7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$120
Average Mileage:
62,150 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (9 reports)
  2. change bulb sockets (3 reports)
  3. replaced entire internal headlamp unit harness (3 reports)
  4. ensure correct bulb is used (2 reports)
  5. replace turn signal sockets (2 reports)
  6. apply electrical grease around base (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #5

Jul 202009

Malibu LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,500 miles

Great car, overall. The first and only problem I've had with my Malibu is the Front Turn Signal lights (Amber color) have melted their casings. They also serve as day/night running lamps, so they are on all the time. The amber plastic casing that surrounds the bulb melted at the top, and "dripped" down onto the bulb. This happened inside both front headlight assmeblies - driver and passenger sides. I noticed it when I went to replace one of the turn signals that had burned out. I checked the old factory original bulb and it was a 3157 7W bulb, same as what the manual calls for. I installed new replacement bulbs on both sides - 3157 7W Sylvania from AutoZone. If they continue to melt the casing like the factory bulbs did, I'll probably just switch to LEDs.

- hovcheater, Nashville, TN, US

problem #4

May 242007

Malibu LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

I used to love this car and now all I want to do is get rid of it. I started having problems with the lights on the front passenger side and the back driver's side. It really suck's because I am always having to go and buy light's then I find out that it isn't covered under the warrt. because it comes as a whole unit what ever the hell that is suppose to mean. When the car was first bought in 2006 I had to take it to the dealer and this car had so many recalls that they didn't even notify me of until I had taken it there. And then they said OH yeah Mama we wanted to let you know that there was some recalls on your car but, we have already taken care of it for you. I said yeah well that is great had I not gone in I would probably be driving around with the same recalled part's. They said no we will contact you - bull sh@t because now look. this car is a piece of crap

- hollyz, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #3

Oct 092006

Malibu 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I had this problems several times, All 4 turn signal lights have happened once, some more than twice. The light bulb is OK, socket is deformed by heat and turn to yellow and can not hold the light bulb firmly.

- peteralberta, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

problem #2

Nov 102006

Malibu LS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

Well the problem started in November 2006. The turn signal bulbs would go out, or, get this... fall out of the socket. Both in the front and the rear. After 9 months of dealing with this problem, I finally made the chevy dealer either change the headlamps or the socket. They changed the socket and I haven't had another problem with the turn signals, but I'm waiting.

- Caitlin B., Houma/San Diego, LA/CA, US

problem #1

Jul 112006

Malibu 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

The bulbs (both left and right sides) started to burn out in July 2006. Reported problem to dealer. Dealer replaced the bulbs. Bulbs continued to burn out. Dealer replaced the right socket. This seemed to correct the problem for a period of about six months. The right bulb again started to burn out again at a rate of about every two weeks. After finding out that there were other owners having the same problem I talked to the Operations Manager. He researched and found a bulletin (No. 06-08-42-004C N9537=.2 add .1 = .3) indicating that an improved bulb socket was available. Dealer replaced both bulb sockets.

- Gerald B., San Diego, CA, US