Problems with 2005 Chevrolet Malibu EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the exterior headlamps would function intermittently and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to southern chevrolet (5845 coliseum blvd, alexandria, la), but the failure could not be duplicated. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact indicated that the bulbs were previously replaced and the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 131,000. **tr *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the front blinker bulbs were burning the bulb covers. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 75,000. updated 8/27/15*cn updated 10/4/2017*cn

Was told by a driver who had been behind me coming up to a traffic light that my brake lights were not working. she said it looked as though they were on while i was accelerating and went off when i was stopping. i have replaced the brake light diagnostic resistor and it hasn't done anything. i also have had issues with getting the car out of park and with the cruise control refusing to engage or disengaging itself. i understand now that these are reoccurring problems for this car and it has something to with terminal fretting corrosion in the body control module but there has been no recall for this problem. when i bought the car less than a year ago, there was no mention of this problem. i have no idea how long the brake light problem has existed since no one has told me about it before this but the cruise control acted funny even when i was test driving the vehicle before purchase. i mentioned it to the salesperson and he said they would check it out. it worked the next time i test drove it but has frequently not worked after i actually bought it. getting the car out of park has been a problem on several occasions since i bought it.

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet malibu. while traveling approximately 35 mph, the low beam headlamp assembly failed to work. the contact applied the brake pedal, which did not respond and extended to the floorboard. the contact stated that the vehicle spun around and crashed into a guardrail. the contact was unable to confirm if the air bags deployed. the contact was unconscious and was transported to the hospital. the driver sustained head injuries, broken wrists, a punctured and collapsed lung, and additional internal injuries that required medical treatment. the contact also stated that his teeth were fractured from his mouth due to the impact of the crash. a police report was filed. the contact also received several recall notifications pertaining to nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v224000 (power train). the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the failure mileage was not available.

Day time running lights in headlights overheat melting bulb base and socket. have been replaced multiple times and keeps happening. afraid of potential electrical fire or bulbs burn out and blinkers will not work which could cause a wreck. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the brake lights were illuminated independently without the brakes being applied. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileage was approximately 153,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 65 mph with the cruise control engaged, the cruise control deactivated and the brake lights illuminated without warning. the contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake lights turned off. the contact powered the vehicle off and back on and the brake lights resumed normal operation. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on several occasions. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 199,000.

I can't go a week without both headlight assemblies burning turn-signal bulbs. after replacing the bulbs no more than a week will go by and the bulb will turn black and sometimes blow up inside the headlight. recently the bulbs are not burning out but what seems to be a bad connection to the socket, i will press the bulbs into the socket and within 5 minutes the turn-signals will not work again. *tr

I had to buy a transmission for my malibu and now i am receiving recalls (multiple) # 14152 & #13036 for the same car. however, on the freeway coming home from temecula, ca, south bound on the 15 highway, my transmission was not engaging. no loud sounds, or excess acceleration, nor too much weight (driver and passenger only cargo.) the engine was on and as i accelerated the engine was going but nothing was propelling us forward. i had to buy a new transmission and pay for labor which came out to a hefty expense. with everything i have read online and forums for these recalls i feel like a reimbursement should be in order if the manufacture even had a slight hesitation of a possible defect. *tr

Passenger side front turn signal bulb burns out frequently. it also will work one day and suddenly stop working the next day, then work again later without having done any intervention at all. if i wiggle the bulb just right within the socket, i can get it to work. something as simple as running into a pothole can make the bulb unit work or cease working. *tr

Front turn signal bulbs (left and right) have melted the plastic housing surrounding them. bulbs burnout easily. evidence of melted plastic is a concern for other electrical problems. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the front driver and passenger side turn signals continued to burn out. the contact stated the turn signal bulbs would fail immediately after they were replaced. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. the test results showed a defective headlight assembly. the dealer suggested that both headlight assemblies be replaced. the contact did not have the headlight assemblies replaced. the failure mileage was 86,987. updated 9/13/12 *cn the consumer stated the lack of the front turn signals failed to warn oncoming traffic, that he was in the process of turning and could result in a head on collision. updated 09/20/12

The front driving lights and turn signals blow out consistently, usually damaging the socket in the process. *tt

Brake lights remain on with no contact with brake pedal. when pedal is depressed the brake lights go off. this has caused numerous 'road rage' incidents and near-miss rear-end collisions. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the headlights were constantly overheating and burning out, causing their plastic covers to melt. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 147,000.

In both front headlight assemblies, there is an amber plastic cover which covers the bulb that is always on, as part of the regular running lights, and also for turn signals. the light has burned a hole, about 1 1/4 inch in diameter, in the top of the amber lens. the edge of the lens is black all around from the burning. is my car unique? have there been any other complaints? and most important, is there any danger of a fire starting?

