Malibu leaking from third brake light. Only 16500 miles ODO.

[wemay]

The dreaded third brake light leak has struck. Two dealerships wanted to charge me even though I still have warranty. I decided to bypass the GM replacement fix and researched a replacement part on AMAZON. I got the replacement part, added a bead of silicon around every access hole and did the work. It took 20 min. After 24 hours, I took it to a car wash and there was no more leak. Yesterday we had a huge thunderstorm and I checked again, with trepidation. Thankfully, no leak.

From my research, this has been going on since 2016. Why hasn't GM fixed this issue? Additionally, their replacement part is the same part that leaks. Glad I did this on my own for $50.

 

[KrisZ]

Nice!
What was the replacement part by the way?

I’ve learned a long time ago that some fixes, even if covered by the warranty, are better done by yourself. Even if they manage to fix the issue, there is a great chance of collateral damage. It’s not worth the risk in many cases.

 

[JTK]

Ugh.. I didn't know this was a thing with this generation Malibu!

I know I battled it with my 2017 and 2019 Ram 1500 classics and it was a thing for this body style Ram from 2009 to present.

 

[wemay]

Nice!
What was the replacement part by the way?

I’ve learned a long time ago that some fixes, even if covered by the warranty, are better done by yourself. Even if they manage to fix the issue, there is a great chance of collateral damage. It’s not worth the risk in many cases.

 

[Elkins45]

Dealerships wanting to charge you even though it's still under warranty is infuriating. I wish there were civil penalties for shady stuff like this.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Dealerships wanting to charge you even though it's still under warranty is infuriating. I wish there were civil penalties for shady stuff like this.

There are but a Lawyer will cost you way more than the fix!

 

[KGMtech]

Now the headliner needs the TLC. YT is your new buddy.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

This is pretty much the standard Stealership response. I'm shocked they didn;t tell you it was Blinker Fluid a costly hazmat change!

 

[FordP3]

Now the headliner needs the TLC. YT is your new buddy.

I see the stain as well, but I have a little advice....do NOT try and remove the staining, anything you do will weaken the glue and foam bond and make it fail sooner than it otherwise would. I'd live with that no problem because you don't want the headliner cloth falling down in a year or two because you tried to clean it. These were NEVER designed to be cleaned.

 

[wemay]

Now the headliner needs the TLC. YT is your new buddy.

100%. Lot's of very helpful videos

 

[wemay]

I see the stain as well, but I have a little advice....do NOT try and remove the staining, anything you do will weaken the glue and foam bond and make it fail sooner than it otherwise would. I'd live with that no problem because you don't want the headliner cloth falling down in a year or two because you tried to clean it. These were NEVER designed to be cleaned.

Read this kinda late. I cleaned it with some Tuff Stuff spray cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

 

[Mazomopar]

I thought this was going to be something humorous about brake fluid or blinker fluid leaking. Didn't know it was an issue either.

 

[Drifter]

2007 Ford 150 had an issue with the light leaking as well. The Malibu light has a much larger area for potential leak points. Glad you got yours sealed up.

 

[wemay]

Ugh.. I didn't know this was a thing with this generation Malibu!

I know I battled it with my 2017 and 2019 Ram 1500 classics and it was a thing for this body style Ram from 2009 to present.

 

[Nick1994]

Didn’t you get rid of your Sonata for a poor dealer experience?

Will we see a new car here in the future?

 

[wemay]

Didn’t you get rid of your Sonata for a poor dealer experience?

Will we see a new car here in the future?

I did but there's a big difference in someone damaging your car and denying it before you even leave their establishment, to this. Besides, there aren't any deals out there like the one I got for the Malibu.

 

[zzyzzx]

Two dealerships wanted to charge me even though I still have warranty.

I hope you left reviews for both of those dealerships.

 

[wemay]

I hope you left reviews for both of those dealerships.

I have not. Good suggestion

 

[gasman556]

That sucks man. I'm sorry. I'd definitely air them out in public for their bad business practice via social media, online reviews, etc. That SHOULD be covered via the "bumper to bumper" coverage you're still under.