Chevrolet Malibu Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 262 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Malibu across 22 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (63). The words owners use most often: “windshield wiper” (14% of reports).
- 262visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield wiper: mentioned in 36 of 262 complaints (14%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 125 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 262 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
Chevrolet Malibu visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Malibu | 1 | 1% | 21,000 |
| 2018 Malibu | 2 | 0% | 87,000 |
| 2016 Malibu | 5 | 1% | 40,000 |
| 2015 Malibu | 5 | 2% | 23,000 |
| 2014 Malibu | 11 | 3% | 70,500 |
| 2013 Malibu | 15 | 2% | 76,967 |
| 2012 Malibu | 4 | 0% | 33,500 |
| 2011 Malibu | 6 | 1% | 36,000 |
| 2010 Malibu | 5 | 0% | 58,000 |
| 2009 Malibu | 11 | 1% | 8,405 |
| 2008 Malibu | 7 | 1% | 30,000 |
| 2007 Malibu | 2 | 0% | 50 |
| 2006 Malibu | 4 | 0% | 65,250 |
| 2005 Malibu | 6 | 1% | 45,000 |
| 2004 Malibu | 8 | 1% | 5,750 |
| 2003 Malibu | 3 | 1% | 51,645 |
| 2002 Malibu | 12 | 2% | 52,290 |
| 2001 Malibu | 12 | 2% | 59,148 |
| 2000 Malibu | 10 | 1% | 51,000 |
| 1999 Malibu | 29 | 4% | 41,695 |
| 1998 Malibu | 63 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 1997 Malibu | 41 | 9% | 96,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element
Model years: 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk: The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system
Model years: 2009
Problem: Gm is recalling 77 my 2009 chevrolet malibu hybrid vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging system." the heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (hvac) system may become inoperative. If this were to occur, the blower would not function properly and the mode selector would remain in the last known setting.
Risk: If the windshield began to fog or frost, there may not be enough airflow to clear the windshield, resulting in reduced driver visibility and a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the hvac control head module. The recall is expected to begin on december 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
Model years: 1997, 1998
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and wyoming. If a buildup of snow or ice restricts the movement of the passenger side windshield wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipers will not operate.
Risk: Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Sunroof glass seperated from frame And broke
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he noticed that there were shattered pieces of glass in the rear seats. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended in the rain, the rear windshield had exploded. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass repair…
The contactâs daughter owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front driverâs side window intermittently failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the front driver's side window became stuck while attempting to roll up or down. No warning lights were illuminated…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that she noticed water markings located on the inner hood lining of the vehicle and water had saturated the trunk of the vehicle. As a result, the alarm started to malfunction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle a broken white plastic gear part was found on the front driverâs side floorboard. The contact later discovered the air condition selector switch was inoperable and the defroster could not be used to…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Malibus have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 262 owner complaints about visibility for the Chevrolet Malibu. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Malibu visibility?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Malibu?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield wiper”, in 36 of 262 complaints.
Other Chevrolet Malibu problems
- Steering problems (5,556)
- Electrical System problems (4,721)
- Engine problems (2,167)
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,924)
- Power Train problems (1,666)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (1,315)
- Electronic Stability Control (esc) problems (1,236)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,181)
See all Chevrolet Malibu problems.