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the turn signals were in operative. the wires also began to melt the bulb, causing the left and right turn signals to fail. the dealer was notified but denied any assistance with repairing the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was unavailable. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the front signal indicator was malfunctioning. the contact mentioned that he changed the bulbs which failed to remedy the problem. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer, the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

My problem is with my 2005 chevorlet malibu front parking lights. the parking lights bulb socket has melted through the socket and melted the plastic orange relfector around the bulb. this is a huge fire hazard that was luckily found early enough before any major accident occurred. this has caused my light housing to become discolored and has made my headlights less bright. this has occurred on both driver and passenger sides. i have tried different brands of bulbs and i have now replaced both headlight assemblies. i do still have the driver side headlight as well to show for reference of how much the light has melted the socket and the plastic orange housing around the bulb. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the front driver side turn signal was not functioning. the contact replaced the headlight bulb approximately five times. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the bulb became extremely hot, causing the amber housing unit wires to melt. the contact replaced the amber housing unit. after the repair, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the headlights had overheated and burned through the plastic because of the bulbs becoming too hot. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. the failure and current mileage was 111,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact noticed that both head light casings were melted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.

2005 chevy malibu front parking light lens melt onto bulb, probably caused by parking lights used as daytime running lights. also shows heat discoloration on reflective material in light assembly. i've personally inspected over 15 2005 chevy malibu, all have same issue. vehicles with more miles showed more damage. possible fire hazard and once melted enough violates lighting requirements. tried working with chevy customer service who refused to acknowledge the problem. *tr

While cleaning plastic head/daytime running light cover on left and right side, i noticed both amber daytime running light/turn signal lens are melted at the top and burned from the heat of the bulbs, which may lead to a fire.

The left front turn signal lamp continues to burn out. have replaced the lamp now 4 times since march 2011. the amber cover seems to be melting due to the extreme heat as the bulb is also the running lights when the car is put into drive on the transmission. i have replaced with the recommended bulb and also the long life bulb. the recommend bulb will last about 2 weeks, the long life i get about 2 or 3 months on it. this is only happening on the left front, not on the right front. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu ls. the contact stated the rear brake lights were not working. he then realized the brake light bulb element was used not only for the brakes, but also the indicators and emergency flashers. the consumer stated if an emergency occurred all of the rear indicators and signals would be inoperative. the consumer stated he would be unable to warn any traffic that there was a problem and wished to get over to the emergency lane. nor can he warn an approaching vehicle coming from behind that he is braking which could result in a rear end collision. the failure mileage was 87,095 and the current mileage is 87,180. updated evoq 02/10/11 updated 02/18/11 *bf the consumer stated the only indication on the vehicle that there is anything wrong is a quick flash of the display signal indicator symbol. in most cases it infers that the signal light circuit has one bulb failure. updated 03/09/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the turn signal bulbs melted the lens cover, causing a hole. with the hole in the cover, water was able to enter causing electrical failures with the turn signals. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that the front lamps had failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

I purchased this 2005 chevy malibu used. shortly after had the right turn signal bulb blow, then left turn and both headlights at the same time. while replacing the bulbs, i noticed that the plastic surrounding the turn signal bulb had a large hole in it from melting. the other assembly had the same hole burnt in the turn signal light bulb cover. i have replaced the bulbs at least 2 more times this year. the problems with bulbs failing seems to happen in wet weather more frequently than dry weather. so i believe water is getting into the headlamps through these holes. the extreme heat is causing the headlight to become extremely cloudy. replacing the headlight assembly does not fix the problem because others have said it soon starts to melt again. please nhtsa these lighting systems that are failing are vital for nighttime driving, please get chevy to do the right thing and fix this dangerous issue. *tr

Headlights are dull. passenger blinker does not work. changed the bulb a couple times. amber cover inside the headlight is melted. hardly any light while driving at night. this is an accident waiting to happen. went to dealer and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. told me to go see someone who knows about head lights! really? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the front driver side turn signal had malfunctioned and would not activate when engaged. the contact changed the bulb but the failure was not repaired. the contact stated the wiring was faulty and needed to be diagnosed. the contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis or repairs. the failure mileage was 46,000. updated 11/16/11 *bf the consumer stated the problem was fixed due to a service bulletin that was issued. it required cutting out the turn signal bulb socket and splicing in a new socket, because the old one overheated. the consumer also stated the electrical power steering was an issue on the vehicle as well. updated 11/18/11*jb

Tail lights have filled up with water and condensation every time it rains. steering pops and makes noises when i make a turn . *tr

Front blinkers on 2005 chevy malibu, one of the bulbs blow about once a month. i have to replace bulb every time. *tr

I had my first problem when i purchased the car. it would jerk & felt it was moving on it's own. then the lamps would go out and i was replacing the bulbs every month. then my key starter has failed two times after replacing them. the driver seat has calapsed on the left hand side. the rear seat handle to raise the seats up and down has broken on both passenger side. my lights have burned out on the front driver's side you can see the residue on the cover. the chairs was not scotch guard protected as stated they are very stained even when i tried to was them. in ready some of the others it appear as though mu care had all the defects of my counter parts. *tr

Since the new purchase of my 2005 chevrolet malibu, the turn-signal and brake-light bulbs have failed 30+ times. most failures have been at the base of bulb where wires contact bulb socket conductors. when the dealer was asked to repair this problem, they said it was not covered under warranty and had no service bulletin pertaining to this problem! i have been stopped by police multiple times and have had near-miss incidents due to other drivers not seeing my turn signal or brake light. upon approaching my vehicle after using remote unlock, there were flames visible in the headlamp housing at the amber lens area. two years ago i found an obscure gm service notice pertaining to replacing the turn signal bulb socket. i purchaced the specified parts and replaced them as instructed in this bulletin. ( i am a certified master mechanic) i currently carry the necessary tools and bulbs to replace these bulbs as it is a regular occurrence, but my wife is the primary driver of this vehicle.

