MyCarTSB

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Lights Problems

56 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data

56
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2017Dec 2017
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (56)

highEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2023

Your brake lights are turning on by themselves even when you're not braking, and sometimes they don't light up at all when you press the brake pedal. When they do work, they're noticeably dimmer than normal. A dealer attempted a repair but the problem continues to happen. This issue started around 90,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11558350
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2021

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving behind the vehicle he noticed that the brake light was illuminated even though the brakes was not applied. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake light failed to illuminate. The ESC, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA #: 11430203
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2021

THIRD BREAK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. THE OTHER TWO BREAK LIGHTS HAVE NO ISSUE. I HAD THE THIRD BREAK LIGHT REPLACED AND AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF OTHE CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA #: 11397293
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2021

TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND HAVE A PROBLEM RECALL FOR TAIL LIGHTS PROBLEMS

NHTSA #: 11387426
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2020

HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF REPLACEMENT. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO TO THREE TIMES A YEAR. POOR DESIGN MEANS THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR MUST BE REMOVED TO ACCESS AND CHANGE HEADLIGHT BULBS. BULBS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MAKING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION.

NHTSA #: 11376858
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2020

HEADLIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY GO OUT. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHTS ABOUT 4 TIMES BUT THE BULB HAS NEVER BURNED OUT ON ME THE LIGHT JUST QUITS WORKING. USED TO BE THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY AND EVERY NOW AND THEN IF I HIT A BUMP OR HIT THE LIGHT MYSELF IT WOULD FLICKER BACK ON. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT HAS REFUSED TO WORK FOR A YEAR NOW. I HAVE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW LIGHT AND NEW WIRING HARNESS AND STILL WILL NOT WORK WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN I UNLOCK THE DOORS THOUGH.

NHTSA #: 11366955
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 2020

THERE IS SOME ISSUE WITH MY DRIVERS DOOR. I GO TO LOCK IT WHEN I GET OUT AND IT UNLOCKS ITSELF AND ITS ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT DOES IT. MY CAR WAS PARKED AND NOT IN MOTION. I STARTED MY CAR UP TO GO HOME AFTER WORK AND WHEN I SHIFTED MY CAR INTO GEAR THE DRIVERS DOOR DID NOT LOCK. I HAD TO DO IT MANUALLY. ON TOP OF THAT HAPPENING MY DOME LIGHT IS SET TO TURN ON AND OFF WHEN A DOOR IS OPEN. ALL OF MY DOORS ARE CLOSED COMPLETELY AND THE DOME LIGHT IS STILL ON.

NHTSA #: 11322783
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2020

MY PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. I CHANGED THE BULB AND IT STILL WASN'T WORKING. WHEN I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK, I NOTICED THE CONNECTOR WAS MELTED.

NHTSA #: 11301446
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2019

RIGHT LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT. EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE BULB WITH A NEW BULB IT WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THEN GO OFF BUT NOT BURNT OUT.

NHTSA #: 11287752
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2019

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT O PROBLEMS WITH MY LOW BEAMS I'VE CHANGED THEM 3 TIMES CHECKED OUT ALL FUSES AND WIRING SOMETIMES THEY WILL WORK MOSTLY NOT SEEN ALIT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE JUST SAYING THANK YOU

NHTSA #: 11279810
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2019

I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND IT CAUSES MY BRAKES TO ENGAGE BY THERE SELVES IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOW

NHTSA #: 11279909
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2019

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY LOW BEAMS SEVERAL TIMES. A COUPLE OF TIMES A MECHANIC REPLACED THE (MELTED AND SCORCHED) HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULB AND IT WORKS FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT EVENTUALLY ONE OF THE LIGHTS GOES OUT AGAIN. I HAVE WASTED MUCH TIME AND MONEY ON THIS ISSUE AND REALIZE I AM NOT ALONE!!!

NHTSA #: 11268010
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2019

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS SHORTING OUT AFTER BEING FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES.

