not solve the problem. Unfortunately, after a year of this I threw in the towel and opened an arbitration case to get GM to buy back the car. I eventually won and GM took the car back. Since GM could not or would not fix the problem, I did not accept another Malibu and went with a different Chevy product for the replacement. Happily the new car is working out great and I am again a happy Chevy owner but I do miss the Bu as it was a nice car other than the vibration problem. Just to reemphasize, not all Malibu's do this. I drove a couple of cars that felt fine and in fact they almost felt like a whole different car. I am perplexed at what the real problem is and would really like to know what GM finally figures out. I hope they take my turned in car back to Detroit and tear it apart and test everything until they figure it out.

I agree with you that what you are probably feeling is the TCC not disengaging when it should. Mine did the same thing but was much worse than most V6 Malibus that I drove. It would sometimes get so bad that it felt like the car was running out of gas from the bucking/shaking sensation. It would come and go in severity but was mostly felt during light acceleration or decel. The Chevy tech and I hooked up a techII controller and were able to manually control the TCC engagement. By disengaging the TCC when the car was shaking would make the shaking mostly stop. So yes, the TCC is contributing to the problem but I still think there is a deeper root cause of the problem. The drive train is very susceptible to any vibration inputs. It is very intolerant of tires that are the slightest out of round or imbalanced. It is sensitive to certain road conditions. The TCC engagement seems to be the worst contributor but all of these vibration inputs seem to feed a sympathetic resonance somewhere in the drive train. Could be as simple as a bad shock or rubber bushing in the suspension or engine mounting being out of spec. They tried the transmission reprogramming and a better brand tire that was meticulously balanced and checked for less than .020" out of round. All this helped reduce the severity but did not solve the problem. Unfortunately, after a year of this I threw in the towel and opened an arbitration case to get GM to buy back the car. I eventually won and GM took the car back. Since GM could not or would not fix the problem, I did not accept another Malibu and went with a different Chevy product for the replacement. Happily the new car is working out great and I am again a happy Chevy owner but I do miss the Bu as it was a nice car other than the vibration problem. Just to reemphasize, not all Malibu's do this. I drove a couple of cars that felt fine and in fact they almost felt like a whole different car. I am perplexed at what the real problem is and would really like to know what GM finally figures out. I hope they take my turned in car back to Detroit and tear it apart and test everything until they figure it out.

Actually, I think you have proven that the TCC has nothing to do with the cause but only passes the problem through the drive train. Even when it is disingaged and you are in fluid drive seems to say that. Although there is some slippage, fluids do not compress.
Did he also manually shift maintaining speed to see if engine RPM was a factor?
New tires and balance? Did they put the high point of the tire opposite the high point of the wheel? That is first step in getting good balance. Second, did they use a RFB machine?
Road Force Balance was invented by Hunter because of the problem GM was having late '90's up with certain Cadilac bodies and the Olds Aurora. It was said that the bodies were much stiffer and passed the slight tire imbalance through the whole vehicle. Is the BU a stiffer body? Maybe?
The RFB machine spins the tire against a roller and pressure is applied according to the weight of the vehicle so you get a better balance, one that matches rubber on the road.
As to them tearing down the vehicle, not likely. I am in the process of doing that for steering/handling issues. I suspect the car is fixable but they threw in the towel. I was told they would wholesale it at auction. That means that someone might end up across the line having an accident. The handling issue is not consistant and varies with road surfaces which can change suddenly and frequently. Someone with similar said he was worried he get pulled for DUI. I was checked about 5 PM two weeks ago.

I finally took my Malibu in to the dealer for the first time after 30 days of shaking. The tech test drove it and verified the problem. He checked the fluid and it was clean and full. He then found a software update that is supposed to address the problem. He reprogrammed the PCM with 'Warranty code S0306'. He drove it again and pronounced it fixed. Afterwards when I drove it I still felt the vibration a few times but it appears to be much less. It also seems to have fixed the issues I was having with shifting at slow speeds. I have only driven it a few times since the reprogramming so I will let everyone know how it performs over time. From what I have seen so far, I would recommend this fix to everyone just because it improves the general drivability of the car.

