8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$360
Average Mileage:
170,200 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace the wiper transmission (1 reports)
  2. replace wiper blade transmission (1 reports)
  3. replace wiper transmission (1 reports)
  4. replaced wiper motor (1 reports)
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problem #4

Aug 172018

Malibu LT 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 250,000 miles

The wipers on my 2011 Malibu broke for the 2nd time in 2 years both times in heavy rain or wet snow. the wiper transmission failed and left me with zero visibility both times. I had to slow down fast in heavy traffic to get off the hi way, go 10 mph on the shoulder to the next exit with my head out the window. this is life threatening and I want to know how this is not a recall.... I was told the equinox had a recall for this. I WANT IT WARRANTED. $366 installed the first time do not know how much this time yet.

I see too many complaints here for the same thing. Shame on you GM. This is not a minor problem, I almost got hit.

- Richard D., Pleasant Lake, US

problem #3

Dec 032015

Malibu LT 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

2nd complaint same thing, wiper transmission went bad. VARY DANGEROUS when you can't see in the rain suddenly going 70mph. I found out the Equinox had a recall on this. THE Malibu needs it too, before it kills someone. I almost got hit getting off the road. This is over $700 for 2 fixes in 2 1/2 years just for this dangerous under-built item. I WANT MY MONEY BACK>>>>>

- Richard D., Pleasant Lake, US

problem #2

Oct 212016

Malibu LT 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,650 miles

I was driving home from Syracuse, NY while battling through extremely bad weather. In Wilkes Barre, PA 350 miles from my home the wipers just stopped working. I couldn't see as water quickly covered the windows. I had to pull over and creep to an exit. Upon further investigation the wipers were just limp. I had to slowly drive back 30 minutes to the last exit where I had got gas and saw a Pep Boys. They were extremely unhelpful and the sun was going down. I ultimately crept again to an Advanced Auto and got assistance with trying to figure out the problem. I had just changed the windshield wipers two weeks prior and realized it was something more mechanical. The motor was running but the wipers wouldn't work. I finally found a mechanic who changed the rod that connected to the wipers. He stated the rotator or ball and socket had corroded. When I got home and tested the wipers the next day, I notice the intermittent wiper mode wouldn't work. I took my car to the mechanic and he officially told me I had to replace the entire windshield wiper motor.

For a car that is relatively young in age this issue should never happen. I've now invested $400 in replacement of this system. That sucks!!!!

- Albertine G., Leesburg, VA, US

problem #1

Sep 132015

Malibu LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I had worked at the Valeo Electrical Systems in Rochester, NY where Universal Wiper were produced and had never heard about such a failure of the Wiper Blade Transmission before. I was driving at night in heavy rain when the failure occurred and was more than an hour away from home when the wiper blades just completely stopped working. This is absolutely a horrifying situation trying to drive in such conditions with on coming traffic in a two lane country road.

The dealership mentioned that there are no recalls for the wiper blade transmission failures, but have in-stock the proper part to make the repair which seems at best rather odd. It is most likely the Chevrolet has recognized a specific problem and requires the Chevy Dealerships to maintain the wiper blade transmission in-stock due to frequency of the failure. I will be contacting Chevrolet Customer Service about the problem and ask for a refund for the cost of the repair. I will send a letter to Automotive Customer Safety Board as well warning them about the possible outcomes from the failure during operation of the vehicle and ask for a recall considered.

- Randy A., Macedon, US