NHTSA #: 11258576
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2019

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OFF. REPLACING THE BULB DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

NHTSA #: 11252426
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Apr 2019

PASSENGER HEADLIGHT KEEPS BLOWING OUT

NHTSA #: 11202607
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2019

BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON WHILE CAR IS IN PARKED AND WHILE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF

NHTSA #: 11186829
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2019

MY LOW BEAM ON MY 08 CHEVY MALIBU CONTINUOUSLY BURNS OUT AT THE CONNECTOR. HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED WHICH IS COSTLY AND SO INCONVENIENT/TIME CONSUMING. THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE IN MARCH 2018 IT IS NOW JANUARY 26 2019 AND I AM STILL DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA #: 11172280
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2018

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. REPLACED THE BULBS A FEW TIMES BUT STILL KEEP GOING OUT EVERY FEW WEEKS. IT IS HARD TO KNOW HOW AND WHEN IT GOES OUT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS PROBLEM THAT CAN HAPPEN AT NIGHT MIDDLE OF ROAD. IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND COSTLY TO REPLACE BULB EACH TIME.

NHTSA #: 11154521
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2018

MY PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT KEEP GOING OUT. MY MECHANIC HAS CHECKED EVERYTHING BULB, WIRE HARNESS WIRES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. I HAVE USED AFTERMARKET AND GM BRAND PARTS AND HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. THE LIGHT WOULD SOMETIMES COME ON WHEN HITTING A BUMP BUT NOW NOTHING. I CAN NO LONGER DEPEND ON MY VEHICLE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE LIGHT WOULD ALSO COME ON AFTER A FEW SECONDS AFTER STARTING.

NHTSA #: 11149612
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2018

HIGHBEAM HEADLIGHTS DID NOT COME RATHER CAR IS STARTED OR NOT.

NHTSA #: 11143078
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2018

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. CHANGED BULBS, WIRE ASSEMBLIES. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS.

NHTSA #: 11131970
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2018

HEAD LIGHT LOW BEAM KEEP GOING OUT AFTER CHANGING LIGHT BULBS WIRE HARNESSES

NHTSA #: 11121230
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2018

WHEN DRIVING BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUE TO STAY ON. WHEN PRESSED THEY GO OFF AND PRESSING TO FLOOR THEY COME ON BUT WHEN RELEASED AROUND 6 SECONDS LATER THEY COME ON AGAIN. WAS TAKEN TO DEALER SHIP TO BE FIXED FOR A RECALL . WORKED FOR LESS THAN A MONTH AND IT CONTINUES AGAIN. HAD BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH REPLACED AND IT STILL CONTINUES. NOW I'M GETTING THE LIGHTS COMING ON SAYING ESC OFF AND ALSO A TRACTION LIGHT. IN MY OPINION ALL CHEVY MALIBU'S SHOULD BE RECALLED AND DONE RIGHT. WORST CAR I EVER OWNED. FIX YOUR MISTAKES PLEASE. THESE THINGS I'M DESCRIBING HAPPENS ANYWHERE I'M DRIVING CONSTANTLY

NHTSA #: 11113667
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS WITHIN APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE HEADLAMPS WHERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA #: 11055443
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2017

I WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ONE DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A HEADLIGHT OUT. MAY 1ST, 2016 MY HUSBAND WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB (PASSENGER SIDE) AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ORIGINAL HEADLIGHT SOCKET ITSELF HAD COMPLETELY MELTED (IMAGES ATTACHED). I ORDERED A NEW SOCKET FOR IT, AND IT WORKED FOR A LITTLE WHILE BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN ABOUT A MONTH LATER. THEN, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AND WE DISCOVERED ONCE AGAIN THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT SOCKETS HAD MELTED (IMAGES ATTACHED). SO WE REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT SOCKETS AGAIN, AND THIS TIME THEY LASTED ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND THEY ARE BOTH OUT AGAIN AND I AM LEFT WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING.

NHTSA #: 11033096
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jul 2017

THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, BUT MAJORITY OF TIME IT DOES NOT WORK. DEALER SAYS THERE IS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL FOR IT AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHOUT IT BEING FIXED. SO HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST $500 FOR THEM TO PULL OUT BACK SEAT ETC IN ORDER TO REPLACE. THOUGHT THIS WAS COVERED IN A 2014 RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11006392
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jul 2017

THE CYCLOPS BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT ACTIVATE WITH THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS MAY BE A DANGEROUS CONDITION GIVEN ALL THE DISTRACTED DRIVERS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND CAR STATIONARY. NO RECALL CAN BE FOUND.

NHTSA #: 11005278
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: May 2017

MY RIGHT HI-BEAM HEADLIGHT HAS FAILED TWICE SINCE FEB 2017. I READ A RECALL OF CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS IN THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH..IS MINE INCLUDED?