I really hope I don't end up having to fight them for a year like Blue-Bu did. I am not willing to live with this problem though. I guess I'll do it if I have to.

I finally took my Malibu in to the dealer for the first time after 30 days of shaking. The tech test drove it and verified the problem. He checked the fluid and it was clean and full. He then found a software update that is supposed to address the problem. He reprogrammed the PCM with 'Warranty code S0306'. He drove it again and pronounced it fixed. Afterwards when I drove it I still felt the vibration a few times but it appears to be much less. It also seems to have fixed the issues I was having with shifting at slow speeds. I have only driven it a few times since the reprogramming so I will let everyone know how it performs over time. From what I have seen so far, I would recommend this fix to everyone just because it improves the general drivability of the car.

I really hope I don't end up having to fight them for a year like Blue-Bu did. I am not willing to live with this problem though. I guess I'll do it if I have to.

Not sure of the code, but they reflashed mine about 1500 miles ago. Like you it was better, but still there. Now, it is like 90% gone. So give it some time. I think the TCM needs to relearn your driving style. Mine is amazingly better now.

Well I have driven my car a couple hundred miles since the reflash and I can now say for sure that it did not help at all. In fact, it may be worse. The vibration comes on at a slower speed now and is almost always present. I guess I'll keep taking it in and see if they can fix it but I am not optimistic. If it does not get fixed I will start the lemon law process.

Well I have driven my car a couple hundred miles since the reflash and I can now say for sure that it did not help at all. In fact, it may be worse. The vibration comes on at a slower speed now and is almost always present. I guess I'll keep taking it in and see if they can fix it but I am not optimistic. If it does not get fixed I will start the lemon law process.

Did you have them check the tires? Many have had issues with the vibrations being caused by/worsened by the LS2's. They are known to get out of round and be hard to balance. You should have them Road Force balance all of them. On my old G6 GTP I had three, yes three bad ones the dealer replaced.

Update on mine, I have done about another 1000 miles. I'd say it is 99% gone. I had the reflash done about 1500 miles ago, after it was better, but not near perfect. I guess it needs to relearn you driving techniques? But honestly, now it is amazingly better and almost perfectly vibration free, even with my 20's.
It's been several thousand miles since the reflash. Can't tell a bit of difference.

Did you have them check the tires? Many have had issues with the vibrations being caused by/worsened by the LS2's. They are known to get out of round and be hard to balance. You should have them Road Force balance all of them. On my old G6 GTP I had three, yes three bad ones the dealer replaced.

I talked to mechanic about the LS tires and questioned him specifically because of comments I've seen in forums.
Supposedly the LS2 are better.
He claimed the problem starts because of underinflation resulting in scalloping of the tread. He advised to make sure they are properly inflated and rotated at recommended intervals.
I have no personal experience with that tire. I did notice they also came on some Impala.
Just passing info. Yes Silver, I agree about trying RFB. I don't know current rates, but RFB was higher than lifetime balance. Maybe someone offers a lifetime RFB. It should not be much more for quality tires and properly aligned vehicle. You might not need it done a second time.

Yes, I am going to have them fully check out the tires. I have also heard there may be some problems with engine mounts and stabilizer too, so I will ask them to check that. The discouraging thing is that I have not heard from anyone yet that had this issue and had it completely resolved. (aside from making them buy the car back)

Last night I drove it with 4 people in it and it seemed even worse.

I talked to mechanic about the LS tires and questioned him specifically because of comments I've seen in forums.
Supposedly the LS2 are better.
He claimed the problem starts because of underinflation resulting in scalloping of the tread. He advised to make sure they are properly inflated and rotated at recommended intervals.
I have no personal experience with that tire. I did notice they also came on some Impala.
Just passing info. Yes Silver, I agree about trying RFB. I don't know current rates, but RFB was higher than lifetime balance. Maybe someone offers a lifetime RFB. It should not be much more for quality tires and properly aligned vehicle. You might not need it done a second time.

