7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$20
Average Mileage:
53,100 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. keep extra pack of lights - lights go out all of the time (3 reports)
  3. it requires a new housing (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #10

Jul 012009

Malibu 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,761 miles

My blinkers have been burning out since the day I bought the car brand new. I can't even tell you how many times I had it replaced and some mechanic trying to tell me the real problem. It never worked. A month or two later it would burn out. On this particular visit to the Chevy dealership my front left blinker was out. They said they connector hold down tabs were stretched and they repaired the connectors. Wrong. My blinkers still go out.

- Amie L., Austin, TX, US

problem #9

Mar 222009

Malibu 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,263 miles

Another light out. Firestone had replaced my light 3 times before this so they paid for this one.

- Amie L., Austin, TX, US

problem #8

Oct 102006

Malibu 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,659 miles

The beginning of my lifetime of lights going out. Right rear directional bulb was burnt and the dealership replaced the bulb.

- Amie L., Austin, TX, US

problem #7

Nov 162011

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

i have been having this problem for about a year now, me brother in law is a mechanic an he thought it was the bulb so we changed the bulb about 4times it was not the bulb then the bulb burned out on the 5 try it still was not the bulb so i bought the housing had to end up sending it back within 2 weeks at a time cause i thought it was the housing come to find out it is not. i have two new housing replaced an the bulb is out now on the right side. it will start to work on certain days then the left will go out an certain days it will start back working but i am so fed up with this an i have a 2 year old little boy so when i go to turn i am scared cause my signal light is not working. i think i am going to have a wreck the way peole blow there horn at me it is really scary. so my husban told me to check to see if a recall was on my vehicle an come to find out they dont have one. what is going on with this part in my car its not my fault. i have spent money an more money trying to figue out what is the problem but no one has an idea what it is. please someone help i am so scared on these highways.

- Lakendra S., Alexandria, LA, US

problem #6

Dec 012009

Malibu V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

This is an ongoing problem. I've have to replace the turn signal lightbulbs several times a year. One time I took it in to the dealer for servicing and complained of the problem they said they would check it out, but all they did was replace lightbulbs. After waiting 1 & 1/2 just to have them do a oil change and replace the lightbulbs (again) I decided to just take it somewhere else if I do anything more with it.

- Linda Y., Garland, TX, US

problem #5

Aug 052005

Malibu Maxx 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

It is illegal to sell something that is known to be faulty. It is illegal to not inform someone of a known danger. When the lights go out, oncoming cars don't know you are turning in front of them and an electrical fire will start once water gets into the socket after the amber encasement of the front directionals melt a hole in it because of a design defect known by the manufacturer. The original equipment-bulb 3157 (for its front turn signals) has a design flaw. It burns so hot that it melts the plastic in the fixture housing it. A 12 year, former GM mechanic told me that, "the bulb gets so hot it melts the amber casing. After melting this amber casing, water can get in and create an electrical short circuit and then a fire by the shorted out wiring." How many people must die because GM will not take accountability for a known design flaw hidden from the people who will or would have purchased a 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx? GM's bulletin (document I. D. 2006952 date 8/28, 2007) acknowledges prior knowledge to this design flaw regarding the 3157 lights used in directionals for the 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx. GM didn't notify owners of the light's faults (for the front directional light # 3157) which, when it is not replaced with the 3157 LCP, the light fixture will melt and create a fire hazard. I was told 3/4/10, this type of information is not reported to affected vehicle owners. Nor does GM inform parts houses about the new bulb type that was designated on the maintenance memo as the light to put in the sockets of 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx. I have gotten many replacement bulbs for my 2005 Maxx. Parts houses and the dealerships have always given me the 3157. This is what GM's (Chevy) and all parts catalogs from well known car parts facilities indicate is the replacement bulb for the front turn signals in my 2005 Malibu Maxx. The latest GM dealer that I went to, in February of 2010, was not aware of the new part for my Maxx until I told him about the document number. No one knows that the 3157 should only be replaced with the 3157 LPC [by Osram], according to document I.D. 2006952 circulated by GM and known by non of the GM/Chevy dealerships where I went for replacements (more than 20 times for one socket). My Malibu Maxx is out of warranty, but, it is not a warranty issue. It is a liability issue when prior knowledge of a design flaw exists that will cause bulbs to burn out at anytime and to damage the light fixture. All customers should be made aware. When the customer is not informed of faulty equipment, this is neglect by the manufacturer. The manufacturer should repair any damage caused by this neglect. Without knowing the bulb is at fault, replacing the fixture will not correct it. The new fixture will also burn because the designated 3157 bulb will be installed not the required 3157 LCP by Osram, which GM indicates is the "only" replacement light that will be installed on 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx s. GM concealed this knowledge and should be responsible for replacement of my directional lights, replacement of my light fixtures and the cost to replace these fixtures. GM/Chevy should replace all the known faulty equipment on all the Malibu Maxx line from 2004-2006. GM should also be mandated to inform customers in the future of available service memos like document 2006952 on any cars they manufacturer, even if it is out of warranty.

- Dave H., Brookings, OR, US

problem #4

Mar 012008

Malibu LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

The driver's side front blinker constantly goes out. Seems to be a problem with the housing. Very annoying. Other than that no problems. Great car.

- Eric H., Elkton, MD, US

problem #3

Nov 012009

Malibu V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I have had nothing but problems with this car. I have always been an avid Chevrolet owner, but this car is testing my limits. The front left signal went out. I got a bulb a few days later and changed it. You have to remove the entire headlight to do this. I changed the bulb and it worked fine. 2 days later, it's out again. I would recommend to anyone looking to buy a Chevrolet Malibu..... Hondas sure are nice, save your money.

- dmk26, Wynantskill, NY, US

problem #2

Jun 012009

Malibu LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I always keep a pack of head light bulbs and signal and brake light bulbs in my car b/c i neve know when they are going to go out...all of them work now...for now..finally, but recently my signal light -the yellow housing came off in side the lamp...figures...i guess i can't have it all, a policeman brought it to my attention

- monicafl, Tallahassee, FL, US

problem #1

Jun 162007

Malibu Maxx

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

There needs to be a recall on the housing of the blinker lights on the Malibu Maxx 2005

- Ruby B., Dickson, TN, US