2009 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

While driving at night with the lights on, the rear taillights are bright all the time. when you press the brake pedal, the rear taillights go dim or completely dark. brake lights are working opposite what they should be doing. Fixed once with local mechanic. Fixed second time at dealership with a 'technical service bulletin' and now it is having the same problem for third time.

NHTSA complaint #11622953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the lights became inoperable. When the brake pedal was released, the lights returned to normal functionality. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to engage as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The dealer informed the contact the recall repair was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11606468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light failed to illuminate intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light would randomly illuminate while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light was defective. Additionally, the local dealer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) was previously performed on the vehicle and that the repair was one-time free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11575379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have a 2009 chevy malibu that is under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000. The recall fix on this vehicle was performed but did not fix the issue and when contacting the local gm dealerships (multiple ones) I was told that the recall was closed on this vehicle and they refused to help at all. this is a very deadly issue the brake lights staying on until you press the brake pedal then they go out when stopped can cause a fatal accident these vehicles need to be properly fixed or repurchased by GM. this is a recurring issue with these vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11561759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Having problems with my rear stop lights, traction control/ indicator light, ECS/ indicator light. When driving center brake light remains on but when I need to apply brakes they go off, lights on dashboard have been on since I purchased the vehicle which were never addressed the only light addressed was the check engine light. All other issues were voided being that they let me drive down to N.C. knowing it would void my warranty with them after putting 1 thousand miles on the vehicle without notication to me.

NHTSA complaint #11556239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the starter and PCV hose were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #11492633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that in 2017 the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the brake lights would illuminate randomly without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who added di-electric grease to the harness, replaced the brake harness, replaced the position sensor, and inspected the brake light. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer approximately 7 times since the recall repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #11490852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights would illuminate briefly but for a shorter period than the normal time duration. Additionally, the brake lights would illuminate spontaneously without depressing the brake pedal. The electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the driver’s side lock would malfunction causing the door to remain locked. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,326.

NHTSA complaint #11461309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the ESC and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact continued driving to his residence. The contact was informed that while pulling into the driveway, the brake lights were not operational. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake sensor and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11440814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The passenger front light stops working no matter his w many times I fix it. Replaced bulb 3 times within two weeks. Works for 1-2 days then stops. Everyone I know who has a Malibu is having the same problem. The right wheel rubs and makes noise. No matter how many times I have it fixed, no matter how many times I replace the noise continues. Mechanic cannot figure out why.

NHTSA complaint #11423827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in, and repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). After the vehicle was repaired, the ESP system with the warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the braking system activated without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, on occasions, the brakes failed to operate as intended with the brake pedal depressed. The contact stated that the brakes functioned opposite to what was intended. The failure was intermittent but started occurring more frequently. The contact contacted the local dealer who confirmed the failure however, the dealer was not able to do the repair under the recall. The contact was informed that in 2017 the manufacturer released information for a special coverage regarding the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

NHTSA complaint #11420237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN WHILE IDLING. IT GETS HARD TO STEER WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON. THE LIGHT ABOVE OUR HEADS DON'T WORK. THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE WE'RE DRIVING WHEN I'M NOT PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. THE TIRE PRESSURE DON'T WORK TO LET US KNOW HOW MUCH AIR IS IN THE TIRE AND THE TIRE CAUTION LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE FRONT FENDER ON THE BOTTOM IS BROKE. WE JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE LAST MONTH

NHTSA complaint #11413851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE HAD RECURRING AND CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS IN THIS CAR. I'VE ALREADY HAD THE PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT "FIXED" BETWEEN 3 AND 4 TIMES. THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM IS OUT AGAIN AS OF 2 DAYS AGO. AS FAR AS THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, MY TRUNK POP BUTTON DOESN'T WORK, THE RR PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR DOESN'T LOCK, AND I SOMETIMES HAVE TROUBLE GETTING ANY OF THE BUTTONS ON MY DASH TO WORK TO CHANGE OR CONTROL ANYTHING IN THE CAR. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BUTTONS ON MY STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR HAS JUST OVER 70,000 MILES ON IT. THE HEADLIGHT BEING OUT IS ALWAYS AN ISSUE WHEN I'M DRIVING. I GOT PULLED OVER TWICE THE OTHER NIGHT BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT WAS OUT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM - I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH AND I KNOW THAT LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR INVOLVED TO EVEN ACCESS THE HEADLIGHT. IT'S MADDENING TO HAVE WASTED A LOT OF MONEY TO NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED. I'VE HAD THE BULB REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, NEW PIGTAILS INSTALLED AND EVEN REMOVED THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS CONNECTION FROM THE FUSE BOX BECAUSE I READ THAT HAVING THAT CONNECTED MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE. EVEN THAT DIDN'T WORK. CHEVY NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. 2 WORKING HEADLIGHTS IS A BASIC NEED TO DRIVE A CAR. TO HAVE THIS CONSTANT ISSUE IS RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA complaint #11388985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