On my old G6 GTP the NEW LS2's were bad. They didn't get bad, they came like that.

Also, if your still under warranty and complaining of a vibrations, the dealer should RFB your tires for free. They did my old cars a few times.

The discouraging thing is that I have not heard from anyone yet that had this issue and had it completely resolved.

As I have said before, mine is for the most part.

I have driven almost 2000 miles since the reflash. I just took a 250 mile trip today. I was on all kinds of roads, speeds ranging from 0-85. I was TRYING to find any vibrations, and all I could notice was a little vibration from the throttle pedal which I noticed on my old G6 GTP that also had the adjustable pedals. Which is most likely me being too sensitive and uber picky now. The vibrations I was getting from 45-up are basically gone. I might get a little one here and there, but it most likely is the road or the transmission lugging a little or something like that. I used to get a noticeable, constant vibration around 55 all the time. That is gone. And the odd, very hard sparatic shifting is gone too.

All I had done is the reflash. So if it wasn't that the only other thing it could be is the fact I changed the wheels and tires. But that was well before I did the reflash.

So in summary, I had the reflash done. While it was not a help at first, now about 2000 miles later the cars hard shifting and odd, very noticeable to me vibrations are nearly gone. Maybe I just got lucky?

As I have said before, mine is for the most part.

So in summary, I had the reflash done. While it was not a help at first, now about 2000 miles later the cars hard shifting and odd, very noticeable to me vibrations are nearly gone. Maybe I just got lucky?

The vibration seems to fit my description of what I felt and believe to have been inner CV shaft joints. I have not noticed that vibration for awhile, but still have handling issues which can't seem to be nailed down. Varying road surfaces have a large effect, but this should not be a problem for a properly functioning vehicle.
As to the shift issue, you are likely correct concerning that there is some learning involved. My previous vehicle had something called garage shift which involved engagement from park or neutral. Many owners had issue with it suddenly starting to slam into gear. I don't know that anyone ever learned the reason, but there was a relearn procedure that seemed to work for those who had it. I never had the problem.
But I have heard claims that noise on data lines can confuse computer. That is stray spikes can be misinterpreted as data fed back to computer. And although likely very rare, actually make the computer think it is being reprogrammed and mess it up.
Knowing that vehicle also had the issue of missing diodes from the cooling fan circuit and the one I owned had the fix done, it at least points to a commonality between vehicles. I'm not saying the missing diodes on a Malibu are at fault, but they might be.

Hi guys, the last couple of days my car has been vibrating in the steering wheel when I engage the brakes! Do ya'll thinks its the brakes or tires? it just started doing it my tires were or are set at 41 psi mainly on ls2 tires.

Hi guys, the last couple of days my car has been vibrating in the steering wheel when I engage the brakes! Do ya'll thinks its the brakes or tires? it just started doing it my tires were or are set at 41 psi mainly on ls2 tires.

If your steering wheel is vibrating when you brake you probably warped your rotors. Get then resurfaced. Also, 41 psi is WAY to high.

Hi guys, the last couple of days my car has been vibrating in the steering wheel when I engage the brakes! Do ya'll thinks its the brakes or tires? it just started doing it my tires were or are set at 41 psi mainly on ls2 tires.

If your steering wheel is vibrating when you brake you probably warped your rotors. Get then resurfaced. Also, 41 psi is WAY to high.

As long as that is 41 HOT, it should be ok. If that is 41 cold then that has to be about 47-48 and that is way too high.

i've called the dealer and they stated that brakes are not part of the warranty is this true I thought they were!:mad:

How many miles do you have on the car?

Ok I tested my car. It seem I get the vibration when traction control is ON. If I turn off the traction control OFF I get a very smooth ride. Also this am (2-23-10) I noticed a very heavy vibration when backing up with traction control ON.

-- My take is Traction Control is more trouble than its worth.
-- Also I get better gas MPG with traction off -- try it.

How many miles do you have on the car?

Ball, I have 33000 miles on my car!