Brake lights are reversed. they come on and stay on then when you brake the light go out. safety issue for sure. this has happened 4 times about one year apart each time. *tr

Purchased 2005 chevrolet malibu in may, 2009. ongoing problems with brake and turn signal lights not working. attempted replacement and repair by mechanic. lights remained inoperable as did fuel gauge by 80,000 miles. while parked, car ignited from under center console, door locks engaged, and interior burned. total loss of auto and contents. *tr

The turn signal bulb gets too hot and melts the orange plastic covering the turn signal bulb. i replaced the headlamp assemblies because the orange plastic coverings had holes melted into them, and were unrepairable. i also replaced the turn signal bulb with the bulb specified in tsb #06-08-42-004b which specifies use of the osram 3157 lcp bulb, gm part number 13502322. this did not correct the problem, and i am scheduled to have the headlamps replaced again for a second time, because the orange plastic covering the turn signal bulbs have holes in it again. i first had my headlamps replaced on 07/20/2010, and today is 07/18/2011, so it has been less than a year and the problem is reoccurring. *kb

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. while driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became extremely stiff and the power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. the vehicle was pulled over and upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal for approximately one half mile before the failure recurred. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not examined for the cause of failure. the contact also stated that she was experiencing a recurring failure in which her front turn signal would not stop working and she would have to replace the bulbs approximately once a month. the failure and current mileages were 87,000. updated 10/27/10. *lj

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that a round amber-colored globe became hot and melted onto the turn signal bulb. he called the dealer and was told that he would be responsible for the cost of a diagnostic test. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer stated that they were unable to offer him any assistance. the current mileage was approximately 100,125. the failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Front right drl bulb keeps going out.. when replaced i noticed the socket appears to be bad and the amber casing is melted. the light has been replaced 3 times in the last 3 months. *tr

Car blows through fuses every time i turn around. mechanic states he had malibu that did same thing, i have replaced fuses about 4 times a year, that its abnormal. rt. signal then lt,signal, back and forth. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the running lights and blinker lights are blowing out on the vehicle every15 days. the contact is worried about the vehicle catching fire because the bulbs blowing out is starting to burn the cover for the lights. the dealer stated that this is a design flaw on the vehicle. the failure mileage 72500 and current mileage was 75600.

Turn signal housing melted, dripping on turn signals making them less effective and eventually caused them to fail. *tr

Lost power steering while going through round about, was empty at the time thankfully. has happened 3 previous times all at slow speeds. i had to pull over and turn the car off and start it to get power steering back. the signal lights are constantly burning out, have replaced the bulbs 6 times in 3 years. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet malibu maxx. the vehicle was parked in a carport. the contact observed that both head lamps exhibited heat damage with a black discoloration. the exterior head lamp housing completely burned out which resulted in a hole. the cold weather temperatures were not a factor. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the bulbs in the head lamps required replacement at the owners expense. the failure mileage was 93,000. the current mileage was 93,000.

The headlight covers are showing fogging and discoloration due to heat damage as a result of what appears to be the front turn signal covers melting inside the headlight covers. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while applying the emergency brake, the emergency brake cable fractured. the contact also stated that the daytime running lights were becoming extremely hot and melting the headlight lens. the contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection or repairs. the failure mileage was 88,000. updated 03/05/12*lj the consumer stated the day time running lights kept malfunctioning, because they were getting too hot. the consumer noticed it, because the turn signals kept malfunctioning. he thought the bulb burned out, but soon discovered it wasn't burned out. the consumer noticed the plastic clear lens had melted. updated 03/08/12

I have had my car since 2009 and in 2010 i started have to change my turn signals out at least once a month for burning out. there are time that the bulb will get so hot that it blows the inside of the bulb up and around the plug where the bulb goes in has dark marks has to if they are burn marks. i called chevrolet and they said that there was nothing they could do because there was no recall on them. the back turn signals do the same and there have been many times that i would almost get hit due to this problem. i have done research and have found that my car is not the only one having the same problem that alot of 2005 malibus are. i am afraid at this point that it is going to cause an electrical fire in my car. i feel that gm should have a recall on the problem before someone really gets hurt. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu lt contact stated that the headlight socket was burnt. the contact also stated that the turn signal housing was melted. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would contact the dealer. the current mileage was approximately 93,000. the failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the headlight covers became foggy causing visibility at night to become difficult. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and the head light covers were replaced. the replaced headlight covers became foggy after some time. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure mileage was 10,000.