NHTSA #: 10985667
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2017

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT CONTINUALLY GOING OUT AFTER CHANGING LIGHTBULB AND PIGTAIL. ENDED HAVING TO CHANGE ITEM THAT WAS ALREADY KNOWN BY CHEVROLET TO FAIL BUT REFUSES TO PUT IN RECALL.

NHTSA #: 10958292
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2017

THIS MODEL CHEVY KEEPS BLOWING LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS REPEATEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. A SEARCH ONLINE REVEALS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PHENOMENON. CAREFULLY REPLACED OEM BULBS BLOW WITHIN AND EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. THERE ARE NO BULBS AVAILABLE WHICH PERFORM. VOLTAGE AT BULB LISTED AT 12VDC CAN'T HANDLE THE ACTUAL VOLTAGE FROM THE RUNNING VEHICLE. NEEDS RECALL SOLUTION.

NHTSA #: 10939774
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CrashFiled: Nov 2016

FRONT END WAS WRECK, DAUGHTER LIP BUSTED , NO AIRBAG EXPLODE

NHTSA #: 10926720
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. IN 2014, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA #: 10823152
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V251000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA #: 10808029
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATE 01/15/16 MA

NHTSA #: 10789596
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2015

WAS HEADING HOME FROM WORK AND MY LOW BEAMS WOULD NOT COME ON. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK BUT LOW BEAMS WILL NOT. HIGH BEAMS WILL COME ON. SOMETIMES WITH THE HIGH BEAMS YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE SWITCH FOR THEM TO STAY ON. *TR

NHTSA #: 10671554
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2014

PASSENGER HEADLIGHT STARTED BLINKING TURNING OFF, HIT A BUMP THEN COMES BACK ON, WE CHANGED BULB AND LIGHT WORKED FOR TWO DAYS THEN WENT OUT CAME BACK ON FOR A MOMENT THEN WENT BACK OUT. THE BULBS ARE GOOD SO I SUSPECT A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE IS ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A HAZARD I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. *TR

NHTSA #: 10664580
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jun 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ERRONEOUSLY AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE DURING DECELERATION. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL, DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROLS ALSO FAILED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA #: 10605425
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jun 2014

LOW BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS NOT WORKING. REPLACE WIRE HARNESS ON BOTH LIGHTS AND LIGHT BULBS TWICE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10598700
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2014

SOMEONE FOLLOWING ME TO WORK INFORMED ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BUT WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STREET LIGHT, THEY WOULD GO OFF. NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE WARNING TO SERVICE MY TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC SYSTEM IS ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY ALL THE TIME. I GOOGLED THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE AND FOUND A RECALL FOR MY YEAR OF CAR THAT CAN CAUSE MY OTHER ISSUES. I CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD BY [XXX] THAT MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THIS AND TRANSFERRED ME TO THE NEAREST DEALER TO MAKE AN APPT FOR MY CAR REPAIRS. THE DEALER SAID THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES BUT I AM UNDER A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING RECALL! THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS BUT I CAN KEEP CALLING AND CHECKING . I THEN CALLED GM BACK SPOKE TO [XXX] WHO ADVISED THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT YET . IT IS UPCOMING SOON THEY ARE IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THIS . NO TIME FRAME WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I ASKED WHAT DO I DO IN THE MEANTIME WITH THIS UNSAFE CAR. SHE SAID I CAN GET IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I QUESTIONED IF I WOULD BE REIMBURSED ONCE THEY ISSUE THE RECALL. SHE ANSWERED NO PROMISE THEY WILL. LATER THAT DAY THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER CALLED SAYING GM TOLD HIM TO CALL ME! WE COULD MAKE AN APPT TO CHECK MY CAR, PAY OUT OF POCKET , KEEP RECEIPT , AND IF THE RECALL INCLUDES MY PARTS, I WILL BE REIMBURSED OR I CAN TRY TO HOLD OUT FOR RECALL. I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED. I'M UNDER AN ACTIVE RECALL BUT NO PART TO FIX IT AND THIS OTHER IN BEGINNING STAGES. THIS LIGHT ISSUE HAPPENED TO ME IN OCTOBER 2013. I BOUGHT A NEW BRAKE SWITCH, HAD IT REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. NOW MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE BUT ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL, ESC WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE BEST PART WHEN I ASKED [XXX] AT GM WHAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE YOU ARE DRAGGING THIS OUT. SHE REPLIED YOU SHOULD CALL US BACK AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/14/2015*JS