As long as that is 41 HOT, it should be ok. If that is 41 cold then that has to be about 47-48 and that is way too high.

41 hot is still too high, that is maybe 37/38 cold which will make the tire wear more on the inside. Plus kill the ride. GM recommennds 30-32 cold, 34-35 hot.

Ball, I have 33000 miles on my car!

You really thought with 33,000 miles the dealer would cover your brakes?

Ok I tested my car. It seem I get the vibration when traction control is ON. If I turn off the traction control OFF I get a very smooth ride. Also this am (2-23-10) I noticed a very heavy vibration when backing up with traction control ON.

-- My take is Traction Control is more trouble than its worth.
-- Also I get better gas MPG with traction off -- try it.

This is a new one....
Don't see how that is possible, sounds to me you have an issue with your TC.

As for the better MPG's with TC off, again, don't see how unless it's cutting in all the time cutting fuel and turning fuel back on over and over.

Ball, I have 33000 miles on my car!Then its under warranty. Complain again and if they dont fix it find another dealer. You have a 3yr/36k mile warranty.

41 hot is still too high, that is maybe 37/38 cold which will make the tire wear more on the inside. Plus kill the ride. GM recommennds 30-32 cold, 34-35 hot.

GM recommends it for the CAR. Every tire (I think to date there has been 6) on the Malibu is recommended to run at 32 PSI by the door sticker. Now, are we to believe that EVERY tire is the same and should run at the same PSI and that every tire reacts the same? Of course not.

On the LS2's 32 PSI is WAY too low. It makes the tire marshmellow and causes VERY uneven wear as evidenced by my tires on my LTZ. I then bumped it up to around 34 PSI COLD (around 38 PSI warm) and the car is a different car than before. There is far more feedback from the car and it doesnt ride like a 90 Cadillac.

The LS2 has a max PSI rating of 44 PSI. Many tire manufacturers recommend that the tire reach a warm PSI that is within 10% of the max. On the LS2 that is around 38-40 PSI warm. :D

Then its under warranty. Complain again and if they dont fix it find another dealer. You have a 3yr/36k mile warranty.



GM recommends it for the CAR. Every tire (I think to date there has been 6) on the Malibu is recommended to run at 32 PSI by the door sticker. Now, are we to believe that EVERY tire is the same and should run at the same PSI and that every tire reacts the same? Of course not.

On the LS2's 32 PSI is WAY too low. It makes the tire marshmellow and causes VERY uneven wear as evidenced by my tires on my LTZ. I then bumped it up to around 34 PSI COLD (around 38 PSI warm) and the car is a different car than before. There is far more feedback from the car and it doesnt ride like a 90 Cadillac.

The LS2 has a max PSI rating of 44 PSI. Many tire manufacturers recommend that the tire reach a warm PSI that is within 10% of the max. On the LS2 that is around 38-40 PSI warm. :D
Rotors and pads are NOT covered by the 3/36 past 5000 miles. It is up to the dealer if they wanna be "nice". At 33,000 miles if he has warped rotors they do not have to cover it.

EDIT: I checked the book, it says up to 7500 miles. Still, nowhere near 33,000.


I've never ran over 35 cold, and I don't plan to. To each there own I guess. Plus I have 35's, they ride perfect at 32 cold.

Rotors and pads are NOT covered by the 3/36 past 5000 miles. It is up to the dealer if they wanna be "nice". At 33,000 miles if he has warped rotors they do not have to cover it. While true with the brake PADS the discs themselves should be covered as they are not a wear item. It all depends on your servicing dealer.


Only thing it says is not covered is pads/linings. Im assuming that the linings are on hybrids because that is the only reference I find to them.

Again, just up to your dealer on which way they interpret the warranty wording.

While true with the brake PADS the discs themselves should be covered as they are not a wear item. It all depends on your servicing dealer.


Only thing it says is not covered is pads/linings. Im assuming that the linings are on hybrids because that is the only reference I find to them.

Again, just up to your dealer on which way they interpret the warranty wording.

