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2009 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems

172 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,000.

owner complaints
172
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
95,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Brake lights
    13
  • Headlights
    4
  • Turn signal
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu lights problems in other years

199720002005201020152023

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 94

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · 85,000 miles · WI

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Mar 4, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · 170,000 miles · PA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · MI

I have a 2009 chevy malibu that is under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Nov 21, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NY

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.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · 104,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 25, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 104,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that in 2017 the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Apr 19, 2022 · Lights · 181,326 miles · TX

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.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Lights · 120,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Jul 7, 2021 · Lights, Wheels · SC

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.

Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu lights

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu have lights problems?

Owners have filed 172 complaints about the lights of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu lights?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most lights problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most lights complaints are 2000 (241 complaints), 2012 (202 complaints) and 2010 (195 complaints).

Other 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 769Electrical 368Driver assistance 264Brakes 153Transmission 121Acceleration 73Engine 70Airbags 63Locks 56Fuel system 34Body 31Seats 30Visibility 23Wheels 21Suspension 11Seat belts 7Tires 6

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