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2009 Chevrolet Malibu visibility problems

23 complaints (2% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000.

owner complaints
23
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
65,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Power window devices and controls
    3
  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    1
  • Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
    1

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 visibility problems in other years

199720002005201020152024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu visibility

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

Wipers 8

Related recalls

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC systemReported December 2, 2008 · 77 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 77 my 2009 chevrolet malibu hybrid vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging system." the heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system may become inoperative. If this were to occur, the blower would not function properly and the mode selector would remain in the last known setting.
Risk
If the windshield began to fog or frost, there may not be enough airflow to clear the windshield, resulting in reduced driver visibility and a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the HVAC control head module. The recall is expected to begin on december 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V634000 · Recall details

What 2009 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Visibility · OH

Sunroof glass seperated from frame And broke

Filed May 19, 2022 · Electrical, Visibility · IL

Just bought the car and it started acting funny. The windshield wipers haven't worked almost the whole time we've had the car. We have attempted to fix them and we think the problem is fixed all for them to stop working again. So needless to say we either can't drive while it's raining or we attempt to risk ours and others lives by driving with no windshield wipers at all. Now the temperature gauge, and ac are randomly deciding to stop working. Plus the check engine light would randomly come on and off. Found that there was a recall out for these exact problems. So we took it to the dealership and they told us there's nothing they can do the recall has expired almost 3 years ago. Now we just bought the car and all this stuff started and now we're being told it's pretty much our problem because the last owner didn't stay up to date on the car and it's recalls. so I'm trying to figure out how we can still get this fixed specially since we have kids and even grandkids that ride in this car. But now as of these last few days we haven't been able to drive it at all. So we're trying to figure out how we can get the problem that is now ours and shouldn't be fixed.

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 130,000 miles · OH

Has a problem with cold start needs a jump alot, service ESC comes on with lose of traction and power steering, sensor in wheels go out often wheels sound weird when turning, headlight goes out often windshield wipers are out ,gearshift linkage has broken while trying to shift gears problem occurs both non-stationary

Filed Feb 20, 2020 · Electrical, Visibility · 153,000 miles · IN

The bcm (body control module) on my 2009 chevy malibu shorted out.. Chevy issue a recall for the same year, make on the hybrid model. I have no heat no defrosting no climate controls work at all.. All the fuses and relays are in good working condition.

Filed Apr 13, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 130,000 miles · OR

I purchased the car march 14, 2019 from a family member. The front passenger low beam headlight was not working. The prior owner stated they had taken the car in to have the light repaired at least 6 times in since 2009. April 2, 2019 I took the car to clint newell chevrolet to have the low beam headlight fixed. The problem was the wire that plugs into the light was melted. The repair cost was $172.33. On april 4, 2019 the rear passenger turn signal quit working. I replaced the bulb. April 9, 2019 the passenger tail light quit working. April 11, 2019 I replaced the bulb. As soon as that was done the front passenger low beam headlight quit working again. I checked the low beam fuse and it was fine. I cannot afford 172.00 again 9 days later for this repair. I have also found online in chevy forums, this seems to be a problem for many people that own chevrolet malibus.

Filed Dec 18, 2018 · Electrical, Visibility · 120,000 miles · KY

The windshield wipers stop for no apparent reason on the low setting. They will make approximately one full pass to clear the windshield and the stop halfway through the second in the middle of the windshield. This makes it difficult to see while driving in inclimate weather.

Filed Aug 8, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 119,000 miles · PA

Doors lock and you cant get out of or in the car even if your holding an infant child and its 3 degrees outside and I can't use the unlock button to get in and the [xxx] key wont even open the door. Its just stuck and who knows for how long sometimes in last just 3-5 mins other others going on 40 mins. The headlights have been replaced 3 times countless tail lights. I had to put replace the windhield wiper assembly that one sucked I could not operate the car for a week unless it would rain and this was happening this april when its always raining they actually quit working on fourth of the july going 70mph down interstate 79 in pouring rain. I purchased as many rain deterrents as I could try out which none last but a few mins.. Then between getting pulled over by police countless times for headlight being out and I fix it then the same one or even the other side the next week will go out just 1 month later it goes back out and that same cop stop you again and they don't believe you that it was just replaced. Then the interiour lights all of them from gauges and headlamps turn on. My car is currently telling me to service svc tire sensors and other abbreviated sensors and traction control light is on. Also and maybe the most dangerous is the cruise control malfunctions which range from only working occasionally to acceleration engages if you scroll threw screen options and use cruise control simultaneously . And sometimes my trunk will just pop open when the car starts. The plastic hub caps constantly fall off and the back of the drivers seat plastic backing has broken loose the steering colum it sounds like u joints that have worn or a hydraulic issue parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 13, 2017 · Visibility · 39,250 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the air conditioner was turned on, but the air failed to flow correctly. As a result the driver was unable to see out the windshield as it fogged up. The vehicle was taken to sullivan-parkhill automotive chevrolet & cadillac (440 w anthony dr, champaign, il 61821 (217) 352-4275) where it was diagnosed with a malfunctioning driver side actuator that needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer advised her to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact also mentioned that the manufacturer and the local dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v634000 (visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 39,250.

Filed May 12, 2017 · Electrical, Visibility · 67,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the windshield started to frost. The contact attempted to use the defroster, but the HVAC defroster failed to function. As a result, the interior windshield became foggy. The contact also stated that the control head module failed to function and failed to clear the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that she needed the proper documentation to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 75,000 miles · FL

**low beam on passenger side of vehicle** while off - unlocking with the key fob illuminates the headlamp (stationary) while on - headlamp does not work (stationary & in motion) it was thought that the bulb needed to be replaced, so it was replaced, and it has not corrected the problem.

Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu visibility

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the visibility of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 08V634000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most visibility complaints are 1998 (63 complaints), 1997 (43 complaints) and 2013 (40 complaints).

Other 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 769Electrical 368Driver assistance 264Lights 172Brakes 153Transmission 121Acceleration 73Engine 70Airbags 63Locks 56Fuel system 34Body 31Seats 30Wheels 21Suspension 11Seat belts 7Tires 6

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