I just checked, it says "pads and rotors 7500 miles".

If the rotors just need resurfacing, they should cover that. if the rotors are shot, I doubt they will.

I just checked, it says "pads and rotors 7500 miles".

If the rotors just need resurfacing, they should cover that. if the rotors are shot, I doubt they will.

Where? I looked on the GM and Chevy site and find nothing that state that. Maybe I just missed it.

Where? I looked on the GM and Chevy site and find nothing that state that. Maybe I just missed it.

In the warranty card that came in the bag with the owners manual, XM & OnStar junk.:D

In the warranty card that came in the bag with the owners manual, XM & OnStar junk.:D

Ahh, only place I didnt look. HAHA

I just checked, it says "pads and rotors 7500 miles".

If the rotors just need resurfacing, they should cover that. if the rotors are shot, I doubt they will.

I read on the forum where they has a TSB on brake vibration issues with the malibu don't remember if its for 08 or 09 models. I have the TSB numbers for the dealer to look up hopfully this works:D

If your steering wheel is vibrating when you brake you probably warped your rotors. Get then resurfaced. Also, 41 psi is WAY to high.

This is indeed a strange one with the TC taking part. I would suggest finding out if his vehicle has the diodes on cooling fan circuit. At the very least there is a known connection to failure of ABS.
If indeed there is a connection to something in TC I'd push for new rotors and make aboslutely sure the nuts are properly torqued every time!!!Q!

As to PSI, that is not just high but dangerously high. Tires are meant to absorb some of the shock. My LT2 calls for 30 PSI.
On cold days they will warm to about 32 and on hot days to about 34. Under either temp, if they rise beyond that the ride gets harsh.
Mine also has the most common tire used on BU's.
Trying to order original parts related to suspension, I see where there are 2 to 3 different for springs, struts available. Some of it was by RPO code so I have no way of matching exactly to which equipment.
And the same is true for oe tire size. Seems the only way of knowing is the sticker.
I still strongly suspect that handling issues are related to alignment, in particular the cross camber of front. At 6000 miles, what wear I see at shoulders of tire will not be corrected with a rotation but only continue to wear in the same way. Also I am now starting to feel some torque steer and suspect it is tire wear changing the contact patch, further indicating improper alignment.
I did note that alignment printouts were not an exact match to this vehicle and therefore wonder what the correct specs are?
Also, with older RWD vehicles, I had some mechanics crank in extra camber because they had lots of customers that did not drive on flat roads and they complained of pulling. Only when I had them crank that back out did the car handle as I expected. Straight on flat road and of course some pulling according to how much crown.
One person voiced his complaint of EPS as under-powered. There are times when that might be judged a true statement but I don't have a way of verifying that is the exact condition.
But it does give rise to the question, "Did GM crank in extra camber to the right front because that would be a common complaint of those driving on crowned roads, especially with a weak EPS?"
Sort of like Toyota bragging they saved megabucks by replacing carpet matts and accelerator pedals instead of researching and fixing the real problem.
BTW, how much of Toyota currently own? I know it peaked around 70% and that GM sold off chunks when they were in financial need, long before their current woes. For all I know, Maybe Toyota now owns chunks of GM.

when i get going fast it starts but after a while it stops.

when i get going fast it starts but after a while it stops.

Fill us in a little more.

Like I said, some have had good luck, and some no luck with the reflash.

You might wanna try that, mine is WAY better since I did the reflash.

when i get going fast it starts but after a while it stops.

If this is the first part of the day, then I'd suspect flat spot tires. As you drive they warm up and return to round.

Also might be related to CV joints. Depending upon thickness of grease somewhat. I've seen some that is like a really heavy oil and some that is very stiff and clingy.
If it settles to the low side of joint, it might take some time for it to redistribute evenly.

Is that possibly what you have?

If this is the first part of the day, then I'd suspect flat spot tires. As you drive they warm up and return to round.



Very common, especially with low profile tires.

