The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was informed by another motorist that her brake lights were not functioning. The contact replaced the brake lights herself. The failure occurred at least five times a year. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a mechanism within the brake lights needed to be replaced; the vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. Additionally, the contact stated that she experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. When she turned the key in the ignition, it took approximately 15 minutes for the vehicle to start. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired for the problem. The contact also noticed that fuel would spill out of the tank when the vehicle was being fueled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000 and the current mileage was approximately 114,000.

- Pine Bluff, AR, USA

Sometimes the brake and tail lights wont work.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

1999 Malibu ls- (R) brake light keeps going out- have had to replace bulbs every other month for the last 3 years. Have had work done in 2005,2006 replace housing and 2008 replace socket plate.

- Nashville, TN, USA

The headlights get condensation behind them and I have seen several complaints on internet. Also the coolant tank needs to be refilled more than average.

- Statesville, NC, USA

This is the 2nd Chevy that I've owned whose brake lights fail (center brake light continues to work) to illuminate due to a faulty turn signal switch. Although the turn signal, cruise control, wiper control, etc. Work fine, there is something internal to this turn signal/multi-function switch that suddenly causes the left and right brake lights to not illuminate. The driver is unaware of the problem until another driver on the road brings it to their attention. There are numerous GM car owners who complain of the same problem on the internet, yet GM has not offered to replace this switch for the owner. The dealer wants $170 for the part and charge 2 hours labor at $90/hour for a whopping cost of $350 + tax and only offer a 12-month warranty for their parts/labor. To me, this is a very unsafe condition that GM fails to recognize by recalling or simply repairing free of charge. Apparently, GM says the left/right brake light switch is wired through the multi-function/turn signal switch so the cruise control will cancel once the brake pedal is pressed, but that feature still works even though the brake lights don't illuminate! other car manufacturers' cruise control switches off when the brake is pressed, yet they don't have the issue of the multi-function/turn signal switch failing internally causing the left/right brake light to not illuminate. Please do whatever you can to get GM to replace this poorly designed switch, free of charge to the customer. It should be noted that both this 99 Malibu and 96 Monte Carlo were both very well cared for by us and still, these brake lights failed with less than 100K miles. Thank you. Respectfully, scott steffes

- Centerville, OH, USA

Rotor replacement X 3. suspension - front replaced. Calipers X3. Tire wear and leaks - replaced annually. Radio - bad wiring. A/C in dash wiring replaced twice. Rear light assembly replaced twice. Leaking in rear light assembly and trunk. Coolant leak - 8/06 at 74000 miles. Mechanic believes it is the water pump. A/C sensor replaced.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

Chevrolet Malibu 1999. 84000 miles. In the last four years I had to replace the tail lights twice this is the entire unit which cost over $250 each I also had to replace the stop/brake light bulbs at least six times on each side. The socket that holds the bulbs keep melting and last December it melted to the point that I saw smoke coming out and when I opened the plastic socket was completely melted. As of now neither light is working. I checked in this site and NHTSA action number RQ04005 indicates the following: GM in December 2004, GM will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 Alero, Grand Am and Malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03V327. The policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. GM will send letters to owners starting December 30, 2004. The actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The Agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. I called GM as well as the local Chevy dealer and they would not replace the light they claim the agreement was only for some of the 1999 Chevy Malibu and my vehicle [xxx] is outside the range they are covering. I was told by a GM customer service to wait and see if they recall other cars. I am very disappointed of the advice as this is a safety issue. Also, the information and agreement posted on NHTSA (see above) does not indicate any exceptions. Can someone investigate this please? in addition to this problem, the coolant was leaking and I had to have the manifold removed and a new gasket put in twice. Replaced brake pads 5/6 times and rotors once. Updated 07/16/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Everett, MA, USA

The rubber molding around the back light encasing is loose, so water is constantly seeping in causing the back lights to stop working. This is an ongoing problem. I have to constantly change out the bulbs. My brake light in my window is the only one working at this time.

- Columubs, OH, USA

When pressing the button to turn on air conditioner there's a light that comes on at the same time. Light has started to go out on its own. When it does, air conditioner goes off. Consumer has contacted dealer. The manufacturer was unwilling to fix the defective A/C. the four Firestone tires had to be replaced because they were all dry rotting. (P215/6-R15)

- Medway, MA, USA