2011 Chevrolet Malibu Lighting Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are lighting problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?
130 owners have reported lighting problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 13% of all complaints for this year and the 5th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 80,000–129,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.
130 complaints 13% of all 2011 complaints 105,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (75 of 130). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Lights complaints by the year the problem happened.
Lights complaints by Malibu year
Related recalls
Wiring, Brake lights
In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014.
Recall 14V252000 · May 2014Get an email when your 2011 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
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Other 2011 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Common questions
What are common 2011 Chevrolet Malibu lighting problems?
Complaints most often name the headlights, brake lights and bulbs.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Malibu lighting problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 80,000–129,000 miles. The middle value is about 105,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Malibu lighting problems?
Yes: 14V252000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Malibu year has the most lighting complaints?
The 2012 Malibu, with 202 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.