Hi, All

This a poll about an issue that seems to exist in 08-09 Chevy Malibus.
The problem is prominent and annoying vibration/shudder on light acceleration in 40-50 mph range of speed. It also may be accompanied with a rumbling engine tone.

Here is a long running thread with all the details available at this point: http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=906

GM has not acknowledged the problem yet. Typically people get a technician or service adviser to acknowledge the unusual vibration to the point of contacting the GM rep on the phone, but unfortunately it ends right there with "it's normal" type of response.

I am posting this poll the second time because the we decided to change the poll options to provide more info. So, if you already voted in the old poll PLEASE VOTE AGAIN. Please do that as a personal favor to those of us who have been stuck with a brand new car with a problem and no resolution in sight.

If you can, please also supply details about your vehicle such as trim level, plant it was build on (Fairfax or Orion), build date and the current mileage.

Thank you very much to all!

PS If case you own 2 cars and one of them has the problem, please vote for that car.

My 2009 LTZ has vibrated since I purchased. Two tires were found to be defective and GM replaced. Vibrations below 50 mph stopped. Vibrations above 60 mph continued even after tires were "forced balanced". Car now has 2200 miles. Dealer to re-evalute this week. Any ideas as to problem?

Very common, especially with low profile tires.

What my years of experience have taught me about flat spotting from sitting is a number of things.
Temperature is a big factor.
Some tires dislike the temperature change more than others.
If the vehicle sits for a long time, several days, it might take longer for it to get round again.

I can see how low profiles might be worse since there is less sidewall to give, but then that might also be interpretted as less area to hold the deform. But I also suspect they might not warm up as quickly since there is less flexing. But as I mentioned, some tire brands/models are worse than others.

I think this thread needs to be "redone". Since it started some of the causes have been found, and some cures have been made as well. It is so long that most don't read through the whole thing and many questions are getting asked over and over.

Anyone agree?

I second that motion, Silver:D

yes, I have been trying to find the information about the reflash but on the 19 previous pages is hard to find it, I took my car to a dealership and they said only recalls show up and they didnt knew anything about the tranny reflash...

yes, I have been trying to find the information about the reflash but on the 19 previous pages is hard to find it, I took my car to a dealership and they said only recalls show up and they didnt knew anything about the tranny reflash...

They say that because they are lazy. They can plug the car in, and enter the VIN and the machine will know what updates your car can take.

After the dealer replaced all of the tires my Malibu is still shaking/shuddering. I did some more testing. While the car was shaking I shifted gears and/or put the tranny in neutral. I found that the shaking did not change when I did either of these things. I always thought it might be a TCC or tranny problem, but if it was, it should disappear when it is in neutral. The problem seems slightly different after the new tires were installed so I wonder if they may be the problem. I asked Chevrolet to put a different brand of tires on the car but they won't do that. I'd like to find out for sure but I'm not willing to buy the tires myself.

After the dealer replaced all of the tires my Malibu is still shaking/shuddering. I did some more testing. While the car was shaking I shifted gears and/or put the tranny in neutral. I found that the shaking did not change when I did either of these things. I always thought it might be a TCC or tranny problem, but if it was, it should disappear when it is in neutral. The problem seems slightly different after the new tires were installed so I wonder if they may be the problem. I asked Chevrolet to put a different brand of tires on the car but they won't do that. I'd like to find out for sure but I'm not willing to buy the tires myself.

I can tell you that, at least on my car it was not the tires. Because even after I added the 20's it did it. My car never did it as bad as some of you guys say though. My car only got better with the reflashes, and time....now as I have said before it is nearly gone.

By the way, even with the car is neutral the tranny is still spinning so that doesn't really knock out that as a possible problem area.

How many miles are are your car? My car was at its worst from about 4000-11000 or so, and now, when it is pretty smooth I have 16000 on it.

My car has about 2800 on it, 1000 since the reflash. It is not getting any better with more miles or more LS2 tires. Not sure what's next. I'll be calling Chevy back tomorrow to let them know there is no improvement.

Please see this new thread so we can start to update this.

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3834

Thanks!