Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Just bought the car and it started acting funny. The windshield wipers haven't worked almost the whole time we've had the car. We have attempted to fix them and we think the problem is fixed all for them to stop working again. So needless to say we either can't drive while it's raining or we attempt to risk ours and others lives by driving with no windshield wipers at all. Now the temperature gauge, and ac are randomly deciding to stop working. Plus the check engine light would randomly come on and off. Found that there was a recall out for these exact problems. So we took it to the dealership and they told us there's nothing they can do the recall has expired almost 3 years ago. Now we just bought the car and all this stuff started and now we're being told it's pretty much our problem because the last owner didn't stay up to date on the car and it's recalls. …
I purchased the car March 14, 2019 from a family member. The front passenger low beam headlight was not working. The prior owner stated they had taken the car in to have the light repaired at least 6 times in since 2009. April 2, 2019 I took the car to clint newell Chevrolet to have the low beam headlight fixed. The problem was the wire that plugs into the light was melted. The repair cost was $172.33. On April 4, 2019 the rear passenger turn signal quit working. I replaced the bulb. April 9, 2019 the passenger tail light quit working. April 11, 2019 I replaced the bulb. As soon as that was done the front passenger low beam headlight quit working again. I checked the low beam fuse and it was fine. I cannot afford 172.00 again 9 days later for this repair. I have also found online in Chevy forums, this seems to be a problem for many people that own Chevrolet malibus.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the air conditioner was turned on, but the air failed to flow correctly. As a result the driver was unable to see out the windshield as it fogged up. The vehicle was taken to sullivan-parkhill automotive Chevrolet & Cadillac (440 w anthony dr, champaign, il 6182[phone]) where it was diagnosed with a malfunctioning driver side actuator that needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer advised her to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact also mentioned that the manufacturer and the local dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V634000 (visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 39,250.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 65 MPH, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a sensor needed to be re-learned. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred and low pressure, check svc was displayed across the message board. In addition, the contact stated that the defroster failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 08V634000 (visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 09/25/15 updated 10/13/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the windshield started to frost. The contact attempted to use the defroster, but the HVAC defroster failed to function. As a result, the interior windshield became foggy. The contact also stated that the control head module failed to function and failed to clear the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that she needed the proper documentation to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Has a problem with cold start needs a jump alot, service ESC comes on with lose of traction and power steering, sensor in wheels go out often wheels sound weird when turning, headlight goes out often windshield wipers are out ,gearshift linkage has broken while trying to shift gears problem occurs both non-stationary
* beam on passenger side of vehicle** while off - unlocking with the key fob illuminates the headlamp (stationary) while on - headlamp does not work (stationary & in motion) it was thought that the bulb needed to be replaced, so it was replaced, and it has not corrected the problem.
The windshield wipers stop for no apparent reason on the low setting. They will make approximately one full pass to clear the windshield and the stop halfway through the second in the middle of the windshield. This makes it difficult to see while driving in inclimate weather.
The BCM (body control module) on my 2009 Chevy Malibu shorted out.. Chevy issue a recall for the same year, make on the hybrid model. I have no heat no defrosting no climate controls work at all.. All the fuses and relays are in good working condition.
Doors lock and you cant get out of or in the car even if your holding an infant child and its 3 degrees outside and I can't use the unlock button to get in and the [redacted] key wont even open the door. Its just stuck and who knows for how long sometimes in last just 3-5 mins other others going on 40 mins. The headlights have been replaced 3 times countless tail lights. I had to put replace the windhield wiper assembly that one sucked I could not operate the car for a week unless it would rain and this was happening this April when its always raining they actually quit working on fourth of the July going 70mph down interstate 79 in pouring rain. I purchased as many rain deterrents as I could try out which none last but a few mins.. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 1,509 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 5 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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 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.