2009 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 172about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,236miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 172 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 1,511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,236 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power of steering keeps going out I have to turn my car off and back on just to get it to steer again. Usually happens when I'm backing out of parking spots or driving slow or turning. My headlights wiring harness has a short in it and one of my lights cuts off and on this happens randomly while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11387093, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“I have replaced 2 low beam front headlights on the passenger side of this vehicle already. I've researched this and it seems that all these cars have the same problem.low beam bulb keeps going out. Something needs to be done about this. As there is no recalls on this issue yet every Malibu has the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11316646, filed 2020-03, 113,000 miles“When driving my vehical all of a sudden the lower stearing went out and all these warning lights come on. It's super hard to steer I have 3 kids that ride in this car everyday and it's very dangerous. Also my headlight drivers side has gone out 4 times in the past 6 months and its very expensive to fix!”
NHTSA complaint #11308112, filed 2020-02, 166,000 miles“The steering wheel moves back and forth on its own while idling. It gets hard to steer when the traction light comes on. The light above our heads don't work. The brake light comes on while we're driving when I'm not pressing on the brakes. The tire pressure don't work to let us know how much air is in the tire and the tire caution light is on at all times. The front fender on the bottom is broke. We just bought this vehicle last month”
NHTSA complaint #11413851, filed 2021-04, 199,000 miles“In the last 5-6 months my passenger side headlight has been going out, I have replaced the light bulb like 4-5 times, the harness adapter to the headlight lightbulb connector and lastly the entire headlight wire harness from the factory and it is still going out after a day or two.”
NHTSA complaint #11208675, filed 2019-05, 66,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
769 complaintsElectrical system
368 complaintsElectronic stability control
255 complaintsBrakes
153 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
121 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsVehicle speed control
73 complaintsAir bags
63 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
56 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology