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Exterior lightingPart report

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
130about this part
Share
13%of 978 total for the year
Median mileage
103,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 130 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 13% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have gotten my low beam headlights changed on both sides twice, costing me $150 each time due to having to remove the bumper, and they keep going out!!! I work at night in an area heavily populated with deer, among other issues with just needing to have my headlights working regularly. I don't have money to keep replacing them! And I just got it in october.”

NHTSA complaint #11301878, filed 2020-01, 104,000 miles

“My low beam lights keep going out repeatedly. It starts with the passenger light then both and after a few days I have no lights. They been going out every 2 months and this is the 4th time I replaced them. No specific time when they go out I just notice it when I turn the lights on. They have not lasted longer than two months.”

NHTSA complaint #11306630, filed 2020-02, 124,000 miles

“Front passenger headlight keeps going out. While in motion on a city street a warning comes across that says engine power reduced. Then the ESC and service traction control comes on. The car then drops to 5 MPH and stops. I turn it off and turn it back on and there is nothing. I wait a few seconds and try again and it starts up and I'm able to drive it.”

NHTSA complaint #11129787, filed 2018-09, 150,000 miles

“Passenger headlight (low beam) keeps going out. It is extremely difficult to get to and expensive to get someone else to fix it. It comes back on sometimes when I hit a bump in the road then goes out again a day or so later. The last one I replaced was I won't purchase another vehicle without finding out first if the minor maintenance can be done on my own.”

NHTSA complaint #11162646, filed 2018-12, 96,123 miles

“The headlights on my 2011 chevy Malibu have gone out about six times. I have replaced bulbs and wiring harnesses which involves the removal of the complete front fascia of the vehicle. My daughter drives this vehicle at college and has been pulled over numerous times. This is unacceptable and a safety hazard at night.”

NHTSA complaint #11231246, filed 2019-07, 133,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202311%
202222%
202011%
201942%
201891%
2017213%
2016192%
201541%
201451%
2013283%
201220222%
201113013%
201019414%
200917211%
200810611%
2007293%
2006636%
200515316%
2004847%
2003285%
200214325%
200110815%
200024126%
1999587%
1998798%
1997409%

Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Electrical system
235 complaints
Steering
214 complaints
Electronic stability control
174 complaints
Engine
160 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
112 complaints
Air bags
93 complaints
Vehicle speed control
87 complaints
Other or unknown
75 complaints
Seat belts
53 complaints
Brakes
44 complaints
Seats
38 complaints
Fuel system
37 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 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