• 2004 Chevy Malibu

 Back in 2009, General Motors recalled approximately 8,012 2005 and 2006 Pontiac G6 vehicles because of a manufacturing defect with the brake lights. Specifically, the automobiles may have had corroded wiring connectors that led to the G6 brake lights illuminating when the brake pedal was not being depressed, or even worse they could have not illuminated when the pedal was depressed. Additionally, there were also reports of defective cruise control devices and concerns over brake pedal use in shifting. GM responded to the recall by treating the affected vehicles with a dielectric lubricant, and it appeared that the problem was handled.

This week, though, it seems that recall may be returning to haunt GM, as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating a much more widespread issue involving brake lights that could affect as many as 1.5 million vehicles. According to Fox News, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with model years between 2004 and 2011, as well as Saturn Auras with model years between 2007 and 2009, were built with similar parts to the Pontiac G6 and that includes the aforementioned wiring connectors.

The NHTSA has not yet determined if that previous recall should be expanded, but administration officials will soon determine if additional vehicles could be added. As far as the scope of a potential expansion, 1.5 million Malibus and Auras were sold between 2004 and 2011; however, only 8,012 G6 vehicles were recalled out of 550,000 sold between 2005 and 2009.

Regardless, drivers who own a potentially affected Malibu or Aura should check to see that their brake lights are working properly. Malfunctioning brake lights could make it difficult for other drivers to determine if a car is slowing or stopping, and that could in turn lead to serious accidents and injuries. If drivers believe that their vehicles are experiencing brake light issues, they should contact GM at (800) 620-7668.