Problems · by component

2009 Chevrolet Malibu exterior lighting problems

172 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu cite exterior lighting, 11% of all 1,511 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
172
11% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the exterior lighting

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“While driving at night with the lights on, the rear taillights are bright all the time. when you press the brake pedal, the rear taillights go dim or completely dark. brake lights are working opposite what they should be doing. Fixed once with local mechanic. Fixed second time at dealership with a 'technical service bulletin' and now it is having the same problem for third time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakesODI 11622953
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the lights became inoperable. When the brake pedal was released, the lights returned to normal functionality. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to engage as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The dealer informed the contact the recall repair was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11606468
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light failed to illuminate intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light would randomly illuminate while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light was defective. Additionally, the local dealer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) was previously performed on the vehicle and that the repair was one-time free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11575379
“I have a 2009 chevy malibu that is under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000. The recall fix on this vehicle was performed but did not fix the issue and when contacting the local gm dealerships (multiple ones) I was told that the recall was closed on this vehicle and they refused to help at all. this is a very deadly issue the brake lights staying on until you press the brake pedal then they go out when stopped can cause a fatal accident these vehicles need to be properly fixed or repurchased by GM. this is a recurring issue with these vehicles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 25, 2023Exterior lighting, Service brakesODI 11561759
“Having problems with my rear stop lights, traction control/ indicator light, ECS/ indicator light. When driving center brake light remains on but when I need to apply brakes they go off, lights on dashboard have been on since I purchased the vehicle which were never addressed the only light addressed was the check engine light. All other issues were voided being that they let me drive down to N.C. knowing it would void my warranty with them after putting 1 thousand miles on the vehicle without notication to me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 21, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lighting, WheelsODI 11556239
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that after the repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the starter and PCV hose were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 7, 2022Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11492633

Showing 6 of 172 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.