Have a 2003 Malibu. Driver's side rear brake light works the opposite of how it should when lights are on ... i.e., don't step on the brake = light is bright, step on the brake = light is regular (dim).

Is this simply a bulb issue?

sure sounds that wan doesn't it. why not try turning the bulb around in th socket.

I highly suspect a bad ground or a bulb that is reversed- running lights are finding a ground through brake light filament-- is other brake light (passenger side) performing correctly?

They have separate ground locations

The passenger side brake light works correctly. It's just the driver's side that's wacky.

I'll try cleaning the socket adn replacing the bulb tonight.

thx

I replaced the two driver's side tail light bulbs - that fixed the problem. Thanks for your responses!

Doesn't that feel good?