2009 Chevrolet Malibu: engine overheating

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · NJ

My vehicle can overheat at times and the thermostat won’t work. That’s during the summer and winter so the temperature could rise above normal and I wouldn’t know because of the electric problems. It’s happened too many times to count. The ESC sign comes on across the dash for me letting me know there are issues with power steering and traction. I can drive on my way to work and on the highway and it happens randomly. It’s dangerous and scary I have to pull over on the side of the road to turn it off and on. Sometimes more than three to four times before it acts normal again. I tried to go to GM because my car has the symptoms of the cars being repaired in the recalls. But I’m told there are none for my car but yet the car still locks on me. It jumps too as it’s accelerating.

Filed Oct 18, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 185,200 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that they had to replace the headlights an excessive amount of times. The contact stated that replacement headlights were needed an average of once or twice a year. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the wiring harness that was connected to the headlights was faulty, would overheat, and burn out, causing the headlights to fail. The wiring harness had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there was no recall regarding the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 185,200.

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Electrical · 112,000 miles · KY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the front driver's seat heating system failed, causing the front driver's seat to overheat and cause two burnt holes. In addition, the contacts jacket burned due to the failure. There were no injuries sustained. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed May 12, 2017 · Lights · 78,000 miles · KS

The chmsl - center high mount stop light (3rd LED brake light) works for a short period until it overheats or not at all failing to illuminate. It is not an wiring issue but the LED unit itself. Note - this issue is not associated to the bcm (body control module) gm is addressing. I have notice this is an issue not only with my individual car but several others I have seen on the road of same make/module-generation and corresponding model/year plus also mentioned in forums. I feel this is an very important safety feature that should not fail given it is an LED lighting system to assist in preventing rear end collisions. Once the warranty period expires, gm will not cover and is up to the individual to cover costs to replace/repair and is required to work for some states safety inspections. Led lighting units like this should not fail, should be addressed by the car manufacturer for repair/replace costs and not passed on to the consumer. Pictures can be provided if requested.

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · IL

I had a headlight go out over a year ago, had to pay 300$ to get it replaced (new design.... Makes everything complicated, thanks gm!). Not even 3 months later, same headlight out again (passenger). My mechanic noticed water in the light compartment (condensation) which he says will cause them to overheat and die. Got the light changed again, hoping avoiding car-washes was the solution. Nope. Out again. And then on again! And now out again for the past 4 months. I haven't had the money to get it fixed and by the grace of god I have not gotten a ticket. The brights both work!!!! I believe it is a wiring problem, and judging from the internet this problem seems frequent enough to warrant a recall. Note: there have been numerous electrical problems on this car, but I would like to focus on this one getting recalled.