Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the four doors would inadvertently lock and unlock, causing the battery to drain quickly. The contact used pliers to unlock and open the doors. Additionally, the headlights were dimmed, and the turn signals intermittently failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The Vehicles brake lights are not working Properly. They are on when driving and no brake pedal pressure is applied. When you Apply Brake Pedal Pressure the Brake lights go out. This is a safety hazard cars approaching from the rear do not see a stopped car. Chevrolet had a Special policy and Technical bulletin regarding this issue. It stated that the electrical pins going to the body control computer did not have sufficient Contact. The Bulletin went on to say that to attempt to resolve the issue apply Dielectric Grease to the contacts in an effort to allow the contacts to make sufficient contact to pass the current. They also advised to secure the wiring Harness to the body control computer and structure of the car. This is a major Safety issue Effecting cars from 2006-2014.
I took my car in to get repaired for all of the vehicle recalls. They had my car for about 6-7 months and then when I got it back I have had nothing but problems. My lights go out every couple of weeks and or work only when they want too, then my radio would only work when it wanted too and now my windows only work when they want too and it's driving funny. Yesterday I went to replace another dtr light and while doing so we noticed all the wires are melted. One of the recalls was for the transmission. Shift cable which in turn states that if it was to become loose or detach or etc would melt my wiring harness and dtr lights and etc. I have 4 kids and this is my only vehicle and instead of fixing the recalls they made it worse and now me and my children s lives have been put in danger. What is going to happen when my car starts on fire and I can't get my kids out or my self? …
Tl* the contact's father owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact's father was driving, he was pulled over by the police because the center third brake light failed to work. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to hedrick's Chevrolet (961 w shaw ave, clovis, ca 93612, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the brake lamp malfunctioned and the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact was advised to call NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While the cruise control was set to 60 MPH, the vehicle began to accelerate without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact also stated that the brake lights became inoperable intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000. Updated 06/14/16 the consumer stated the brake light stayed on continuously, and the battery light illuminated but the battery was found to be good. Updated 06/22/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the brake pedal was difficult to depress and required excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at various speeds, the ignition switch was turned on and the brake lights illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The contact adhered to the recall, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,522.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While operating the vehicle, the exterior brake light remained illuminated although the brake pedal was not being depressed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when driving at any speed and the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes lights would illuminate and remain illuminated at all times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a private mechanic. The dealer was notified of the failure who stated that any diagnostic or repair on the vehicle was at the contact's expense and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 40,000. Updated 11/15/12 the consumer stated on an online search it was recommended to have a mechanic to clean the BCM connectors. This is only a temporary fix. Updated 11/19/2012 updated 11/27/12 updated 11/29/2012
In 2012, I was having issues with the cruise control disengaging and refusing to re-engage. I noticed that the brake lights would be lit without the brakes being activated, as long as the vehicle was not in "park" (automatic transmission). The Chevrolet dealer applied dielectric grease to a connector in November 2012, and the problem went away. The problem reappeared this year (2013), including an instance when the brake lights did not light when the brakes were activated! The dealer charged me over $250 in parts and over $300 in labor to replace two parts. On my way to the dealer, I saw another Malibu with the same body design with the same problem. This is obviously a design, part, or manufacturing defect, and I should not have to pay to fix a faulty design, replace a faulty part, or due to poor manufacturing.
Headlight complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the lights of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 977 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.