NHTSA #: 10598311
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2014

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITH MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I DO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT. THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE STABILITY CONTROL WILL NOT WORK. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10596687
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: May 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FLICKERED ABNORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

NHTSA #: 10595035
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2013

BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED SLIGHTLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL GO OUT. I REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL LEVER SENSOR. THIS CURED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH, NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. THE DEALER DID A PARTS WARRANTY ON THE SWITCH AND SUPPLIED AT NO CHARGE. I PICKED IT UP TODAY, BUT HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT YET. *TR

NHTSA #: 10556279
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2013

BRAKE LIGHTS ARE STAYING LIT WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO OFF. RETURNED CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10546037
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2013

BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON WHILE CAR IS MOVING ,THEN THEY GO OFF WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED OFF AND ON AGAIN PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10542895
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA #: 10536259
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2013

THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL ISN'T PRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN ORDER TO RELEARN THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. THIS AFFECTS THE TRACTION CONTROL, AS IT TURNS OFF BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T KNOW THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10532401
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2013

ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STUCK ON. I DIDN'T PAY IT ANY MIND SINCE THEN UNTIL YESTERDAY 07/01/2013. A FRIEND OF MINES WAS FOLLOWING ME HOME AND ADVISED ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE ENTIRE TIME. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T RIDING WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ON. NOW MY CAR SEEMS LIKE IT IS PULLING AND THERE IS A BURNING SMELL UNDER MY CAR. I'M NOT QUITE SURE IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE OR NOT. I DID FIND AN ARTICLE FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST THAT STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW COMPLAINTS/ISSUES REGARDING THAT. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. WHY HASN'T THEN BEEN CONSIDERED A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA #: 10522781
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2013

THIS HAS OCCURED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. WHEN DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES AND YOU HAVE TO TAP THE BRAKES TO GET THEM TO GO OUT. THEN THEY MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT GO OFF AND TOTALLY CANCELS ANY CRUISE CONTROL OPETATION. THERE IS NO ACTUAL BRAKING AND THIS EVEN HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS LAST TIME, THEY WOULD NOT GO OFF AT ALL AND IT EVEN TRIGGERED A 'SERVICE TRACTION' WARNING ON THE DASH. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES I TOOK IT IN, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX/DIAGNOSE IT UNLESS IT WAS DOING THIS RIGHT THEN. WELL ANOTHER SHOP FOUND A SAFETY BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE AND COMPLETED THE RECOMMENDED FIX. THIS WORKED FOR QUITE A WHILE UNTIL NOW AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN. I WORRY ABOUT ANOTHER DRIVER TAKING FAULTY ACTION THINKING I AM BRAKING, WHEN I AM NOT. ALSO IT HAS BECOME A RECURRING SAFETY ISSUE AND I SEE OTHER OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA #: 10504785
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Nov 2012

THE CHEVY MALIBU 2008 DOOR LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED MANUALLY. WHEN YOU BUY ANEW CAR AND PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR IT, YOU EXPECT THE DOORS TO WORK PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AS I DID FOR MY OTHER CARS. THIS IS WRONG AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHETHER IT'S UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. THIS IS JUST GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE. ALSO, MY FRONT HEADLIGHT LEAKS INSIDE WHEN IT RAINS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. I'VE DRIVEN ALMOST 50 YEARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OF MY CARS. THIS ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. ..UPDATED 12/11/12 *BF

NHTSA #: 10488402
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA #: 10484621
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

NHTSA #: 10482806
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2012

VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WILL TURN ON WITH OUT ANY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE ALSO HAS ADJUSTABLE PEDALS, YOU CAN MOVE PEDALS FORWARD OR BACK AND GET LIGHT TO GO OUT. GENERAL MOTORS HAS REPLACE BRAKE SWITCH ONCE. LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER VEHICLE IS DOING EXACT THING AGAIN. THERE IS A BRAKE POSITION SENSOR IN THIS SYSTEM AND IT APPEARS TO BE LOSING ITS CALIBRATION WHEN PEDALS ARE MOVED CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO COME ON. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION FOR ANYBODY FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE OR RIDING IN IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10446111
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,757.

NHTSA #: 10419942
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jul 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA #: 10411714
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Oct 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED BOTH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SENSOR, FUSE AND OTHER PARTS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

NHTSA #: 10359452
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2010

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TURN SIGNAL CANNOT BE HEARD WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL OR THE RADIO ARE OPERATING. *TGW

NHTSA #: 10319811

Other 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Issues