POWER OF STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON JUST TO GET IT TO STEER AGAIN. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOTS OR DRIVING SLOW OR TURNING. MY HEADLIGHTS WIRING HARNESS HAS A SHORT IN IT AND ONE OF MY LIGHTS CUTS OFF AND ON THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE I'M DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11387093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PASSENGER LOW BEAM BULB REPEATEDLY BURNS OUT. LASTS FOR LESS THAN A DAY.

NHTSA complaint #11374610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

FOR YEARS NOW I HAVE HAD A FEW ISSUES. ONE OF WHICH IS THE LOCKS WITH IN THE VEHICLE. AT ONE POINT ONE LOCK WOULDNT BE RECOGNIZED BY THE FOB OR INTERNAL LOCKING MECHANISM AND THEN EVENTUALLY ALL LOCKS WOULD BE UNRESPONSIVE. I NOW HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK ALL DOORS. SECOND ISSUE IS THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. IT APPEARS THAT IT WANTS TO WORK WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. I TYPICALLY SEE IT WORKING IN EARLY MORNINGS WHEN ITS COLD, AND THEN EVENTUALLY IT DIMS OUT AND COMPLETELY STOPS WORKING. I HAVE NOTICED THIS IN OTHER MALIBU'S THAT I SEE DRIVING AND I HAVE READ ON MANY OTHER FORUMS THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES EXIST. I REALLY WISH THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR BOTH OF THESE. THIRD, IM ROUGHLY 200LBS SOAKING WET AND FOR WHATEVER REASON THE SEAT BRACKET THAT IS USED TO LIFT AND TILT HAS BROKE. MY DRIVER SEAT NOW LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND I CAN NO LONGER LIFT IT UP BECAUSE OF THIS.

NHTSA complaint #11355710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

POWERSTEERING KEEPS GOING IN AND OUT. HEADLIGHTS GO IN AND OUT. IVE GOTTEN THOSE REPLACED THREE TIMES! I ALSO HAD SOME OF THE WIRING REPLACED FOR MY LIGHTS. I FORGOT WHAT THOSE ARE CALLED AND MY LIGHTS STILL WENT OUT. LOCK BUTTONS NOT WORKING. RADIO WASNT WORKING UNTIL I REPLACED A FUSE. SPEAKERS GO IN AND OUT. CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. MY BATTERY WENT DEAD ,SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR STILL DIDNT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #11355434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE REPEATEDLY REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB. ONCE I DID IT 3 TIMES IN TWO MONTHS. WHEN THEY WENT OUT THEY WOULD GO OUT SOMETIMES AND THEN COME BACK ON THE NEXT DAY AND GO OUT AGAIN. THE FOURTH TIME I TOOK OFF THE ENTIRE BUMPER TO CHANGE THE LIGHT (BECAUSE THE RIDICULOUS DESIGN OF THE CAR REQUIRES YOU TO DO THIS) THE LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS REMOVING THE LAMP FROM ITS PLACE IN TO BUMPER I LEFT IT IN AND PUT THE LIGHT BACK IN (AND THE BUMPER BACK ON) IT WORKED FOR ONE DAY AND WENT OUT AGAIN. I DECIDED TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT AFTER FINDING A WEBSITE WHERE I WENT TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. AT THAT WEBSITE, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I WAS HAVING, ALL BUT ONE WERE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I REALIZE IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH ONLY ONE LAMP, BUT THE FREQUENCY OF THE PROBLEM MAKES IT TIME AN COST PROHIBITIVE TO CONTINUALLY REPLACE THE BULB, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT GOES OUT SOON AFTER IT IS REPLACED. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING, I FELT I HAD TO DO THIS AFTER TRYING TO FIX IT AGAIN LAST WEEK. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED PERIODICALLY OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH THE MOST RECENT OCCURANCE ON JULY 8, 2020.

