general problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

29 problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2008 Malibu.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2022

Brake lights automatically come on when you don't touch the brakes and go off when you do. Gm has had at least 2 recalls on this problem which this vehicle has gone through and now at 177,000 miles there was a 3 recall which gm won't honor due to high mileage. If it was unsafe at 150,000 miles why is it not unsafe now? we've had it fixed on our own which cost $200. 00 and lasted all of 5-6 months.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2020

Third break light intermittently working. The other two break lights have no issue. I had the third break light replaced and am still experiencing the same issue. This seems to be a common issue with this car as there are numerous complaints of othe consumers experiencing this same issue.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2020

Low beams on my 2008 chevy Malibu intermittently turn off and on. Initially, I thought bulbs had died so I replaced one then the other, however, same issue still exists. Sometimes when I am driving at night on the freeway, both lights will just go out. I have pulled over and giggled wires to lights and usually I can get at least one to go back on, however, this is an extremely dangerous default that should be resolved before a deadly accident happens as a result of headlamps not functioning properly.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/30/2020

There is some issue with my drivers door. I go to lock it when I get out and it unlocks itself and its only the drivers door that does it. My car was parked and not in motion. I started my car up to go home after work and when I shifted my car into gear the drivers door did not lock. I had to do it manually. On top of that happening my dome light is set to turn on and off when a door is open. All of my doors are closed completely and the dome light is still on.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2019

Right low beam keeps going out. Even after replacing the bulb with a new bulb it will work for a short period of time then go off but not burnt out.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2019

My passenger side low beam stopped working. I changed the bulb and it still wasn't working. When I took a closer look, I noticed the connector was melted.

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2019

I will be driving down the road and my esc light comes on and it causes my brakes to engage by there selves it has happened several times now.

8 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2019

I have had to replace my low beams several times. A couple of times a mechanic replaced the (melted and scorched) housing that holds the bulb and it works for a little while but eventually one of the lights goes out again. I have wasted much time and money on this issue and realize I am not alone!!!.

9 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2019

Lighting not working in car, power lock not working, power truck open not working, bad suspension.

10 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/03/2018

Head light low beam keep going out after changing light bulbs wire harnesses.

11 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2018

My low beam on my 08 chevy Malibu continuously burns out at the connector. Have had to take it in several times to have it fixed which is costly and so inconvenient/time consuming. This started to happen to my vehicle in March 2018 it is now January 26 2019 and I am still dealing with this issue.

12 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2017

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving steering wheel warbles and when at a stop light the vehicle stalled. In addition, the contact stated that the wiring harness was bulb was replaced on four different occasions. The contact also mention the rear signal inside the vehicle would click very fast and that the abs warning light stayed illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed but was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,006. Aw.

13 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/13/2017

My drive shaft line broke by my the gear shift.

14 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2017

Vehicle has electrical lighting issues interior and exterior, service air bag and check tire sensor is flashing on the dashboard when u start the car and stays flashing, on some occasions the vehicle randomly throws off the traction and that light comes on.

15 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2017

I have been having a lot o problems with my low beams I've changed them 3 times checked out all fuses and wiring sometimes they will work mostly not seen alit of complaints about the same issue just saying thank you.

16 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/25/2016

This model chevy keeps blowing low and high beam headlamps repeatedly and without warning. A search online reveals numerous complaints regarding this phenomenon. Carefully replaced oem bulbs blow within and every 3-4 months. There are no bulbs available which perform. Voltage at bulb listed at 12vdc can't handle the actual voltage from the running vehicle. Needs recall solution.

17 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2016

Front end was wreck, daughter lip busted , no airbag explode.

18 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2016

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the exterior headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the failure recurred on four occasions within approximately two years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the headlamps where defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired each time by an independent mechanic, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

19 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2016

I have had the transmission totally lock up and sound like braking plactic,had to replace the transmission. Dashboad lights either do not work or flicker. Fast flashing as if a bulb is out than it fixes itself. Numbers running across the radio screen than stops.

20 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/28/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the drivers side headlamp failed without warning. The contact had to use the high beam headlamps to illuminate the road. The contact stated that the next morning when the vehicle was started, both headlamps had failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure mirrored NHTSA campaign number: 14v251000 (electrical system , exterior lighting ). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Sw.

21 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2015

I brought a 2008 chev Malibu LS that had a lot of problems and the dealer refuse to give me my money back the came with a warranty but the warranty didn't cover the thing that need it to be fix the car had a bad catalyst covert and electrical problems the car has been hit all around I bought the car from e&s auto sales in south hackensack new jersey don't know elias it's nothing but the crook refuse to give my money back and give this to a lot of other people and he needs to be stopped I contacted the better business bureau consumer affairs and new jersey dmv.

22 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2015

Was heading home from work and my low beams would not come on. All other lights work but low beams will not. High beams will come on. Sometimes with the high beams you have to hold the switch for them to stay on.

23 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to gm recall #13036 and repair reimbursement. * ld.

24 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer states he received 2 recall notices and has been experiencing problems with his vehicle that are outlined in the recall notice.

25 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2014

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA campaign number: 12v460000 (power train), NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), and NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

26 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2014

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received recall notices for NHTSA campaign numbers: 12v460000 (power train), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The parts needed for the repairs were unavailable and the dealer could not provide an estimated date of arrival. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

27 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2014

The vehicle transmission- car is moving when not supposed to or car gets stuck in place awhile shifting gears. Car drives sluggish not shifting to the proper gear. Light bulb- lights go out and come back on at later dates. Electrical-radio speakers go in and out locks dont operate neither dies alarm.

28 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2013

Low beams and daytime running lights not working. Replace wire harness on both lights and light bulbs twice.

29 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2010

2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to unsatisfactory customer service at dealership for unnecessary repair work and seeks reimbursement. The consumer stated the service brake illuminated when the brake was not applied, the cruise control would not engage and the traction control light illuminated intermittently. Instead of fixing the wiring harness as described in the safety recall notice the dealership replaced the brake sensor and charged him $245. 03. The consumer stated while driving, he discovered the cruise control had not been fixed. , even though the technician noted everything was operable. The consumer returned to the dealer, where they kept the car for a day and a half and replaced the bcm and dtc. Updated 09/10/lj.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu


Safety Ratings of Malibu Cars
Fuel Economy of Malibu Vehicles
Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations