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 2008 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his partner was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake lights failed to activate or respond as designed. The contact confirmed that at night when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate; however, when the brake pedal was released the brake lights illuminated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brake light failure recurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). …
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The contact then stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after several attempts with the traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator lights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer and was given a diagnostic fee; the vehicle was later towed back to the residence without a diagnostic test being performed. The contact stated that the front headlights and the horn failed to operate after replacing the battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. …
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lamps failed to illuminate intermittently. The contact stated that the brightness of the brake lamps was reduced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. GM has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which GM won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? We've had it fixed on our own which cost $200.00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 30 MPH, the contact was notified that the brake lights failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. In addition, the brake light illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. 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 vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the BCM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
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
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving steering wheel wobbles and when at a stop light the vehicle stalled. In addition, the contact stated that the wiring harness was bulb was replaced on four different occasions. The contact also mention the rear signal inside the vehicle would click very fast and that the ABS warning light stayed illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed but was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,006.
Headlight complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the lights of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the model year's 989 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 4 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 2008 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.