2011 Chevrolet Malibu: windshield wiper failure

Filed Mar 11, 2023 · Visibility · IL

Sudden and complete loss of windshield wipers while on the interstate in a intense rain storm. Driving the vehicle became impossible and stopping on the shoulder was dangerous because other drivers were dealing with poor vision because of the intense rain and came close to hitting me several times. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION. My research found that this is not an isolated problem as multiple years and models (vans as well cars) are affected. The cause of the failure was caused by failure of the windshield wiper transmission, linkage and bushing that a part of or attached thereto.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Visibility · 175,000 miles · MI

Windshield wiper transmission has quit 2 times in 2 1/2 years. The wiper arms can be moved by hand with no resistance. Both times in heavy rain going over 55mph in the dark leaving me with no way to see the road. I had to stop quick to get on the shoulder of the road. The first time I almost got rear ended. 1st time was 12/3/15 this time was 8/17/18. I had it fixed a gm dealer that just happened to be close for $366 the first time-now again???? The equinox had a recall on this I was told. Its crazy the malibu was not included.

Filed Feb 8, 2018 · Visibility · 145,000 miles · MA

On my wiper system I was traveling in a rainstorm and the wiper transmission separated from the motor assembly at the piece attached to the motor halting the wiper assembly from clearing the window this almost caused a crash do to lack of visibility .this occurred on 2/7/2017 . Very dangerous situation please address this part malfunction, it should never separate

Filed Mar 3, 2015 · Visibility · 81,875 miles · DE

I was driving northbound on I-95 in the right lane and prior to passing the philadelphia international airport my wipers suddenly stopped functioning while they were in use. I was petrified because water was accumulating rapidly on to my windshield and the motorist whom were passing me increased the danger ten fold because their vehicles were splashing water on to my windshield as well. My visibility went down to about ten percent; however, due to the passing motorist that quickly decreased to zero making it virtually impossible to pull over safely. Furthermore, during the frightening incident I kept my composure and slowed down as much as possible to avoid an accident and for as long as possible until I could proceed to the shoulder. Following this incident my confidence in american automobiles has vanished and as a result I will no longer purchase american manufactured automobiles in the future. Moreover, for those whom might be wondering I own a 2011 chevrolet malibu it had a little less than 82,000 miles on it at the time and no there was nothing obstructing the wipers to cause them to fail at the time.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 32,000 miles · OK

At random when driving down the road the radio will switch to aux. You can touch the dash on the side or around the radio and it will go back to radio. It will also switch sometimes when you put the car in drive, or turn on windshield wipers. You have to bump the side of the dash or the area around the radio for it to switch back also there is a noise where the steering is that sounds like something is knocking around under the car, and my dash lights sometimes will wait until I have driven several blocks before they come on. The rattling or knocking noise that is heard in the front on the drivers side really bothers me that something is ready to fall off or break. In october of 2012 I also had to replace turn signal lamps on the driver side rear I wouldn't think they should go out that quick.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · AL

At random when driving down the road the radio will switch to aux. You can touch the dash on the side or around the radio and it will go back to radio. It will also switch sometimes when you put the car in drive, or turn on windshield wipers. You have to bump the side of the dash or the area around the radio for it to switch back.

Filed May 3, 2014 · Visibility · 87,200 miles · PA

I was driving at highway speed on I-95 in the rain when the windshield wipers suddenly failed. Fortunately, both the rain and traffic were relatively light and I had sufficient visibility to safely exit the highway at the next interchange. Had it happened one day later during the heavy rain, I would not have been so lucky. The failure was the result of the wiper linkage detaching itself from the wiper motor/transmission assembly due to a failure of the plastic ball joint type connector.

Filed Apr 16, 2014 · Visibility · 46,000 miles · NY

Wiper system failed during rain storm. Neither wiper blade moved. Problem was diagnosed as wiper transmission failure. Part cost $135 from the chevrolet dealer plus $150 labor to install. Complete failure of the wiper system without any warning such as slippage should not be possible. I was very lucky to be able to see enough to keep the car straight on the highway and eventually be able to change lanes and pull over.

Filed Mar 16, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 30,000 miles · MA

Check air bag light came on, then reset itself, windshield wipers on intermittent mode shut off and on again. Reported to chevy dealer, said if light wasn't on they couldn't check it, if the wipers are working properly they couldn't check it. Did this on my last oil change.

Filed Mar 7, 2011 · Visibility · 25 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the windshield wiper blades did not fully clear the window in cold weather. The contact took the vehicle to two separate dealers. The first dealer stated that the wipers were operating as designed while the second dealer stated that the rubber used for the wipers seemed to contract away from the windshield in cold weather. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 25 and the current mileage was 4,900.