general problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Seven problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2018 Malibu.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2024

Bulb - third brake light assembly: replace the third brake lamp asm. Its broken. Common issue with chevy Malibus 2016-2018. The bulb in the back of the rear window which is an added indicator that the vehicle is braking. Cars are almost crashing my car when I break to turn. I have a young son in the car and this is dangerous especially if this is a common issue amount chevy Malibu drivers. There is a gm forum where numerous people are complaining about being given $400-$700 repair estimates when it should be a recall from the manufacturer.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2023

Noticed the rear center mounted stop lamp was cracked on the left side and found there was a substantial leak of water into the trunk from said lamp. This particular vehicle is the hybrid which makes this dangerous as the water is dripping over the high voltage battery. Vehicle has not yet been inspected.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/31/2023

3rd brake light cracked on both sides.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

The third brake light cracked for unknown reasons in several spots. This has caused water to leak in and damage the ceiling/interior. It is just one of several issues that have happened since purchasing this vehicle brand new in 2018. It has singlehandedly been the worst vehicle that I have ever purchased as it has been unreliable, dangerous (shift to park, reduced engine power, etc) and costly with repairs.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2022

Third brake light cracks on left side, resulting in damage to the brake light and letting water leak in through the roof damaging the car's interior, including the rear curtain airbags.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2021

The rear liner had water indications, with an odor of mildew in the car. I couldn't drive around with mildew in my car. I notuved shortly after I purchased yhe vehicle that the brake light was cracked. I didmt think much of it, thought it was just a cosmetic thing. It was taken to my dealership and they confirmed the water was getting in through the cracked brake light. I did a little research and it seems to be a common issue with Malibu's. No warning other than the smell, that made me check the back seat.

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2019

Head lamp low beam goes out after driving a few miles. I have changed the bulb twice. This is a common issue with this vehicle.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu



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