Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Turn signal
  9
• Headlights
  5
• Headlights › Concealment devices
  2
• Brake lights
  2
• Headlights › Switch
  1
• Tail lights
  1

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  79%
• 25k–50k
  1115%
• 50k–75k
  1317%
• 75k–100k
  2128%
• 100k–150k
  1317%
• 150k+
  1013%

What owners report

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving 65 MPH, the brake lights turned off without warning when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred for the past two years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the first time on 8/10/2015 where it was diagnosed that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where it was diagnosed that the module needed to be replaced and the wires needed to be connected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,248. Updated 04/12/17 lj

We learned that the brake lights were staying on when pedal was not pushed, but going off when brake pedal was applied. Cruise control wouldn't work in this situation of course. Also, at times, power windows won't work and other times the door ajar lights up, doors won't lock at this time, and check rear seat entertainment system will alert. I diagnosed that the 6 volt reference voltage was approx. 2-3 volts. GM bulletin recommended cleaning BCM connector and applying dielectric grease. At times this would work, but no corrosion was ever evident at these connectors. These problems have been getting progressively more common, although the brake light problem hasnt occurred for 3-4 months.

The passenger side low beam light keeps going out. I have changed the light build 3 times in the last 2 months. The last time being Saturday morning, then on the way home tonight it is out again. Last Friday, it was working on my way somewhere and then quite. On my way home it started working again. It didn't matter if I turned, hit a bump, etc. It just goes on and off randomly. I have read many many complaints that this happens to others as well. I feel Chevrolet needs to do a recall and fix this problem for the safety of everyone!

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving at 45 MPH, the headlight bulbs failed without warning. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced on five occasions; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,470.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Malibu Maxx. While operating the vehicle, the passenger and driver side turn signals malfunctioned and would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to lewis Chevrolet of garden city (1903 us 50 bus e., garden city , ks) where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulb sockets had melted and damaged the bulbs. The dealer stated that the bulbs could not be screwed out of the light bulb sockets and the entire headlight bulb assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the failure occurred to both the driver and passenger side assemblies on multiple occasions. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Took car to the Chevrolet dealership, for NHTSA id: 14V252000/GM safety recall: 13036, to correct the issues in the body control module which impacted the brake apply sensor. Now rear top brake lights no longer illuminate when the brake pedal is being pushed. Front low-beam headlights goes on and off while driving. Replaced both low-beam lights on 12/6/2014. Front low beam headlights still goes off and on intermittently. Also upon visual inspection, the turn signal blinkers have melted the yellow plastic inside the headlight. Brought back to the same Chevrolet dealership on 1/2/2015, for vehicle recall NHTSA id: 14V224000/GM safety recall 14152 to have the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket installed. I notified the dealership that I was having issues with the electrical system tied to the exterior lighting system. They could not provide me the reason for the fault.

First my horn fuse continued to blow. I replaced the fuse multiple times. Then my turn signal light went out. I looked at it and noticed that both sides had holes burnt through the amber globe. I was out of town and didn't want to receive a ticket for non working light so I had it replaced, however within a day the bulb blew again and the horn fuse blew again. I took it to the dealer and they said they had no clue what was causing it however I had to pay over $500 to have the headlight parts replaced on both sides. I have an extended warranty and they denied the claim b/c they don't replace lights, however the fact that the car is burning up I don't think I just wanted new lights. I do not feel I should be out money for a problem that has obviously occurred on other vehicles and now mine. …

Front blinker lights have melted nickel sized holes in the tops of the amber plastic globes the light bulbs go into. Melted plastic dripped on the light bulbs causing bulbs to fail. Strong melted/burnt plastic odor in the car. Smoke from the melted plastic has discolored headlight assemblies. Have to replace front and back blinker lights at least monthly. Front casings are the only one that caught fire, burned through the orange globish cover through to the outside cover. The lights burning out started within the first year but the fire did not start until 2006. I see more Malibu's on the road with only one day time running light working at a time. It has to be a know problem but the dealership denies it every time I've called over the years.

NHTSA investigations