[StephenIVI]

Bought my car the 18th of November.

2008 LTZ w/ 28k miles on it.

As of Saturday, the 27th, my coolant lines for the transmission were spewing contents all over my driveway so now thats getting fixed.

There's also minimal condensation in my head lights on occasion so I asked them to check that out, the lady then proceeded to tell me that this is normal and by the time they received the vehicle the condensation was gone and that is normal for condensation to be on the inside of the head lights, but it is not normal if the condensation sticks around....

My SUV I just got rid of NEVER EVER had condensation in the head lights and it was an 04...

IS THERE ANY VALIDITY TO THIS!?

 

[Pizza Man]

IS THERE ANY VALIDITY TO THIS!?

Nope, my '08 is dry all the time.

 

[chevyguy8893]

Agreed, condensation shouldn't be getting inside the housings. If it was normal then everyone would have dirty chrome reflectors that would inhibit light output over time. Also, bulbs would be more prone to burning out. Generally when I come across this at work, it needs a new housing and that is it. Resealing is possible, but if it is under warranty I would have it replaced.

Take it in when there is condensation so it is a known problem at the dealer.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Agreed. My '09 had condensation within the first year, right side. They replaced it. I kept watching my left one but it never suffered the same fate. Traded it in and now have an '11. I'll be keeping an eye on this one for sure!

And this is the first time in my life I have ever had a running vehicle that I traded in to get another one. I intend to keep this one 'til the wheels fall off.

 

[chevyguy8893]

Agreed. My '09 had condensation within the first year, right side. They replaced it. I kept watching my left one but it never suffered the same fate. Traded it in and now have an '11. I'll be keeping an eye on this one for sure!

And this is the first time in my life I have ever had a running vehicle that I traded in to get another one. I intend to keep this one 'til the wheels fall off.

I sure hope for your sake the wheels don't fall off.

 

[StephenIVI]

Just talked to another GM dealership and I will be taking it in to them and they will replace my head lamps... the service person i talked to at this dealership said NO THERE SHOULDNT BE ANY CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE LAMPS... some people I tell ya!! SHEEEESH

I will be sure to have words with this lady when I give her a call tomorrow.

 

[chevyguy8893]

Just talked to another GM dealership and I will be taking it in to them and they will replace my head lamps... the service person i talked to at this dealership said NO THERE SHOULDNT BE ANY CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE OF THE LAMPS... some people I tell ya!! SHEEEESH

I will be sure to have words with this lady when I give her a call tomorrow.

Good to hear you are getting it taken care of.

 

[08chevymalibultz]

I had my passenger side replace because of this problem. It was so bad that water was collecting on the inside and started to freeze in the winter. MY Driver side does get the condensation. It fogs up mostly with a little water/condesation but not as bad as the passenger side did before replacing. According to the Dealership, they have said GM won’t pay for replacement unless there is water collecting on the bottom of the light. There are vent holes and this is suppose to go away. I think this is a bunch of crap! I am still not done with this issue with my dealer. We had this post before and their was others that had this same problem. I have got many issues resolved but this is one that I need to bring to the Service departments attention again and again until it gets replaced. They should have done both when they took the bumper off to do the other one the first time!

PS. My Passenger side light that was replaced does not fog or get any kind of condensation in it at all. Obviously they have corrected this problem over time with many complaints!

 

[greenman]

I have also noticed headlight & taillight condensation in both my 09 Aura & 10 Malibu. Haven't approached the dealership about it yet. From what I've read, GM won't replace them unless there is water collecting at the bottom.

 

[rencast]

I just bought my 2009 ltz last week, the right side has condensation in it and left one looks like it melted. Called the dealer I bought it from, they are supposed to replace both next week.

 

[elcompaLalo]

If your under warranty there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't replace them. Unless they find out its been in a wreck or a non-OEM light.

 

[greenman]

If your under warranty there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't replace them. Unless they find out its been in a wreck or a non-OEM light.

Here's where I read about GM denying replacement:

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3491&highlight=headlight+condensation

Headlight condensation seems to be a fairly common issue with these cars.

 

[StephenIVI]

After all was said and done (taking my car to another dealer, and them physically seeing condensation in both headlights)

THEY REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHTS WITH NO FUSS OR ANYTHING...(car is still under factor warranty)

 

[greenman]

After all was said and done (taking my car to another dealer, and them physically seeing condensation in both headlights)

THEY REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHTS WITH NO FUSS OR ANYTHING...(car is still under factor warranty)

I'll be interested to find out if the new ones act differently. I have noticed that if I spray mine with a hose from all angles I can induce significant condensation inside. Tail lights also.

 

[Starship]

A lamp housing basically consists of multiple pieces glued together. If water can get in there that easily, there're probably tiny gaps in the sealing surfaces. The condensing moisture will cause corrosion and premature failure of lamp sockets. I suggest taking it in for warranty repair. If you get grief, by all means contact the GM customer service and ask for assistance.

 

[rencast]

Just had both headlights replace on Friday with no questions asked. Ran it through the car wash and so far no condensation.

 

[greenman]

Part of my problem is probably that I live in the humidity capital of America: the Oregon coast within 100 yards of the ocean. My tools rust INSIDE the garage here! That being said, I can't remember ever having this issue before. Seeing the dealer next week.