NHTSA complaint #11339452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TURNING RIGHT ONTO HIGHWAY WHEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY. ENDED UP IN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED. AFTER 24 HOURS THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK ON....PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAS BEEN CHANGED 4 TIMES IN 2 YEARS AND OUT AGAIN. BULB CONNECTOR WAS CHANGED AND HARNESS WAS CHANGED.

NHTSA complaint #11317256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE REPLACED 2 LOW BEAM FRONT HEADLIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT SEEMS THAT ALL THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.LOW BEAM BULB KEEPS GOING OUT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. AS THERE IS NO RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE YET EVERY MALIBU HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #11316646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHILE DRIVING MY POWER STEERING DISABLED AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE CAR THEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT WAS WORKING AGAIN. THEN IT CUT OFF AND LOCKED UP AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #11311050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICAL ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LOWER STEARING WENT OUT AND ALL THESE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. IT'S SUPER HARD TO STEER I HAVE 3 KIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS CAR EVERYDAY AND IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO MY HEADLIGHT DRIVERS SIDE HAS GONE OUT 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS AND ITS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX!

NHTSA complaint #11308112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LOW BEAM PASSENGER HEADLIGHT OUT MALFUNCTION SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINES.. REPLACED PARTS AND STILL CURRENTLY NOT WORKING! WORKS FOR LESS THAN A WEEK THEN STOPS AGAIN. LOOKED ONLINE AND IT SHOWS MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION!

NHTSA complaint #11302451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ESC TURNS OFF AND ON BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN I HAVE TO KILL THE CAR AND RESTART IT TO GET IT TO START WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I PRESS MY BREAKS THE CAR JERKS AND THE ESC ACVTIVE LIGHT COMES ON. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES IN AND OUT BY ITSELF I'VE REPLACED THE BULB BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A WIRING ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11301384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM CONTINUES TO GO OUT. I GET IT REPLACED AND IT WILL GO OUT AGAIN IN AS SHORT OF TIME AS 6 MONTHS. DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THE I INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11300098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY 09 CHEVY MALIBU LT BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING PRESSED.THEREFORE SIGNALLING TO OTHER DRIVERS THAT I AM SLOWING, WHEN IN FACT I AM NOT. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DELIBERATELY PRESSED TO INDICATE THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING, THE LIGHTS GO OUT ENTIRELY, SIGNALLING TO OTHER DRIVERS THAT I AM NOT SLOWING DOWN WHEN IN FACT I AM! THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I PARKED MY VEHICLE TODAY JANUARY 1, 2020 TO TEST THE FUNCTIONALITY OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE I WAS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, INDICATING I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ONCE THE PEDAL WAS COMPRESSED, THE REAR LIGHTS WENT OUT ENTIRELY INDICATING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT COMPRESSED. ALSO THE CRUISE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT WILL NOT INITIATE OR MAINTAIN SET SPEED CAUSING FLUCTUATIONS IN TRAVEL SPEED. SO I REFUSE TO USE THE FEATURE AS THIS TOO IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA complaint #11292426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT KEEPS FAILING. THE WIRING HARNESS KEEPS FRYING OVER AND OVER. CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE!

NHTSA complaint #11291751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

RIGHT FRONT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN NOT AT ALL. THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. PICTURES ATTACHED SHOW MELTED LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR ON THE OEM HARNESS.

NHTSA complaint #11291380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. HARNESS IS ACTUALLY MELTING CAUSING CONNECTION PROBLEMS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE A FIRE STARTS IN THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11277270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE COMING ON BY THEMSELVES AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES IT GOES OFF BUT MY BRAKE LIGHT WANT WORK AT ALL IT A BIG SAFE ISSUE

NHTSA complaint #11277031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.