7.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $100
- Average Mileage:
- 77,400 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 29 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (19 reports)
- covered under gm special policy # 04098a (4 reports)
- hazard light switch recall (2 reports)
- replace the hazard switch (2 reports)
- part of little-known recall (1 reports)
- replace the turn signal (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
These turn signals only working when they want to are going to get me or someone hurt or killed. Forget GM they aren't interested.
- Judy K., Lakeside, US
Don't waste your time fixing cars unless you do some thorough investigation on the intranet before pouring out money for NOTHING. GM has had a couple of issues with the Malibu that have caused headache and financial burden for many owners. The turn signals working intermittently and a failure of the hazard lights at the same time will be fixed by replacing the HAZARD SWITCH UNIT. Don't waste time paying for a multifunction switch in the steering column unless you have a problem with the headlights too! The old system of running turn signals through a mechanical relay was replaced by GM to be incorporated into a combination electronic switching unit for the hazards and turn signals together. It is part of the hazard switch as a whole unit. Many shops will try to change the multifunction lever in the steering column to fix the intermittent turn signal problem only to find it is the hazard light switch assembly that is faulty.
- rolyart1, Easton, PA, US
Found this site by accident, besides the turn signal, my driver side widows stop working last year as well as the blower only work on five so what else or yeah engine light
- giroj004, Oviedo, FL, US
First, when this car only had about 79K on it I had to have the Hazard switch replaced due to the signal lights not working. Now at almost 140K my left turn signal quit working in the car and to find out my left rear signal light will not work when the inside signal light don't work. About 1/3 times the signal light will work and the other 2/3 it don't. Since my car's not under recall I took it to an independent dealer it cost $25 to find out what the problem was. I was told the circuit board wasn't working and it cost $24 for the part. When the mechanic put the part the circuit board had burnt out. He had to research the problem because they'd never had that problem with a Malibu. After 2 days of waiting he called and told me that my flasher needed to be replaced and that was another $40 something and that the labor cost would be about $150. So when it's all said and done it's gonna be $300 to have this damn car fixed.
- trouble41267, Warfield, KY, US
The blinkers work when they want to, or if they want to....I don't dare to drive the car in heavy traffic...I'm surprised I haven't been ticketed yet. When the blinkers act up, I know it wont be long and the car will not start~ oh joy!
- janetme, Houlton, ME, US
In order to find out if the problem is covered under the recall, an individual has to pay a diagnostic fee. I think the diagnostic fee should be covered by the recall. Basically the problem is this - if the problem is a faulty turn signal system it is covered, but if it is something else causing the problem, you are stuck with a considerable bill. It most likely is the problem, but some car mechanics are pretty shady. We will see what happens.
- Rich D., Watertown, WI, US
annoying...never know if the signals will work or not...kind of dangerous too!
Update from Mar 16, 2010: took car to the dealer...45 minutes later it was fixed under recall ...GM special policy # 04098A
- Tami H., Chandler, AZ, US
Intermittent signals due to faulty hazard switch is a covered repair under GM Special Policy 04098A for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This Special Policy, issued in January of 2006, adds 2002 model year vehicles to a previous recall (NHTSA recall # 03V-327, NHTSA action # PE05055).
Update from Oct 12, 2009: Covered under GM Special Policy # 04098A.
Turn signals freak out occasionally, can be "fixed" by applying pressure to hazard switch. Policy describes this as a result of a faulty hazard switch, which will be replaced at no cost for qualifying vehicles. Search NHTSA for more information.
- skb123, Louisville, KY, US
I never know when they are going to work or not. One minute they work the next they stop. The fuses are good and it doesn't happen all the time. It is very dangerous.
Update from Oct 17, 2009: Problem solved! Thanks to SteveK Covered under GM Special Policy # 04098A. Dealer repaired free of charge
- chef ray, Montague, NJ, US
Since finding this online repository of car owners reporting the same symptoms I'm experiencing with my '02 Malibu I intend to visit my dealership this weekend to get the problem re-evaluated. I've taken my car in for this problem before but was told the problem could not be duplicated while in the service bay or on a test drive. My car is under warranty and I will discuss the reported complaints I've found regarding this problem in order the get the service department to perform a more thorough check to resolve this problem.
- Vee C., Colorado Springs, CO, US
My turn signals have a mind of their own. they work when they want and don't when they want. I think this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed I work 60 miles away from home and have to be on the interstate most of the drive and when I can't use my turn signals to let other cars know when I'm changing lanes is a safety hazard. I would like to have the problems fixed. I love my Malibu and other than the few minor defaults with it, it is a very nice and reliable car
- kader, Corning, OH, US
Having problem with turn signals that stop working while traveling. Also having anti-theft issues. Everyone should fill out a complaint at NHTSA.gov - maybe we can get a recall!
- Jim J., Pittsburgh, PA, US
I can't believe there has not been a recall on this problem. I could receive a ticket for failure to signal which would cost me a fine of up to $185.00. As soon as I pay this car off in September I am trading it in and let the Dealership pay for it.
- Sherry P., Alexandria Bay, NY, US
I agree with other Chevy Owners...this problem can literally cause an accident. I usually have to signal with my arm, but that is very ineffective when it's dark and who wants a wet arm when it's raining? I never received a letter regarding a recall. I have had my Malibu for 20 months. I will check with the dealer here to see if I can somehow get an attempt at a repair for this vehicle. Reading other posts though suggests that this is a problem that the recall will not fix.
- 2002chevyowner, Savannah, GA, US
Well hell! The darn turn signals were working one minute and then not working the next, I was riding with my son and stopped at my dad's house, and stayed approx. an hour, and when I cranked up the car to go, I got to the end of the street to turn left, and put on my turn signal and nothing~
I called my car dealership and they had me bring it back, and they changed out an electrical box of some sort, and then the very next day, it started again, they have a mind of their own, they come on and off when they want to, but luckly I have warranty, and it's not cost me anything for them to fix it! I'm with the others, there should really be a recall on whatever is causing so much trouble with these turns signals, it will be my luck that I will be infront of the police, and trying to change lanes and they don't come one, or my inspection is coming up and as soon as the mechanic starts to check them they don't work. Hopefully I can get it fixed before then.
- doddie, Houston, TX, US
My turn signal only works when it wants too. Sometimes if it's not working pressing on the hazard button will work but not all the time.
- V S., Polacca, AZ, US
Took my car to my local car repairman with multiple problems. The fact that the turn signals work only about 5% of the time really got to me. He found out there was a recall which I never was informed about. I will be calling the dealership tomorrow to arrange replacement which is said to be free. It better be. It's a safety issue and I also always hated when other people didn't use their turn signals and then it happened to me.
- Mavis K., North Ridgeville, OH, US
I'm driving in busy city traffic one day, and attempt to toss on my blinker to make a lane change. One problem, my blinker doesn't work. I drive about 10 minutes down the road, and they are working. Chevy has a recall out for this issue, definitely call them to see if you are eligible for the repair. I know they replace the hazard light switch because it overheats and melts an inner connection. If you are not eligible for the free repair, you can turn on the blinker, turn on the hazard lights, then turn them both off, and your blinkers should work fine after that.
- kelman15, Olean, NY, US
My turn signals work when they want to! It sucks when I'm driving and cop is behind me and I have to change lanes and oops my turn signal decides not to work!
- jlh0603, Dallas, TX, US
Turn signals would work one time, then they won’t the next.
- Benjamin T., Westminster, US